USA: Modern Screen blocks still in production:
A-1 Block Corp.
The best source for mid century modern screen block! A-1 Block Corp was established in 1952 and has been making these fantastic screen blocks ever since. Without question the best source in the USA for screen blocks. They are also very easy to deal with. You can purchase & pick up block at their address in Orlando Florida. If you are located in a different state: please note that they do not ship block outside Florida but you can arrange pick up through your own freight company. Expect to pay $1,200 for 1 pallet with 99 blocks from Florida to California. Yes, that is super expensive but a pallet with these blocks are heavy (like shipping an elephant).
Pictured Above: Screen Wall Block No. 397
Pictured Above: Screen Wall Block No. 397 In Situ
A-1 Block Corp has even more styles so check out their website.
A-1 Block Corp
1617 South Division Ave
Orlando, FL 32805
Phone: 407-422-3768
A-1 Block Corp
Tileco Inc.
Decorative Screen Units: Screen Blocks
Manufactured by Tileco Inc.
91-209 Hanua Street
Tileco Inc.
Kapolei, HI 96707
Phone: 808-682-5737
Tileco Inc.
Roanoke Concrete Products Co.
Difficult to navigate and super (we repeat super) slow website. Tuffy Block™ represents the Tuff quality control that goes into every masonry unit. Masonry units are available in heavyweight or lightweight. Heavyweight units are made of state-approved sand and gravel. Lightweight units are made of expanded clay, and are approximately 30% lighter, more insulating, and more fireproof than heavyweight units. There are well over 150 different shapes ranging in sizes from concrete brick, 2”, 3”, 4”, 6”, 8”, 10”, and 12” widths and 2”, 3”, 4”, and 8” heights. All dimensions are modular.
Roanoke Concrete Products Co.
Various locations Illinios
Roanoke
International: Modern Screen blocks still in production:
While most of these are found from manufacturers in the US, we found one manufacturer in Europe (Spain):
Verniprens from Spain: this company seems to have an obsession with mid century modern styled screenblocks. A good solution for mid century modern lovers in Europe.
Verniprens
Vintage Screen blocks from the 1950s through the 1970s:
The Leiahua, 1993 Ala Wai Blvd, Honolulu, Hawaii
Pictured below: IBM building by Vladimir Ossipoff 1962:
Mid Century Modern Decorative Concrete Screen
The IBM Building at 1240 Ala Moana Blvd. in Honolulu Hawaii was designed by the famed late mid century modern architect Vladimir Ossipoff. General Growth Properties, which owns the building, has outlined a vision for an urban village that does not include the landmark structure. The most distinctive feature of the building is its concrete grille, which was custom-made and put in place to act as a sunscreen. What Vladimir Ossipoff said about the IBM Building: "The most important point, however, is the character of the building itself. Not only does the systematic, rather repetitious pattern of the concrete grille express the computer-world character of the IBM Corp., but also gives it a sense of belonging in the sun. The deep shadows of the grillwork become as significant a part of the architecture as any part of the structure itself."
L Street, Washington DC
First Western Bank, probably late 1950s
Probably late 1950s
Probably late 1950s
Probably late 1950s
Mid Century Modern Decorative Screenblock Wall
Probably late 1950s
Image credits: Retro Rockets, Star Bulletin Honolulu, Simpleweeble, Flickr, Drawings + Documents Archive
