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Architecture

What is Sanca? Learn about the different types and the most commonly used materials

In addition to ensuring more sophistication for rooms, the molding contributes directly to lighting projects

By Yeska Coelho

Submitted at Jan 21, 2025, 11:00 AM

08 min de leitura
Patrícia Marinho and Manuèle Colas - Meeting Room. Project for CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2023.

Patrícia Marinho and Manuèle Colas - Meeting Room. Project for CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2023. (André Nazareth)

Contemporary architectural projects need to add elements that can combine functionality and beauty. The sanca has become an essential tool for this reason in interior design. The main advantage of this element is that it provides an elegant finish, creating a visual effect that subtly highlights the environment. It's a frame that wraps around the ceiling and sometimes also the wall, and can have different colors, finishes and even textures.
89 m² apartment becomes a nautical haven on the coast of Paraná. Designed by Rodolfo Fontana. Pictured is the living room with sofa, TV and rug,

(Disclosure/Disclosure)

The molding is often used to support lighting projects with spots, track luminaires and even pendentes, as it is able to hide the wiring and bring more flexibility to the installation. In addition, it guarantees a much more harmonious look, capable of hiding imperfections in both the ceiling and the wall.

What are the main types of molding


200 m² apartment has a solar soul and a view of the Copacabana sea. Designed by Fernanda Medeiros. In the photo, living room with TV, wooden panel and sofas.

Project by Fernanda Medeiros (Luiza Schreier/Disclosure)

Hangings can be made in different ways, so that the resident or professional can choose the one that best matches the style of the architectural project. Here are the main ones: Open sash
Carlos Maza Fernandini - El Refugio. Project for CASACOR Peru 2024.

Carlos Maza Fernandini - El Refugio. Imagine viver num apartamento pensado para um jovem aventureiro de um país rico em tradições e cultura como o Peru, onde cada detalhe, desde as suas paredes coloniais, cores, têxteis, esculturas e música, reflete a fusão do antigo e do moderno. O designer cria um espaço atual e tecnológico que convida à conexão com o passado enquanto reflete sobre o legado para o futuro. (Kiana de Tramontana/CASACOR)

One of the most conventional and popular models, this is a full roof canopy with a large space in the central inner part for positioning spots or lamps. Inverted canopy
cozinha com ilha cozinha americana casacor goiás 2017

CASACOR Goiás 2016. Kitchen - Aline Torres and Thiago Cardoso. (Divulgação/CASACOR)

Indicated for those with more generous ceilings, the inverted molding is between the wall and the ceiling and creates more intimate and warm lighting for the room.

The most commonly used materials


Apt and duplex office in Pouso Alegre by architect Letícia Nannetti

Project by Letícia Nannetti (Photo: Edson Ferreira/CASACOR)

The materials most commonly used to build crown moldings vary according to the style and function desired in the room. Plaster is one of the main ones, but it's not the only one. Here are some options:
Casa Alma Duratex. Melina Romano - CASACOR São Paulo 2021

Casa Alma Duratex. Melina Romano - CASACOR São Paulo 2021 (MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

Gypsum plaster: a classic for installing crown molding, gypsum plaster is very popular and is easy to shape and low cost. As such, it is perfect for creating personalized models full of identity, as well as being ideal for recessed lighting, such as LEDs.
Tod's - Todeschini Warehouse - Project by Pedro Paranaguá

Tod's - Armazém Todeschini - Project by Pedro Paranaguá (André Nazareth/CASACOR)

Styrofoam®: the use of Isopor® in construction has become increasingly popular, especially because it is a resistant and sustainable material. Very light, this option achieves a sophisticated finish and also guarantees better thermal insulation. PVC: PVC pelmets are durable and resistant to humidity, making them ideal for environments such as bathrooms and kitchens. In addition, PVC is easy to clean and can be found in various finishes, such as imitation wood or textured.
Modernist architecture and Brazilian furniture come together in this apartment. Designed by Maria Araujo. In the photo, living room with TV, sofa and sideboard.

(Julia Tótoli/Divulgação)

Wood: Although less common nowadays, wood can be used in crown moldings that seek a more rustic or retro style. Wood offers a noble finish and warms up the room, making it ideal for dining rooms or areas looking for a touch of warmth and sophistication.