Anonymous

As prefabricated materials became more accessible at the turn of the 20th century, Caymanians began to embellish their timber homes with decorative fretwork intricate wooden patterns often seen in porch valances, eaves, and gable ends. These elements, sometimes referred to as "gingerbread," were both aesthetic and practical: allowing for ventilation, diffusing heat, and helping mitigate wind damage in a storm-prone region.

These decorative fretworks were sometimes a common feature of timber homes across the Caribbean, including the Cayman Islands. While similar patterns appeared throughout the region, as prefabricated materials became more accessible in the early 20th century, Caymanian builders developed their own interpretations.

Adapted from: National Trust for the Cayman Islands – Caymanian Homes Toolkit