The Cabana

By: Cole Hartke       

For my next part of my class Arc 502 Furniture design, I am planning to construct a cabana for my project. This cabana will be related to my thesis, (self-sustainable island resort). This cabana will use an interesting part of architecture for its construction, the Japanese style of joinery will hold all of the beams together.

            The meaning of the word 'cabana' comes from the Spanish 'cabaña,' which literally means 'cabin.' A cabana is typically A small hut built with a thatched roof, commonly built in tropical climates near natural bodies of water. A temporary, seasonal, or permanent free standing shade structure with adjustable curtains or shades or decorative drapes or solid walls. These are often at beach clubs, or adjacent to swimming pools at resorts and hotels, and in private gardens. These are often small rooms with ground-level porches that have chairs and tables for relaxation and dining as well as storage for chairs, umbrellas and surfboards.

A cabana can be fabricated from a variety of materials and in sizes. Cabana frames can be made of aluminum or steel that is painted or other durable finish such as treated wood or plastics. Roofs or top covers, side walls, and curtains can be made of exterior grade fabrics, thatched materials, prefabricated panels of lumber, or translucent glass type plastic.

More elaborate cabanas can include utilities such as power, communications and entertainment connections, potable water, and natural gas. Accessories can include lighting, ceiling fans, outdoor space heaters, entertainment equipment, cold-hot food appliances, and partitions for dressing rooms and minor storage. Furnishings can range from simple patio furniture to more designed outdoor furnishings.

The materials and construction of my cabana will be made out of treated wood and use the Japanese style of joinery. The two cross boards have slots cut in them to join them together.

After they are pieced together the main sutural column is cut to house the two pieces. With this system in place the boards cannot go left and right they can only go up to be assembled. This use of the gravity keeps the board in place for as long as need be.