Cabanas: Small Structures, Large Influence
The need for places to change ones clothes by water is as old as Ancient Rome with its public bathhouses
. But outdoor shade structures evolved as the resort culture and beachside retreats became popular in the 19th century. In the approximately 177 years since the Spanish word for cabin, cabaa, entered the English language, these small buildings have evolved from purely functional to stylish form.
When it comes to the history of cabanas, the expression necessity is the mother of invention was never more accurate. But the structures evolution to functional status symbol is equally noteworthy and serves a necessity all its own.
Mention the word cabana and what comes to mind? Often
cabana evokes mental images of relaxation a day on a Mediterranean beach, an afternoon lounging poolside at a 5-star resort, time spent in tropical waters, or just enjoying your own backyard patio, catching some sun. Cabana derives from the Spanish cabaa and originally meant cabin, or a small structure. But since its origin in approximately 1835, the word, like the structure itself, has continued to evolve.
The need for temporary and even permanent small structures by water grew out of ancient Rome, where public bathing was central to the culture of both the privileged class and commoners alike. Over time, however, the health benefits of bathing combined with recreational potential. What were once the elaborate in-door bathing and cleansing facilities of ancient Rome grew into outdoor pools and patios. By the 19th century the industrial revolution was raising wages and beach resorts catering to the middle class developed throughout the United States and Europe. But through all those changes, the need for a place of waterside retreat, of the ability to seek shade on a hot day remained.
Beach and
resort cabanas today continue to provide shade, protection from wind and rain, as well as offering a convenient location to change into beach attire or dry off from swimming. Made out of combinations of aluminum, steel, fabric, or wood, cabanas can feature outdoor furniture like loungers, tables for dinner or drinks, and can even be electrified complete with television, plumbing, ceiling fans and lighting. At its most opulent, cabanas can take on the look of small cottage, capable of year-round use, especially in warmer climates and can be as large as 40ft by 80ft. Smaller cabanas, however, can still be rather compact and portable, coming in around 4ft by 4ft and are similar in size to an outdoor bathroom or pool shed.
And with interior upgrades, cabana exteriors have followed suit. Sometimes styled to evoke a tropical, Mediterranean or Middle Eastern feel, these cabana designs owe their existence to the first shade structures, tent bazaars and thatched huts originating from those regions. Ancient Rome may have been the center of culture, design and engineering, helping inaugurate the cabana craze with the need for buildings that permitted the changing of clothes in a culture focused on bathing and cleanliness. But when it comes to stylish outdoor cabanas, modern designers have delivered 21st century form to function.
Whether theyre called huts, cabanas, shade structures, or anything else, you can be sure that hoteliers, resorts owners and everyday homeowners will continue relying on similar outdoor buildings now and in the years to come.
by: Michael Richman
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