01 · Commercial
Resorts and beach clubs
Hotels, restaurants and theme parks that demand flawless aesthetics and no maintenance shutdowns.
Learn moreNIPA® synthetic thatch · Costa Rica
Tropical architecture that never ages.
Architectural-grade synthetic palm thatch for resorts, developments and signature residences. Class A fire rating, 20-year warranty and zero maintenance — with the soul of a real palapa.
- Fire · ASTM E108
- Certified wind
- UV testing G155
The last time you ever re-thatch
Tropical luxury, without the maintenance cycle.
Picture a sanctuary that stays flawless season after season: no fumigation, no organic debris in the pool, no anxiety after every storm.
NIPA synthetic thatch delivers the texture, color and movement of natural leaf with 100% waterproof polymer engineering. It is an architectural decision, not a recurring expense.
- 100% waterproof
- No insects or mold
- Color stable
- Installs over battens
Tech sheets, installation details and physical samples available for your project file.
Why synthetic
Six reasons architecture studios specify it.
Third-party verified performance, controlled aesthetics and predictable operation for two decades.
Learn more01
Class A certification
Tested to ASTM E108 Class A, the highest fire-resistance rating worldwide — enabling palapa roofs on code-restricted projects.
02
Two-mold realism
Manufactured with two different molds and a blend of natural tones to remove visible pattern repetition, especially seen from below.
03
Zero maintenance
No fumigation, no partial replacement, no sweeping fallen fiber. Operating cost disappears from day one.
04
Large-format panels
Among the largest panels on the market: fewer pieces, fewer fasteners and faster installation, lowering total installed cost.
05
Wind and humidity
Certified to 160 mph and immune to mold and rot: engineered for hurricane season and the Costa Rican coastline.
06
Straight from the maker
NIPA manufactures; palm.cr installs and supports in Costa Rica. Custom color matching, regional stock and on-site technical support.
Comparison
NIPA synthetic thatch vs. natural palm.
Third-party test data and field experience from projects in Guanacaste, Puntarenas and the Central Valley.
| Criteria | NIPA synthetic | Natural palm |
|---|---|---|
| Service life | 20+ years, warrantied | 3 to 5 years |
| Maintenance | None | Periodic fumigation and re-thatching |
| Fire | Class A (ASTM E108) | Highly combustible |
| Pests and mold | Immune | Insects, rodents, fungus |
| Wind | Certified 160 mph | Frequent partial loss |
| Look at 10 years | Color stable | Gray, uneven, with gaps |
| Pool cleanliness | No loose fiber | Constant organic debris |
Applications
From a 20,000 sq ft beach club to a backyard palapa.
The same panel, three project scales. Easy to install over existing structure or new construction.
02 · Residential
Signature residences
Beach and mountain homes where organic design meets longevity and zero pests.
Learn more
03 · DIY
Ranchos and social areas
Gazebos, bars and walkways: lightweight panels any crew can install to a professional finish.
Learn moreReal projects across Costa Rica.
View full gallerySocial-area palapa beside a lagoon, Guanacaste
Crystal lagoon and beach club seen from above, Guanacaste
Two amenity palapas seen from above
Poolside rancho, Central Valley
Exposed timber structure
Residential tower amenity
Process
From specification to handover in three steps.
Spec and sample
We send the tech sheet, CAD details and a physical sample. We calculate area and boxes from your roof plan.
Regional supply
Regional stock and logistics coordinated to the jobsite. No waiting on container imports.
Install and training
On-site training for your crew or full installation by a certified team, with finish supervision.
Video library
Testing, installation and projects in motion.
Material ready to present to clients, design review boards and insurers.
FAQ
What architects ask us.
Need a specific technical figure for your file? Message us and we send it the same day.
Talk to a specialistYes. Panels are made with two different molds and a blend of natural tones to avoid repeated pattern; from a meter away, viewed from below, it reads organic.
Installed at 22 cm exposure, each panel covers 0.186 m². Figure 11 m² per box and 10% waste. Send your roof plan and we calculate boxes and pallets.
Not necessarily. It installs directly over beams or battens; the system is 100% waterproof with an 18° minimum slope.
Rot, structural panel decay and sudden color loss. It is issued in writing at project handover.
Yes. A Class A version under ASTM E108 is available, the highest rating worldwide, with test documentation on request.
Both. We supply builders with on-site training, or we execute the full installation with a certified crew.
Resources
Technical guides for specifying synthetic thatch.
Specification6 min
How to calculate synthetic thatch area from your roof plan
Exposure, overlap, minimum slope and waste: the formula that avoids over-ordering.
Codes5 min
ASTM E108 Class A: what it means for your Costa Rica project
How to present fire testing to the client, the municipality and the insurer.
Cost7 min
Total installed cost: synthetic vs. natural palm over 10 years
Re-thatching, fumigation and operational closures that never make the first budget.
