Cabanas – Minimalist poolside bungalows
A cabana is a type of outdoor shading structure that looks very similar to a gazebo.
But while they bear a significantly similar resemblance to gazebos, one of the key differences is that traditionally there are three walls and only one open side (though this is not a hard and fast rule). This open side faces the water, so people have easy access to the inside. This means you’ll usually find cabanas at the beach or by a pool.
On the bottom, you’ll find either a wooden or concrete base, unless it’s on the beach.
Materials
Initially, people made early cabanas out of natural materials. That’s why they have such a tropical feel; it wasn’t uncommon to see palm fronds.
But today, cabana frames are typically made of metal, such as steel or aluminum. However, they can also be made of composite plastics and wood.
Roofs were usually thatched, but materials like fabric, plastic and wood are all used today.
Purpose/Use
In addition to providing outdoor shade, pool cabanas are a place where you can change into your bathing suit with some privacy away from other people.
Otherwise, you can use them as a place to relax and entertain guests.
History
It’s not known exactly when these sunshade structures were invented but man-made swimming pools first appeared around 2,600 BCE. The Romans also had them in the first century BC.
Previously, people would use communal bathhouses and they’d have private dressing rooms. Once outdoor pools became popular, the one thing that was missing was the dressing rooms, so the cabana was created to provide the same privacy for changing.
Placement
The above doesn’t necessarily mean you need the beach at your doorstep or a pool to have a cabana like structure. If you like how they look, you can place one anywhere you’d like in your backyard! You can even have one on the lawn for a stately piece.
Designs & Styles
Traditional cabanas have a more tropical aesthetic, especially since they usually have roofs and frames made of natural organic materials.
If you’d like something similar, but with more stone elements, then a rustic style is right for you. It still uses natural materials, mainly wood and stone. So as you’d expect, this style is more popular in mountain residences.
Otherwise, to be transported across the world, get a Mediterranean cabana pool house. Think Greek architecture with terracotta and stucco. The design is quite colorful and ornate, so it’s perfect for creative homeowners.
Other styles include Bohemian and Asian-inspired, as well as modern. The last choice might be boring for some people, as it entails clean lines and large glass walls.
Modern Customizations
No modern outdoor cabana is complete without some comfy outdoor sun loungers. And like with a few other structures in this article, you can add screens for not only privacy but also cover from bugs. As with other contemporary outdoor sunshade structures, accessories like LED lighting, heaters and Bluetooth speakers can always be added.
To make things easier after taking a dip, you can install an shower inside. That way, you won’t have to leave it to shower and change.
Depending on the size, you can put a grill or a small outdoor kitchen in it. Or go for a wet bar instead!
Cabanas – Pros & Cons
PROS
- Protection from sun & rain
- Open wall minimizes claustrophobia
- Provides privacy
- Customizable
CONS
- High installation & upkeep costs
- Extensive maintenance
- Can be stuffy if poorly ventilated
- Too big for small outdoor living spaces
Other multi-functional sunshade structures
Cabanas create a relaxed getaway when you’re hanging at the pool or oceanside. However, they’re not very useful for other purposes. In the next section of our guide, we’ll investigate pavilions, which can be used to do many things.
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