Oh, how the retro world loves breeze blocks. That is: Decorative concrete blocks. No one can know for sure how many designs were made, but I bet that Jack LeVine‘s collection, displayed like art in the back yard of his lovely Las Vegas home — gives us the best count we have so far. How many breeze blocks are in his collection? He says: 34. When I visited his house as part of Nevada Preservation Foundation‘s Vintage Las Vegas Home & History Tour a few months ago, I tried to photograph them all. Finally: Here’s the stash to ogle — and covet. Get yer scrolling finger ready, set, go!
- Want to find ’em made new today? See this story.
Okay, so scrolling and counting, I think I get only 28. In any case: It’s WILD, isn’t it, how many of these designs were made!
Retro Renovation readers are kinda obsessed with breeze blocks; my stories on them are among the most popular in terms of search etc:
- 15+ companies that sell decorative concrete screen blocks – comprehensive list (be sure to check the comments, too)
- Tee hee: Kate’s DIY putz house #11 – Palm Springs ranch house with breeze block patio – free downloadable pattern
Jack LeVine was one of the first midmod-lovers I “met” when I started the blog. It was SO FANTASTIC to meet him in person before my remarks launching the tour. We hugged three times! Jack remains super active in the mid mod community in Las Vegas — in addition to being a realtor, he is on the Board of Directors of the Nevada Preservation Foundation.
Hugs, Jack!
More: Another recent story on Jack’s collection!
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I’m glad he chose to include those that were damaged (fleur-di-lis). How creative to take this humble material and fancy it up in so many ways.
Too cool.
The argyle one is by far my favorite.
Very cool!
Some of these make their own statement and I think some of them would be much better as a multi-block screen to appreciate the whole pattern.
Agreed. But it’s a collection of often salvaged pieces — multiples not available — I’m a little confused by your comment ineffable….
Oh,
I think as a collection of salvaged pieces each block is great as it is.
But originally, they were meant to be read as a “unit” in a larger pattern, and as individual blocks some of them are less effective than others.:you need them in multiples to see a more complex pattern
I believe they mean some of them would be even more impressive if we could see the pattern the blocks make as a matching group. Just wishful thinking to see the effect with a large grouping. Some, like the fleur-de-lis make a big impression on their own.
duh…
Great collection and great post! They were very popular back in the day. Wish I saw more of them now.
That is what I call a perfect thing to collect. No clutter in the house, and there can’t be too many out there to find. I think it makes a great look for the backyard and you still get to have the thrill of a good hunt!
We just got back from a 10 day vacation in LA. We saw breeze blocks EVERYWHERE. I have a great pic of it used at the Stahl House. When I posted pics of the Stahl House on my FB page, many of my “non-mcm” friends said “Is this your Air B&B?”.
As if.
🙂
I’m actually loving all the shelves set into the brick wall of their yard. I’m assuming that needs to be done when the wall is being built and not something you can add on later? I’ve seen this done with interior brickwork before but not outside.
Absolutely beautiful, how he has displayed them is fantastic!
I have blocks that have a peace sign in the center.
OMG…I love the varied circled block!
Oh that starburst… gasp.
I love them all…but can’t get the circles out of my head! (one of the first pics) I have a glass block that has bubbles in it, and I’m picturing it in a wall of the circle concrete, accented with the glass block bubbles…squeeeeeeeeee…