Regardless of whether you platform is made of wood, cement or hay, we recommend a circular 15-30 cm (6-12 inch) rim be build around the circumference of the yurt. This will allow for optimal water drainage and help to keep mice or other small animals from getting inside your yurt. Several of our customers have installed their platforms on straw bales with a simple plywood cover. It's easy, cheap, insulated and ecologic! At Groovy Yurts we produce and sell excellent ready made platforms (made here in Canada). These platforms are insulated, easy to assemble and transportable. Yes, you can install your yurt directly on the ground, as there is no anchorage required. You will however have to pay close attention and take care of water drainage underneath the yurt. If for example you install your yurt on a big tarp, then you must fold the extra part of the tarp outside the yurt underneath the outside cover. It is okay to install a yurt on the ground for a limited period, but we truly do not recommend doing so in humid areas or over longer periods of time. You can certainly install your yurt virtually anywhere. However, we generally recommend areas that are somewhat open and encourage good air flow, allowing your yurt to breathe. Less ideal locations would include humid/damp areas, under a tree or in dense forests, or even up against other type bushes or structures that would disable healthy air circulation.