Cashmere Carrara: A Sustainable and Durable Surfacing Solution

Unveiling the Beauty of Carrara Marble in a Sustainable and Durable Way

Cashmere Carrara, designed by Esra Arıcı and her team at Belenco Quartz Surfaces, is a remarkable creation inspired by the rare and semi-transparent structure of natural marble. Unlike its natural counterpart, Cashmere Carrara offers a more sustainable and durable alternative that retains the elegance and beauty of Carrara marble.

What sets Cashmere Carrara apart is its composition. It is made from natural quartz aggregates, one of the hardest minerals on Earth, combined with advanced polymers. This unique combination results in a compacted structure that is extremely hard and nonporous, making Cashmere Carrara highly resistant to scratches, stains, and impacts.

One of the most significant advantages of Cashmere Carrara is its low maintenance. Unlike natural granite or marble, Cashmere Carrara never needs to be sealed or waxed annually. Its nonporous surface ensures that it remains hygienic and antibacterial, making it an ideal choice for kitchen countertops and other surfaces that come into contact with food.

With dimensions of 1520mm in width, 20mm in depth, and 3100mm in height, Cashmere Carrara is available in various finishing treatments to suit different design preferences. Its high technology superior properties make it easy to protect and maintain, ensuring its longevity and preserving its glossy finish.

The production process of Cashmere Carrara involves mixing natural quartz minerals and resin in mixers. The mixture is then transported to a distribution unit, where a vein effect unit gives it a marble-like pattern. The mixture is then pressed under vacuum in a vibration press, resulting in slabs that are 310cm in length, 152cm in width, and 30cm in thickness. After curing in an oven, the slabs are polished with diamond abrasives to achieve a high gloss finish. Finally, the slabs undergo a rigorous quality control process before being bundled and transported to clients.

The Cashmere Carrara project, initiated in 2016 at Belenco's research and development laboratory pilot plant, went into production in the same year and was introduced to the market in 2017. Since then, Cashmere Carrara has gained popularity, particularly in the United States.

Esra Arıcı and her team overcame the challenge of the increasing rarity and cost of Carrara marble by offering a more affordable, sustainable, and durable alternative. Cashmere Carrara's stable opaque and very white color, along with its high chemical, physical, and abrasion resistance, make it an excellent substitute for the diminishing Carrara marble.

Embracing the rich history and beauty of Carrara marble, Cashmere Carrara pays homage to Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Pieta statue, which was carved from a giant Carrara marble block. The design team believes that Cashmere Carrara is a new interpretation of Carrara marble, preserving its essence in a composite engineered stone that is both durable and visually stunning.

Recognized for its outstanding design, Cashmere Carrara was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Building Materials and Construction Components Design category in 2019. This prestigious award celebrates designs that exhibit creativity, resourcefulness, and technical excellence, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

Experience the beauty and durability of Cashmere Carrara, a surfacing solution that combines the best of nature and technology, providing a sustainable and elegant option for your design projects.