![El Palmar by David Cervera](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/el-palmar-david-cervera_dezeen_2364_hero-852x479.jpg)
Modest holiday retreat by David Cervera nestles among the palms in Mexico
A natural finish made from tree sap covers this compact summer house on Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, which has plenty of hammocks for relaxing in the shade.
![El Palmar by David Cervera](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/el-palmar-david-cervera_dezeen_2364_col_48-852x510.jpg)
Designed by local architect David Cervera, El Palmar is sits within a grove of palms in Chuburná – a narrow barrier island north of Mérida.
The home measures just 90 square metres, with enough space for a bedroom, bathroom, living and kitchen area. "It is a simple scheme of three spaces looking to a semi-open terrace to the north," said the architect.
![El Palmar by David Cervera](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/el-palmar-david-cervera_dezeen_2364_col_12-852x545.jpg)
The home measures just 90 square metres, with enough space for a bedroom, bathroom, living and kitchen area. "It is a simple scheme of three spaces looking to a semi-open terrace to the north," said the architect.
![El Palmar by David Cervera](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/el-palmar-david-cervera_dezeen_2364_col_16-852x1287.jpg)
Its plan is divided into almost equal sections, which each face the back yard. The first has no end walls so is exposed to the outside, with a hammock strung across the gap overlooking the garden.
![El Palmar by David Cervera](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/el-palmar-david-cervera_dezeen_2364_col_44-852x568.jpg)
The second, containing the living areas, has full-height glass doors that fold open for access to a terrace that extends from inside. Another hammock stretches in front of the opening.
![El Palmar by David Cervera](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/el-palmar-david-cervera_dezeen_2364_col_18-852x568.jpg)
Finally, the bedroom has tall windows that provide views of a long swimming pool, which runs parallel to the terrace but reaches much further into the palm landscape.
![El Palmar by David Cervera](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/el-palmar-david-cervera_dezeen_2364_col_0-852x1277.jpg)
The building is clad and lined in a local material called chukum, a waterproof coating made from tree sap. This complements polished concrete floors, which are inlaid with mosaics.
![El Palmar by David Cervera](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/el-palmar-david-cervera_dezeen_2364_col_28-852x565.jpg)
Selected surfaces both inside and out are tinted a dusty pink, while others are covered with contrasting turquoise tiles.
The Yucatan peninsula is a popular vacation spot for both Mexicans and tourists. Resorts like Cancun and Tulum have an abundance of accommodation, including a boutique hotel in Pablo Escobar's former mansion and an eco-hotel that offers a treehouse suite.
Photography is by David Cervera.