The Breeze Block Book by Sam Marshall and Brickworks + Giveaway!

Delving into the history, vast functionality and revived uptake of one of Australia’s most iconic building materials, Brickworks Building Products presents The Breeze Block Book. The curated coffee table tome explores the past, present and future of the Breeze Block, featuring worldwide projects from the likes of Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron, Japanese designer Shigeru Ban, and Mexican architect Frida Escobedo.

You may have thought this would be a niche fixation, but architect Sam Marshall has proven otherwise, amassing thousands of followers on his @breezeblockhead Instagram account dedicated to showcasing the material. Marshall gave editorial direction for the book, conceiving it as both a survey and commemoration of contemporary Breeze Block architecture.

“This book is not exclusively focused on the unit of the Breeze Block itself or its pattern-making possibilities but widens its gaze to take into account what the material makes possible, architecturally,” he says.

The Breeze Block’s ability to transcend through time, and in particular its recent resurgence reflects an appreciation for the endurance and diversity of the humble concrete block. Beyond those with a nostalgic love for mid-century modernist design, contemporary designers are re-discovering and re-appropriating the qualities that made the Breeze Block popular in the first place.

“Simple, industrial, abstract, trendy– ultimately, they are a material for the expression of human creativity and cultural complexity… Breeze blocks are fraught filigree. Their newness now old, their lightness now weighted with culture,” says contributor David Hassle.

In today’s architectural climate, concerns about the environmental impact of air-conditioning and heating systems are seeing architects turn back toward simpler design solutions in creating ‘buildings that breathe’. Aided by 21st century digital and robotic design tools, complex new iterations of the Breeze Block both regulate temperature whilst heightening aesthetics.

“I hope as this book shows, its real value lies in its ongoing contribution to buildings, which offers a hopeful vision for architecture moving forward,” says Marshall.

The Breeze Block Book retails for $65. The first print run is currently sold out, with pre-order available for September 2019.

Related: Bricks Decoded: Easy, Breezy, Beautiful Breeze Block.

For your chance to win one of TEN copies of ‘The Breeze Block Book’, simply fill out the form below and make sure you’re subscribed to our Daily Email and/or Weekly Love Letter. Entries close at 11:59pm (AEST) on Friday 9th August. Ten lucky winners living in Australia will be selected and notified by email.

Please refer to the terms & conditions page for everything you need to know about this giveaway. Good luck!

Entry to 'The Breeze Block Book' giveaway has now closed. Thank you for your interest.

[Images courtesy of Brickworks. Photography by George Staniland.]