Cantera’s ability to be hand-carved allows for custom detailing. This Paradise Valley home features an entry surround of heavily textured cantera with carvings inspired by designs seen in Tuscany.

Cantera continues to offer a plethora of design options for Southwest residences

Cantera is a Spanish word meaning “quarry.” In interior and architectural design terms, cantera is a volcanic stone that is particularly well-liked among Southwest homeowners. On the pages that follow, we take a look at the material’s popularity and how it is being incorporated in new and unique ways. Offering insight are Mark Candelaria, AIA, of Candelaria Design Associates, LLC; Lolita Knox of De Santana Stone Co.; and Gregory Mortimer of The Cantera Stone Source, LLC.

Design diversity
While cantera has long been considered a hallmark of Mexican and Spanish Colonial design, its scope is broadening, relates Knox. She explains its origins and how its uses are changing.
 
History
• Location: Cantera is mined in many regions of Mexico, with one of the largest quarries located in Guadalajara—Knox’s hometown. The stone can be found on buildings throughout the country; during her childhood in Guadalajara, Knox recalls seeing many buildings embellished with cantera facades, including schools.

• Time-honored techniques: Modern-day artisans in Mexico often use carving techniques passed down through generations to create custom designs.

The flooring of this courtyard incorporates two tones of cantera, piñon and black.

New Approaches
• Styles: “Cantera stone has traditionally been associated with Old World architect-ural styles. Today, however, cantera is used in many Contemporary applications, such as Modern fountains and fireplaces, and unique floor designs utilizing geometric shapes,” notes the expert. “Cantera can be shaped and carved to fit any architectural approach.” She describes one project in which a fireplace blended three styles, including the look of an altar from an old church in Spain, and Moroccan and Rococo influences.

• Finishes: An array of textural treatments contributes to the visual appeal of cantera. These include chiseled, raked, split-faced and the traditional smooth finish.

Architectural Uses
Candelaria appreciates cantera for a number of reasons, including its versatility, affordability in relation to other imported stones, and its compatibility with different materials. Following are the architect’s observations:

Best Qualities
• Versatility: Cantera is available in a range of colors, which broadens the design possibilities. In addition to the traditional cream and tan tones, look for terra cotta, browns, grays and black. Other popular options have a marbled appearance incorporating a number of hues.

• Mix and match: Recently, homeowners have enjoyed pairing the stone with other natural materials, such as wood, Saltillo and terra cotta. “It works great with anything Southwest,” notes the architect.

Cantera is suitable for a range of styles, with Contemporary motifs being a recent trend. For example, these columns were designed with a Modern twist.

Range of Uses
• Indoors: In most situations, the material is best used as a finishing touch to highlight the design of a room. For example, it often is utilized as countertop edging in kitchens, decorative molding, and facings for stair risers. Carved cantera sconces are another trend.

• In the garden: Consider using cantera when creating focal points in the landscape, including fountains, decorative finials and planters. Other exterior applications range from pavers for walkways, to facades for entry and courtyard gates.

• Exterior elements: Cantera also works well for exterior accents. Cornices, chimney caps, coping around parapets, and door surrounds are all suitable options.

CUSTOM DESIGNS
According to Mortimer, many homeowners are turning to cantera as a way to revamp the look of a residence both inside and out. He says the options are “only limited by our imagination for design.” Following are some of the most popular ways to achieve a one-of-a-kind look.

Locations
• Decorative details: Indoor as well as outdoor spaces can be upgraded by incorporating custom fireplace surrounds, range hoods, decorative columns, balcony balustrades and niches.

• Accent pieces: Rooms also can benefit from the addition of cantera accents. An arched mirror surround featuring a carved diamond pattern placed in a bathroom, and a series of corbels with acanthus leaf detailing in a hallway are two examples of projects in which The Cantera Stone Source applied the material as finishing touches.

Hand-carved Traditional designs embellish a series of exterior columns.

Motifs
• By room: Kitchens are popular areas in which to incorporate custom carved motifs. “We have created unique pieces for kitchen display, including stone gourds, pears, grapes and roosters, as well as items used in the kitchen, such as mortar-and-pestle sets,” Mortimer states.

• By themes: The theme of a room or style of a home can be conveyed through custom hand-carving. Try grapes and vines on columns to further emphasize a wine cellar. An Italian painting can be enhanced with a stone frame made to reflect the style and time period of the artwork.

To Seal or Not to Seal
Most professionals agree that cantera does not require sealant for many applications. Lolita Knox of De Santana Stone Co. and Gregory Mortimer of The Cantera Stone Source offer the following advice to help determine when sealers should be used:
• Consider sealer for installations in which the stone will be exposed to chemicals that may damage the material, or to liquids, such as on countertops, suggests Knox.
• Use sealer for cantera that will be exposed to water, vegetation or debris. Several coats of sealer may be necessary, Mortimer comments.
• Keep in mind that because of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, most high-quality sealers will need to be reapplied every three to six months, Mortimer recommends.
• Knox describes two eight-year-old cantera fountains in her courtyard that she chose not to seal. Over time, they have held up well and now have an attractive patina. She says that ultimately it is the decision of the homeowner and installer to determine whether cantera warrants the use of a sealer.

Insider Tips
Architect Mark Candelaria of Candelaria Design Associates outlines several helpful hints:
• Cantera can be visually overwhelming if installed in excess. Avoid designs that look too “heavy” and disproportionate to the scale of a room.
• Consider the stone as an accent piece, much like jewelry is to clothing. For example, crown molding crafted from cantera can make rooms with high ceilings feel cozier. For an unexpected touch, try installing the stone as a baseboard.
• Be sure to consult with an architect or architectural engineer before incorporating large pieces of the material to make sure their weight is adequately supported.

Points to Ponder
Gregory Mortimer of The Cantera Stone Source offers the following dos and don’ts for cantera:
• Don’t utilize the stone in structural support settings. “Its primary use is as an interior or exterior finish designed to enhance the beauty of a residential or commercial structure or landscape.”
• Don’t incorporate cantera in areas of extreme heat, such as the interior of fireboxes, because the stone will expand and crack over time.
• Do be aware of what chemicals are being placed in cantera fountains. Chlorine and other caustic chemicals used to keep water clean can deteriorate the stone. Instead, use algaecides that are natural-stone-friendly; these should keep the water clean while not harming the cantera. Another tip: “At a minimum, all fountains should be emptied and cleaned once per month, and nearly every week during the hottest days of our Phoenix summers.”