![]() ![]() Global popularity of the blocks meant mass production and prolific use well into the 1970s. This is particularly evident in areas like California’s Palm Springs, with its abundance of stylish breeze block-adorned homes. While some architects found them kitsch, others championed their use, creating complex patterned bricks that became popular in public and residential buildings. With the rise of modernism and functionalism in the mid-20th century, there was much debate about these functional and cheap concrete blocks. READ MORE: About Face: Contemporary Face Brick Buildings They’re generally used in warm environments, nearly always tropical – which makes sense, given that they were developed “to provide protection from the sun while maintaining airflow”. It was only in the 1900s that they became hollow in shape. ![]() Rather, according to architectural historian Pamela Deasy, it was the addition of an ingredient called “coke breeze” into concrete blocks in the late 1800s, to make them more heat-resistant, that led to the name being coined. The Sydney-based architect, whose firm recently completed the Museum of Contemporary Art in Australia, is also known for his popular Instagram account Sam’s account is a celebration of the variety of blocks available, the intricate patterns they make, and the popularity of the breeze block internationally.Īmazingly, breeze blocks didn’t get their name from their airy ways. ![]() “I have an obsession with breeze blocks,” says Sam Marshall in the introduction to The Breeze Block Book. They’re a perennial favourite, perfect to use as an attention-grabbing design feature – and here at VISI, we’re big fans. For a whole new generation, however, these bricks, with built-in airflow and endless shadow-casting shapes, are so much more. Wait for the cement to dry before putting up additional bricks for the wall. Then, pour the cement mixture over the blocks to fill in the holes and gaps, all the way up to the lip of the hole. Break out your level again to keep checking the foundation as you put it down. WORDS Jo Buitendach PHOTOS Nelson Won (Cobogo House), Fernando Guerra (House B+B) Marc Domage and Matthew Bradley (Cameron Platter, Trieu Chien and Hiroyuki Oki (The Lantern), Supplied.Īn order of airy, beautiful breeze blocks is always a good idea, irrespective of whether it’s used in an iconic mid-century build or the latest cutting-edge architecture.įor many, breeze blocks recall 1960s beach bungalows or a screen wall meant to hide a washing line. Use high-density breeze blocks to lay the large part of the foundation. ![]()
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