The construction landscape in Cuba is heavily influenced by its tropical maritime climate, where high humidity and saline air accelerate the degradation of traditional ceiling materials. Historically, there has been a reliance on basic concrete or timber, but these often fail to provide the necessary thermal regulation required to reduce energy consumption from air conditioning.
Currently, the market is shifting toward specialized materials like mineral fiber board due to its superior fire resistance and moisture stability. In urban centers like Havana, the demand for lightweight, easy-to-install systems is growing as the government and private sectors seek to modernize aging office buildings and hospitality venues.
However, the penetration of high-performance materials such as pvc gypsum board has been gradual. The primary survival strategy for materials in this region is the integration of anti-fungal coatings and high-density cores to prevent sagging and mold growth caused by the pervasive Caribbean humidity.