Mid Century Decorative Concrete Screen Block

We are going to create a list of manufacturers who still create the super swell mid century modern decorative concrete screen blocks (sometimes also referred to as breeze blocks or decorative screen CMU block). While many manufacturers of these mid century modern decorative screen blocks are no longer in business, some still are! 


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. 171

Pictured Above: Screen Wall Block No. 171 In Situ

Pictured Above: Modern Screen Wall Block No. 313

Pictured Above: Screen Wall Block No. 314

Pictured Above: Screen Wall Block No. 377

Pictured Above: Screen Wall Block No. 397

Pictured Above: Screen Wall Block No. 397 In Situ

Pictured Above: Screen Wall Block No. 399

Pictured Above: Screen Wall Block No. 399 In Situ

Pictured Above: Screen Wall Block No. 422

Pictured Above: Screen Wall Block No. 501

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.

Screen blocks are decorative blocks--they are not considered structural units and should not be used as such. Screen blocks are often applied in commercial projects for stairwells and parking garages, however, their popularity lies in the residential market for use in property line walls. In these partition walls, the potential of a screen block is maximized: it's open design provides ventilation, partial shading, privacy, and a decorative break in the monotony of the wall's surface. We have seven styles of screen block available, each with a number designation. Our screen blocks are manufactured with coral limestone or a cinder/limestone mixture. 

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:

Pictured above: Mid Century Modern House with Circle in Square block (No. 171).  Perhaps the most beautiful screen block ever made.  This incredible 1950s block is still in production by the original factory!!! Get it from A-1 Block Corp in Orlando Florida.  Minimum order is one pallet (99 pieces).  Price is very reasonably but the shipping will cost you dearly (but it is soooo worth it).

Pictured above: Mid Century Modern Decorative Block in Louisville, KY

Pictured above: Mid Century Modern Decorative Screenblock
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."

Mid Century Modern Decorative Screenblock Wall
L Street, Washington DC

Mid Century Modern Decorative Screenblock Wall
First Western Bank, probably late 1950s

Mid Century Modern Decorative Screenblock Wall
Probably late 1950s

Mid Century Modern Decorative Screenblock Wall
Probably late 1950s

Mid Century Modern Decorative Screenblock Wall
Probably late 1950s

Mid Century Modern Decorative Screenblock Wall
Probably late 1950s

Image credits: Retro Rockets, Star Bulletin Honolulu, Simpleweeble, Flickr, Drawings + Documents Archive