The fine design of the palapa

Steve Kawaratani

“The Sun, the hearth of affection and life, pours burning love on the

delighted earth.”

-- Arthur Rimbaud

“Gimme, gimme shelter

Or I’m gonna fade away.”

-- M. Jagger/K. Richards

The soaring flight of the magnificent frigate bird was the only

perceptible movement, other than the gentle lapping of the sea. I

could only sense the sun’s burning love; my skin and musings

sheltered by a canopy of dried palm fronds. Open to the view and

breezes off the water, the palapa is arguably the most recognizable

and treasured element of the Mexican beach experience with apologies,

of course, to Bo Derek.

Unchanged for more than 2,000 years, the palapa is a thatched roof

structure made of palm fronds. The wooden frame of these structures

is the prototype of Mayan edifices, however, not a Mayan invention,

as they originated in Africa. Palm fronds are intricately woven and

used as covers for homes and restaurants. Smaller ones grace beaches

worldwide.

Construction of a palapa is an art, the builder a creative master.

Personal observation has shown that crude tools and a great deal of

patience are a part of the building process. The cutting of wood

marks the beginning and is limited by the lunar phases. Trees should

only be cut on nine of every 28 days -- seven days of the full moon

and two additional. Builders believe that the sap of trees flows

during the full moon, like ocean tides, and trunks will reach

saturation when the moon is at its fullest. The dried wood, when the

sap dries, will contain a natural insect repellent.

The height and width of the palapa determines the initial size of

the support beams. The builder must also anticipate the site’s sun,

wind, and rain during the early planning. Intensity and duration of

the prevailing winds will also influence the size and quality of

materials. Although somewhat fragile in appearance, a well-designed

palapa can survive a hurricane.

Before final assembly, the builder must calculate a sloping angle

for the roof (generally 45 degrees). The angle is crucial, as

rainwater must be allowed to quickly drain before it can penetrate

the roofing material. A leaky and rotting roof is not a good thing

anywhere. However, the steeper roof angles translate to higher costs,

and as a result there is a compromise on the 45 degrees.

The type of palm fronds is limited to what is growing locally. In

La Paz, Mexico, the Washingtonia palms are abundant, and are the

primary choice. In the Yucatan, Xit palms are the popular, local

choice. Palm fronds are cut and then broken where the main stem and

leaf meet. The remaining fronds are separated into three sections and

inserted in a horizontal pole that keeps them together. The bundles

are then lashed onto the palapa’s wooden framing.

A beach vendor interrupted my thoughts; but I didn’t mind.

Sheltered by my palapa, the sun’s rays were benevolent, the sea

somehow bluer, and the horizon and the future, unlimited. The orioles

calling from the coconut palms reminded me that it was time again for

lunch with Catharine, Lynn and James. See you next time.

* STEVE KAWARATANI is the owner of Landscapes by Laguna Nursery,

1278 Glenneyre in Laguna Beach. He is married to local artist,

Catharine Cooper, and has two cats. He can be reached at (949)

497-2438, or e-mail to [email protected].