Unique construction material is considered a vital component in property design. These days, you can find so many options available that you can match with your style preference. One of the most popular since its inception in the ‘50s is breeze blocks. Have you heard of it? This type of block can easily be found in some warmer United States areas, especially California, to protect against the desert sun.
However, the breeze blocks term turns out to be more well known in the UK, New Zealand, and Australia. The United States tends to familiarise this building material as decorative blocks or screen blocks. This block is liked by so many people because of its appealing appearance. So in modern design, function is not the only factor to consider as aesthetic aspects also play a key role.
If you are interested in using this building material in your property design, you come to the right place. This article will explore about breeze blocks, starting from some of their types, the benefits, various applications, and estimated cost. Ready? Take a read!
What are breeze blocks?
Breeze blocks are building materials that have a hollow shape and are widely used for some construction projects, such as decorative walls and retaining walls. This block has strong and durable features as it’s made of concrete, lighter-weight cement, and sand. Although the composition’s material is quite fancy, this block is relatively affordable compared to traditional brick.
It’s not wrong to choose a breeze block as your favourite building material in modern design. Why? Simply because this block can provide the perfect combination in terms of function and aesthetics aspects. With them, your home will automatically filter out harsh sunlight, improve circulation and style that is historically rich.
Common types of breeze blocks
As you know, various construction projects must have certain requirements that are different from one another. In other words, some houses or buildings have particular themes that need specific blocks to match the design. Luckily, this type of material provides so many types designed to meet those different requirements. Here are some of them:
- Solid breeze blocks: This block is considered suitable for load-bearing walls as it’s made of solid concrete. It’s also one of the most chosen due to its various benefits and functions, like soundproofing.
- Hollow breeze blocks: As its name implies, this type has hollows that make it lighter. That’s also why a hollow breeze block is ideal for DIY (do it yourself) projects.
- Patterned breeze blocks: If you have a specific theme property, this one could be an ideal option. Patterned breeze blocks have unique patterns and shapes designed to enhance the visual aesthetic of a building.
- Coloured breeze blocks: Blocks that are painted to a preferred colour, which can be done during the installation process, or even during manufacturing. The purpose of these coloured blocks is to match the surrounding colour of the property.
The various types above could be an option for you who are involved in a construction project. In fact, you don’t have to choose one, those types can be combined if you want to. However, make sure it’s aligned with the theme to prevent unattractive design. If everything is cool, the combination will definitely create a stronger building structure and a more appealing look.
Benefits of breeze blocks for your property
Many people are interested in breeze blocks for design reason only. But the truth is that this building material has many benefits which are impactful for the property itself, or even the environment. If you’re still clueless about what these blocks can offer, this section will cover it. Keep scrolling!
- Affordable: As mentioned earlier, it tends to be affordable when looking at their material composition. There are so many other construction materials that are more expensive than this. So, it’s no wonder that it is often the first choice for large projects.
- Thermal insulation: This construction material also contributes to regulating room temperature and preventing heat loss. This is because it has thermal insulation properties.
- Fire-resistance: They are fire-resistant, which explains why they are preferred for fire-prone buildings. With these properties, the structure of the building will be preserved and have a longer lifespan.
- Sustainability: They are also recyclable, making them environmentally friendly. Moreover, the utilised this construction material can help you to get green building certifications.
Understanding some of the benefits above can make you more aware of what you can get from them. That way, you can compare this building material with others to get the one that suits you the most. After all, one of the indicators of how appealing a property design is is the choice of building material.
Various uses of breeze blocks in property
The material composition and aesthetic design of breeze blocks provide various installation options for your property. You can use these for exterior or interior parts, depending on your needs. But no matter the place, these blocks give a visual appeal that is very hard not to admire. Take a look at various uses of a breeze block for your inspiration.
Retaining walls
Its solidity and strength under high pressure are characteristic of a breeze block. They won’t crack or break easily, which makes them suitable for retaining walls. Plus, this block is ideal for outdoor applications as it is durable. With this flexibility, you can see why they are favoured by so many people.
Load-bearing walls
Breeze blocks can also be used to support the load of the structure above. The use as a load-bearing wall is very important as it keeps the building stable. But even though its durability has been tested, make sure this block is combined with steel framing to increase strength. This is mandatory, especially in multi-storey buildings.
Decorative walls
One of the most popular uses of a breeze block is as a decorative walls. Thanks to its unique mould, this block has been used to create aesthetic walls for many years. Walls made from a breeze block are usually placed in outdoor spaces or dividers between inside and outside areas. So, it can give an interesting look between those spaces.
Interior part
The utilization of this block is not only specified for the exterior part, but can be used for the interior as well. The various shapes are an added attraction for the interior part. Plus, you can also use breeze blocks to create a partition between one room and another. Imagine being able to see the beautiful visuals of these block shapes every day at home.
To sum up, breeze blocks are a great choice for all sorts of property uses. Whether for looks or strength, they’re durable and come in designs that can make any space stand out, inside or outside.
How much do breeze blocks cost?
The types, benefits, and application options have been fully discussed above. Now it’s time to move on to another crucial topic; price. There's no doubt that price is one of the major considerations in choosing building materials for construction projects. This also applies to breeze blocks that are often said to be quite cost-effective.
Although a breeze block is quite affordable, the exact figure depends on several factors. The shape of the block, the material quality, the type, and the paint colour are a few factors that affect the price. However, apart from all of that, Checkatrade reports that the price range of breeze blocks is around £50 - £65 per m2.
Final thoughts
At last, breeze blocks are the ideal option for you who want both functions and aesthetic aspects for your property. The type is very diverse that you can choose to suit the theme of your home design. Plus, the use of this block also has many benefits, one of them is to the environment. For those of you who are committed to sustainability, there is no other choice than a breeze block.
If you’re interested in knowing more about this kind of topic, visit the College of Contract Management site. The CCM has so many relevant insights you can explore to gain knowledge in the construction material field. Moreover, they also offer online courses if you are keen to pursue a career in the construction sector. You will get an exciting learning experience, with a combination of theory and a practical approach that is beneficial in the real world. So, enrol today and chase your dream career!
