We see a lot of mid-century concrete screens around that haven't been very well maintained. Our first thought of concrete screens is one of derelict old motels or something. But then we remind ourselves of Frank Lloyd Wright's masterful use of the material and remember there are some real treasures out there, like the ones pictured here...
Frank Lloyd Wright used the material in some of his designs - they were called "textile blocks" because of the steel reinforcement woven inside of the screens. We like to think of them as "textile blocks" because of their extraordinary texture, too:
• 1 Via: Swanky LIttle Pad
• 2 Via: Boyd's Blog
• 3 Via: B.E.L.T.
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
I love concrete block screens. But I don't see those decorative blocks around anymore. Where does one get them?
And how *should* they be maintained?
I want to build one now!
view JoanneM's profile
I'd love to see a flikr group of pics on these--thanks for bringing it up!
view jen_g's profile
Uncle Jack has a great story and sources for these blocks:
http://veryvintagevegas.com/category/decorative-concrete-block-designs/
view southcook's profile
Southcook, that is an awesome website, thanks for the link. Too bad it's Las Vegas.
view JoanneM's profile
There are only a few places still making a limited number of patterns.
I recently purchased a condo in Leisure World, Seal Beach. There are some 6000 single story attached condos all with concrete screened patios. I've only been here a couple of weeks but I think I've seen at least a dozen different screen block patterns. Leisure World was completed in 1962. You can probably Google pics of several units as there are always at least 20 or 30 for sale.
Unfortunately a lot of my neighbors have remodeled to include bay windows, oval glass doors, etc. in an attempt to McMansion what was once a very cool Mid-Century Mod community.
view LBhirise's profile
The first one is SOooo beautiful.
view caitlinmarie's profile
Make your own concrete blocks! Act now! Earn three to four thousand dollars a day!
http://www.concreteblockmaker.com/
(sorry, the sales pitch in the linked ad was kind of contagious)
view AlmostAD's profile
lovin' the little FLW trip you all are on right now... keep it going.
view pseudodesigns's profile
These are called brise soleil, and lots of other mid-century architects used them. In fact, Le Corbusier is usually credited with popularizing them, but they're also all over South America. Check out Carlos Raul Villanueva's Universidad Central de Venezuela in Caracas for screens that throw amazing light patterns in the Covered Patio area.
view Texaninexile's profile
These used to be so popular along carport walls and such. I'm glad they are making a comeback. You get air flow while maintaining privacy. The only maintenance is the same occasional fresh coat of paint like the rest of your house.
view baileyb's profile
Would love to find a stack of these in a salvage yard...Flickr Group: http://bit.ly/5grh9
view tmack's profile