With over a dozen block types to choose from, we meet the demands for many retaining wall applications. Shea Concrete’s extensive concrete retaining wall block inventory can be found in our online catalog. Shea Concrete’s high-performing precast concrete retaining wall systems stand tall in New England’s active climate, and because of their durability, remain a staple of our concrete products. Their durability, open ventilation, shade, privacy and beauty may make them the perfect choice for your MCM-inspired structure.Our precast concrete retaining wall blocks play a central role in the retaining walls that we design and manufacture. So, if you are planning a construction project of your own, breeze block walls are well worth considering. That means that like many other MCM elements, breeze blocks are starting to make their way to more modern structures. Moreover, over the past few years, we have seen a resurgence of enthusiasm for the style. Mid-Century Modern is a style that has stood the test of time to a large degree, despite a decline after the 70s. If you are a fan of Mid Century Modern or Art Deco design, and want to bring some of that nostalgic ambiance to your own residential or commercial structure, breeze blocks are an easy way to do it. You can bring MCM or Art Deco style to your building with breeze blocks.They can also stand up to harsh weather, making them a durable, safe, long-lasting choice for construction. Because they consist of concrete and cement, these types of architectural blocks are strong, which is another reason that they are ideal in areas such as California that are prone to seismic events. That means that they are perfect for courtyards and other outdoor spaces in parts of the world that are hot, but breezy. As discussed, breeze blocks allow ventilation, even while providing privacy and shade.
That means that they can add aesthetic appeal to any surface they fall upon. The shadows of breeze blocks feature the same cut-out patterns as the blocks themselves.
Breeze blocks may be used in awnings as well. Standing behind a breeze block wall, you will be screened off from passersby, even if you are standing outdoors. Breeze blocks offer shade and privacy.Other times, a large amount of each block has been cut out, lending a lightweight, airy, lacy appearance to a wall. Sometimes breeze block have a heavy appearance with only minimal cut-outs. The patterns cut out of breeze blocks are beautiful, and can bring visual interest to what would otherwise be a plain concrete wall. Now that you know more about the history of breeze blocks and how they fit into mid century design, let’s go over the advantages you can still enjoy with breeze blocks today.
Breeze block walls were easy to manufacture for prefab buildings.Īlas, the 70s saw a transition out of the architectural styles that were popular over previous decades, and during that time period, breeze blocks fell out of fashion. Prefab: Prefabricated construction was on the rise during the mid century period.By adding breeze block walls, it was possible to block some of the sunlight, helping to keep the interiors cooler, while still allowing views outdoors through huge windows. This iconic element posed potential problems in warmer climates since it could lead to more passive solar heat then would be ideal. Large windows: Many Mid-Century Modern buildings featured large windows.Concrete: MCM architecture utilizes a lot of concrete, and breeze blocks integrate well with the style as a result.There are a few reasons why breeze blocks fit nicely into Mid-Century Modern architecture and became more popular in the 1950s and 1960s: