Designing, installing, training or consulting on hardscape, Kevin Avants work has been intertwined with Porphyry natural stone for many years and his credits include numerous projects large and small across the United States.
With a degree in Horticulture/Agronomy and studies in Architecture, Kevin Avants founded Avants Gardening & Design in 1988 in Santa Fe,New Mexico. In 1999, after re-naming the business AvantGardens, Inc., he shifted his focus from garden design, estate maintenance, and greenhouse production to landscape design, land restoration, hardscaping and stonework.
“While travels abroad in Italy, France, Portugal, Spain, and Mexico reinforced my understanding of the historical significance of porphyry, my hands-on relationship with the stone began with restoration of roads and pathways. Porphyry quickly became my preference when replacing deteriorating asphalt, concrete, brick, and less durable stones.” – Kevin Avants
Kevin Avants (Far Left) with his guys at one of his vertical applications
Labyrinths
Labyrinths have been a particular specialty for Kevin and he is acquainted with both formal and informal versions of this ancient design from the Hopi Mother Earth design to the more prominent of these located at The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe. The Santa Fe porphyry labyrinth is based on the historic Chartres labyrinth in France. There has been a church on this Santa Fe Site since 1610 and the current church was patterned on a French cathedral. Kevin’s deep involvement in this installation was highlighted in the Stone Foundation’s publication Stonexus.
https://www.stonefoundation.org/stonexus/04_issue/71.pdf
For more information about Kevin Avants company
https://www.avantsstone.com/aboutavants.html
Porphyry’s composition determines its high compression strength, resistance to stains, slip resistance, and high freeze/thaw ratings. The stone is the most popular paver in Europe, and is favored for its flexibility in design, beauty, durability and low maintenance requirements. ADA Compliant Porphyry pavers are also adaptable to a permeable paving set. The stone is by far one of the most durable pavers in the world. These materials are available from Milestone Imports. – www.milestoneimports.com
