8 Ways Screens Can Add Beauty, Privacy & Ventilation
This throwback element of mid-century design can be used in myriad ways on exteriors, as well as indoors
If you’re looking for a beautiful way to bring privacy to your home, you might want to consider architectural screen block, also known as decorative concrete block or breeze block. This material is used most frequently with mid-century, modern or old-style homes, typically in outdoor applications. Like a solid wall or fencing, screen block can be used to define or section off a space. It offers the strength of concrete with the pizazz of cool geometric patterns. These blocks allow light and air to filter through and can be used when ventilation is a goal. Here are some examples of how to use it in your outdoor areas.
2. Courtyard ventilation
This installation shows breeze block inset into a stucco wall, which allows light and air to circulate throughout the outdoor space while providing privacy from the neighbours. And by integrating the graphic, geometric-patterned block into the stucco wall, the block not only provides ventilation, it also adds a lot of style.
Find a designer to design your outdoor balcony space
This installation shows breeze block inset into a stucco wall, which allows light and air to circulate throughout the outdoor space while providing privacy from the neighbours. And by integrating the graphic, geometric-patterned block into the stucco wall, the block not only provides ventilation, it also adds a lot of style.
Find a designer to design your outdoor balcony space
3. Carport separation
Dividing the carport from the courtyard patio, this dark, painted screen block adds a graphic flair in addition to providing security for the enclosed courtyard. Paint can personalise your decorative concrete block installation.
Dividing the carport from the courtyard patio, this dark, painted screen block adds a graphic flair in addition to providing security for the enclosed courtyard. Paint can personalise your decorative concrete block installation.
4. Patio walls
Light, bright and airy, this screened patio provides a striking backdrop for this beach home’s outdoor living space. Sunlight gets diffused through the concrete blocks, while ocean breezes can fill the space.
Light, bright and airy, this screened patio provides a striking backdrop for this beach home’s outdoor living space. Sunlight gets diffused through the concrete blocks, while ocean breezes can fill the space.
5. Outdoor rooms
These screen block-enclosed patios, located off the kitchen and master bedroom of this home, create an element of drama in these outdoor spaces. With the lights on at night, backlighting enhances the dramatic effect of the screen block. The blocks also divide the patio into two separate spaces, making personal niches out of what might otherwise be one large patio.
Here’s how to light up your patio
These screen block-enclosed patios, located off the kitchen and master bedroom of this home, create an element of drama in these outdoor spaces. With the lights on at night, backlighting enhances the dramatic effect of the screen block. The blocks also divide the patio into two separate spaces, making personal niches out of what might otherwise be one large patio.
Here’s how to light up your patio
6. Al fresco shower
Located just off the rear patio and swimming pool of a home, this is another great example of screen block being used as a privacy wall, in this case to create semi-privacy for an outdoor shower. Screen block is a great option since the masonry will not rot or decay from the moisture of the shower.
Located just off the rear patio and swimming pool of a home, this is another great example of screen block being used as a privacy wall, in this case to create semi-privacy for an outdoor shower. Screen block is a great option since the masonry will not rot or decay from the moisture of the shower.
7. Window privacy and shade
In this family room, the recycled mid-century screen block offers the benefit of shade against the solid glass window opening. The shapes of the decorative concrete block add style and flair to the room’s overall design scheme, with a geometric pattern that not only embellishes the window but makes gorgeous shadows on the floor.
Learn how to add jali to contemporary homes
In this family room, the recycled mid-century screen block offers the benefit of shade against the solid glass window opening. The shapes of the decorative concrete block add style and flair to the room’s overall design scheme, with a geometric pattern that not only embellishes the window but makes gorgeous shadows on the floor.
Learn how to add jali to contemporary homes
8. Geometric island
With all the great applications for screen block on the exterior of a home, using these blocks on an interior wall, partition wall or pony wall lets light and air flow though the interior space. This is a great opportunity to add pattern and even an accent colour for added punch. In this particular example, screen block makes a stylish addition to a kitchen island.
Read more:
6 Reasons to Bring Jalis Into Your Home
Tell us:
Have you used lattice blocks in your home? Share images and your experiences in the Comments below.
With all the great applications for screen block on the exterior of a home, using these blocks on an interior wall, partition wall or pony wall lets light and air flow though the interior space. This is a great opportunity to add pattern and even an accent colour for added punch. In this particular example, screen block makes a stylish addition to a kitchen island.
Read more:
6 Reasons to Bring Jalis Into Your Home
Tell us:
Have you used lattice blocks in your home? Share images and your experiences in the Comments below.
This application provides a sense of privacy for this home’s entry, while adding depth and pattern to the look of the home. Light passing through from the back side of the wall highlights the block’s unique pattern and adds drama. Screen block can be an ideal solution for creating privacy for rooms that are close to the street, or to the neighbours.