8 Refreshing Ways to use Breeze Blocks
This retro block brings a breath of fresh air to modern interiors and exteriors
Rebecca Gross
10 June 2017
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design, and I study cultural history through the lens of architecture, design and visual culture. I have a Masters in the History of Decorative Arts and Design from Parsons The New School for Design, New York. My latest book is called "Ornament is not a crime: Contemporary Interiors with a postmodern twist."
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design,... More
Breeze blocks have blown in and out of fashion over the decades. They were commonplace in the mid-20th century (becoming an iconic feature of homes in Palm Springs, California); and while they fell from favour for a short while, they are definitely having a renaissance. The masonry block’s geometric pattern adds a decorative dimension to architecture, as well as providing privacy and protection but with a feeling of openness and weightlessness.
1. Front wall
Composed of breeze blocks, this front wall provides a sense of privacy and security, as well as a visible and physical boundary. However, the visibility through the wall maintains the connection between the house and the street, and the openness of the blocks reduces the sense of enclosure.
These blocks have a ‘double square’ pattern that suits the flat lines and horizontal nature of the house, while breaking up the solidity of its forms.
Composed of breeze blocks, this front wall provides a sense of privacy and security, as well as a visible and physical boundary. However, the visibility through the wall maintains the connection between the house and the street, and the openness of the blocks reduces the sense of enclosure.
These blocks have a ‘double square’ pattern that suits the flat lines and horizontal nature of the house, while breaking up the solidity of its forms.
2. Kitchen island
The breeze-block front on this kitchen island adds a decorative touch to this clean-lined and minimalist space. “Our client came to us with a love of textiles and the Palm Springs influence, and they asked us to work this breeze block into the addition,” says Sally Wilson of SW-Architects. Wilson used the block for the kitchen island to create a hard-wearing foothold for the clients’ children.
“Breeze blocks are a fantastic masonry element to work with,” Wilson says. Because internal masonry doesn’t need the same large mortar joints as external masonry, she recommends “keeping the detailing thin and crisp to avoid too much bulk”.
The breeze-block front on this kitchen island adds a decorative touch to this clean-lined and minimalist space. “Our client came to us with a love of textiles and the Palm Springs influence, and they asked us to work this breeze block into the addition,” says Sally Wilson of SW-Architects. Wilson used the block for the kitchen island to create a hard-wearing foothold for the clients’ children.
“Breeze blocks are a fantastic masonry element to work with,” Wilson says. Because internal masonry doesn’t need the same large mortar joints as external masonry, she recommends “keeping the detailing thin and crisp to avoid too much bulk”.
3. Outdoor shower
You’ll feel the fresh air in this outdoor shower surrounded by breeze blocks. The circular-patterned wall provides privacy and a sense of enclosure without cutting off the connection to the outdoors – it is an outdoor shower after all.
The turquoise colour of the blocks differentiates the shower from the rest of the bathroom, and reduces their raw concrete look and feel.
Browse more bathroom photos
You’ll feel the fresh air in this outdoor shower surrounded by breeze blocks. The circular-patterned wall provides privacy and a sense of enclosure without cutting off the connection to the outdoors – it is an outdoor shower after all.
The turquoise colour of the blocks differentiates the shower from the rest of the bathroom, and reduces their raw concrete look and feel.
Browse more bathroom photos
4. Courtyard walls
Designed by Architect Prineas, this suburban home is fittingly called Breeze Block House. It’s a 1950s bungalow at the front with a breezy courtyard at the back. “We explored the rich possibilities of screening and married this back to an obvious Australian icon with the breeze block,” says Eva-Marie Prineas.
Designed by Architect Prineas, this suburban home is fittingly called Breeze Block House. It’s a 1950s bungalow at the front with a breezy courtyard at the back. “We explored the rich possibilities of screening and married this back to an obvious Australian icon with the breeze block,” says Eva-Marie Prineas.
White-painted breeze blocks have been used to create walls that divide and define two indoor/outdoor courtyard spaces. They surround two deck areas, making separate uncovered outdoor rooms while maintaining the airy feel of a verandah or patio. “The original house was anchored so we created something anchored and connected to the garden, while still having a lightness and transparency that transcends the material solidity,” Prineas says.
These are ‘star’ breeze blocks, and when combined they create a circular pattern that adds another geometry to the lines and forms of the house.
These are ‘star’ breeze blocks, and when combined they create a circular pattern that adds another geometry to the lines and forms of the house.
Similarly, in this inner-city pad, breeze blocks enclose the courtyard while still having a sense of openness. Breeze blocks are a great choice for small spaces, as they allow natural ventilation while providing shade and privacy.
The beauty of modern interior courtyards
The beauty of modern interior courtyards
5. Privacy screen
Speaking of privacy, this breeze block screen adds another physical and visual layer between neighbours. Contributing to a greater sense of privacy, the wall screens neighbours from seeing into the swimming pool.
The breeze blocks have a ‘flower’ pattern that suits the outdoor setting and nearby vegetation.
See screens differently
Speaking of privacy, this breeze block screen adds another physical and visual layer between neighbours. Contributing to a greater sense of privacy, the wall screens neighbours from seeing into the swimming pool.
The breeze blocks have a ‘flower’ pattern that suits the outdoor setting and nearby vegetation.
See screens differently
6. Wall feature
A series of breeze blocks create a decorative feature wall in this outdoor courtyard. The angular lines, which form triangles and diamonds, break up the solid brick wall to add visual interest and create an airier space.
A series of breeze blocks create a decorative feature wall in this outdoor courtyard. The angular lines, which form triangles and diamonds, break up the solid brick wall to add visual interest and create an airier space.
7. Carport walls
As this house demonstrates, breeze blocks bring a sense of weightlessness and transparency to non-structural walls, and play with the qualities of solidity and permeability.
The ‘double square’ breeze blocks add another pattern and geometry to this pitched-roof house, while also bringing an additional dimension and layer.
As this house demonstrates, breeze blocks bring a sense of weightlessness and transparency to non-structural walls, and play with the qualities of solidity and permeability.
The ‘double square’ breeze blocks add another pattern and geometry to this pitched-roof house, while also bringing an additional dimension and layer.
8. Screen wall
Simple masonry blocks have been configured to create a decorative pattern on this screen wall that zigzags along the ground. The concrete blocks suit the raw and honest materials of the house and, while the arrangement of blocks is simple, the effect is dynamic and eye-catching…
Simple masonry blocks have been configured to create a decorative pattern on this screen wall that zigzags along the ground. The concrete blocks suit the raw and honest materials of the house and, while the arrangement of blocks is simple, the effect is dynamic and eye-catching…
… especially at night when the wall is drenched in golden light.
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Here's another twist we did recently with standard concrete blocks, we were able to reinforce 4 columns & the top row on each panel to give them strength as well (essential in our earthquake prone city!)
I adore Breezeblocks and am glad to see them coming back in! They add texture, interest, personality and nostalgia for me. Love it!