I joined a Facebook group a few weeks ago called “I break for Breeze Blocks” and I can’t tell you how happy it has made me! Every time I see someone post a photo of someone’s house or a wall outside of a building that has that Mid- Century detail, I just can’t help but smile. They are just so darn cool!
So for today’s post I wanted to devote a little love to these MCM Blocks.
Mid-Century Cool: Breeze Blocks
Brief History of Breeze Blocks
Breeze blocks are the patterned concrete blocks you may have seen covering the sides of a building or stacked upon each other to form a wall. Breeze blocks provide shade, circulation, protection and privacy to buildings all over the world and became a very important part of Mid-Century Design.
Breeze blocks–sometimes called screen blocks– were inspired by sun-reducing screens in Asia and first used in America in the 1930s. They continued to grow in popularity in the following decades, especially when used in houses and apartments. They were widely used in Mid-Century Modern design up until the 1970s, when they began to fall out of style.
They are typically made from the ashes of coal, bonded together by Portland cement and used especially for walls that bear relatively small loads.
To continue reading the FULL but super cool history of Breeze Blocks, please click HERE to visit the Atomic Ranch Website.
Breeze Blocks in the wild (aka photos and vintage ads)
Mid-Century Ad for Evco Solar Screen Blocks-“That’s the way to screen your pool!”.
Source: Pinterest
Retro Restaurant Sign & aqua bricks – Farmington, New Mexico USA.
Source: Moderncharlotte.com
I love a good Tiki Bar and the Tahitian Fire Room not only has a super cool sign, but a ridiculous amount of cool Breeze Blocks on that wall.
Source: American Standard Time
Gorgeous Mid-Century home located in Sunrise Park in Palm Springs. Breeze Blocks by the Pool.
Source: Geoffreymoore.com
1960s Vintage Ad for Simmons Hide-A-Bed featuring a Breeze Block Decorative wall behind the couch.
Source: Pinterest
1959 Mid-Century Modern Jack Meiselman built home at the Racquet Club East, Palm Springs.
About the Racquet Club Estates:
The Racquet Club East is comprised of the Racquet Club Estates, which has 550 tract mid-century modern homes Designed by the respected architect William Krisel A.I.A., and built by the famed Alexander Construction Company. A sub-section of the Racquet Club East neighborhood also has a small set of tract homes built by Alexander’s competitor, Jack Meiselman (who actually started building in Palm Springs before Alexander).
Source: pshomes.com
Jack Meiselman, Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern Property featuring those beautiful Breeze Blocks again.
Source: paulkaplanrealtor.com
A William Krisel Las Palmas Estates, 1957 Mid-Century Modern home Illustration (rendering).
Source: psmodcom.org
Vintage Mid-Century Ad for Superlite Concrete Blocks-Q BLOCK. “Accents for your Home”.
Source: Pinterest
Mid-Century Design: Laboratorio Neon Sign And Perforated Concrete. I love the signs typography. So very cool!
Source: Flickr
“Concrete Blocks are Anything but Flat”. Ad for Kaiser Permanent Cement Company that ran in the September 1962 edition of Sunset magazine.
A Edward Durell Stone Building at 2 Columbus Circle, New York City (1958).
Source: Wikipedia
Edward Durell Stone Townhouse, New York, New York, 1957. That Townhouse sure does stand out.
Source: wikiwand.com
Breeze Blocks at the Front Entrance is a great architectural detail for that Mid-Century Modern Look.
Source: Geoffreymoore.com
Shopping for Breeze Blocks
Want to own your own Breeze Block but can’t afford to buy a whole brick wall? Here is a section on fun Breeze Blocks products you can buy online!
Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Mid Century Modern Breeze Blocks, Brick Wall Decals (avail HERE).
Source: Etsy
The StarBriteMotel Seller on Etsy has several different Breeze Block Jewelry styles you can take home. Check them out HERE!
Source: Etsy
1950s style breeze block necklace by Glitzomatic. They too have a fun collection of Breeze Block Jewelry. Check it out HERE.
Source: Etsy
Breeze block iPhone case is a must-have for the breeze block or Mid-Mod obsessed person! (no longer avail but you can search for similar items online).
Source: Etsy
Now…are you looking to buy Breeze Blocks? The website, Retro Renovation based out of the US has created a resource of companies that do just that. Check it out HERE.
Question time! Do you love Breeze Blocks? Or is this a Mid Century Decor feature you could live without? Share in the comments below!
FURTHER READING: Check out my archive of ‘Vintage Home Decor’ Posts.
Take care friends!
Liz
Actually, I would like a breeze block inspired wooden screen to fit my new MCM inspired flat.
THAT is a lovely Idea! I really like that. Thanks for sharing!
Liz
Thanks for this post! Any idea where to source breeze block in the Toronto area?
Very good question. I will reach out to my friend who owns a mid century vintage store and see if she knows anyone.
Liz
Hi there! So I reached out to my friend and she mentioned that she found her breeze blocks they have in their store display from a friend who had some laying around. Many times you have to buy 1000’s she said from brick companies. BUT I did find info on a company in Toronto called “Kreitmaker” and according ot the website i found on Breeze blocks in Toronto they are supposed to have two designs, the Lotus and Diamond pattern.Here is the website if you want to reach out and ask. https://kreitmaker.com/
My friend did mention that there is a company in Niagara called “Niagara Block” in Niagara Falls has five designs. “They have quite a few styles, but they don’t have them in stock all the time. Check under “architectural block”.” Family run since 1931. Best bet would be to reach out to them. http://www.niagarablock.com/products/ab
Good luck!
Liz
Thanks, Liz!