Modern Tipi Living in Maine

Basic Structure

• Wooden poles form the structure of a tipi. For a couple or small family, a tipi 15-by-30-foot that uses at least 12 poles would be sufficient. Shea Gunther, of Mother Nature Network, lived in a modern 24-foot tipi in Maine for three months during winter. He installed a tipi liner and cover to insulate the tipi from the cold weather, and he placed an ozan, which is tipi rainproofing, inside the tipi. The tipi is also slightly tilted to increase the living space and withstand high winds.

Heating

• A wood stove can be placed inside the tipi with a pipe exiting from the top front entrance. This would provide sufficient heat through a Maine winter, where it is not uncommon for temperatures to drop below zero. However, just a small fireplace in the back center of the lodge would warm up the interior. The smoke would keep mosquitoes and other bugs away. Stones should be utilized as the fireplace liner. The tipi liner also acts like a double wall, channeling cold air up between the liner and the cover and out the smoke flap.

Interiors

• A modern Maine tipi can have flooring and carpeting. Regular furniture, such as a bed and sofa, can decorate the interior. Unlike a camping tent, a tipi has plenty of head room and overall space. It can be decorated like a studio apartment. Lighting is provided by the glow of the fire or the sun, but some tipis can even have electricity.

Modern Conveniences

• A composting toilet can be placed inside the tipi so the inhabitants can easily use it, especially if it is cold outside. Internet can be set up via satellite as long as there is electricity. The electricity can be created from a generator if a city hookup is not available. A small refrigerator could also be used, but during the Maine winter months, refrigeration is not necessary. Air conditioning is not necessary during the Maine summer because the smoke flap or bottom of the tipi can be opened, allowing a cooling breeze to enter.