Celosta / Terrace privacy screens and shading with breeze blocks
Terrace privacy screens and shading with breeze blocks
A built screen of ceramic breeze blocks at the edge of a terrace or in front of a window works as a fixed sun screen. It blocks direct sun, lets diffused light and air through and gives the house a strong texture. For outdoor use we only offer models whose manufacturer declares frost resistance.
VisualisationHow a breeze block provides shade
A perforated fired clay wall works like a grille with depth. When the sun shines from the side or from above, direct rays fall on the inner faces of the openings, and mainly diffused light passes into the space behind the screen. Seen straight on, the wall is more transparent; seen at an angle, it closes. We know this principle from traditional Mediterranean architecture, where breeze blocks shaded courtyards and loggias.
The degree of shading depends on the size of the openings and the depth of the block. The cross through the whole block of Andalúzia CC 3 creates a strong shadow, while the single large opening of Andalúzia CC 1 lets in the most light.
Fired clay heats up in the sun more slowly than metal louvres and radiates heat evenly. The screen has no moving parts and needs no maintenance or electricity.
Terrace screens, facades and balustrades
On a facade, breeze blocks are built as a free-standing screen wall in front of windows, a loggia or a staircase. The screen protects the interior from overheating and from views from the street. On a terrace it closes off the side against wind and neighbours; by a pergola or on a balcony it serves as balustrade infill. Unlike a fabric sail or a bamboo screen, a built screen is permanent and does not need taking down for winter.
For balustrades and screen walls on a facade, anchoring to the load-bearing structure and fall protection must be considered. The anchoring design, balustrade height and structural design should be assessed by an architect or a structural engineer.
VisualisationSuitable models for shading
Only models labelled Outdoor / Indoor belong outside. Hand-moulded Andalúzia CC blocks are 8 cm deep and come with additional formats for bands and lintels, such as the horizontal Andalúzia CC 6. The Italian Benátsko builds continuous patterns that stand out on a larger facade area, for example the hexagons of Benátsko 5 or the interlaced ovals of Benátsko 2. Emília-Romagna also comes in a white glaze, and Lombardia offers large hand-moulded blocks with a quatrefoil.
Visualisation
Andalúzia CC 3
A cross across the whole block, strong shadow.
20 × 20 × 8 cm, 23 pcs per m²
Signature
Andalúzia CC 1
One large opening, the most light and air.
20 × 20 × 8 cm, 23 pcs per m²
Signature
Benátsko 5
An open trapezoid that forms hexagons in a wall.
27 × 12 × 7 cm, 31 pcs per m²
Premium
Benátsko 2
Interlaced arcs that form ovals in a wall.
29 × 14 × 7 cm, 25 pcs per m²
Premium
Emília-Romagna 1
A small piece with sixteen square holes.
12 × 12 × 6 cm, 64 pcs per m²
Premium
Lombardia 2
A solid piece with a quatrefoil and cut-out edges.
27 × 27 × 7.5 cm, 14 pcs per m²
Premium
Indicative price per m²
Prices are indicative, per m² incl. VAT, excluding transport. The Essential line is intended for indoor use and is not suitable for outdoor shading. We explain how to choose breeze blocks for frost in the article Frost resistance of ceramics.
- Signature: €125–310 per m², for example Andalúzia CC and the Morava fence blocks.
- Premium: over €310 per m², for example Benátsko, Emília-Romagna and Lombardia.
Frequently asked questions
How much light does a breeze block shading wall let through?
It depends on the size of the openings, the depth of the block and the angle of the sun. For a specific facade we will prepare a visualisation with real shadows.
Can breeze blocks be part of a balustrade?
Yes, as infill. The anchoring, height and fall protection of the balustrade must be designed by an architect or a structural engineer.
Do breeze blocks on a facade need painting or sealing?
Fired clay needs no paint; its colour runs through the whole block. We only recommend sealing where it makes sense, for example for absorbent terracotta in an exposed spot.
Which breeze blocks are suitable for a facade?
Only models labelled Outdoor / Indoor, for which the manufacturer declares frost resistance, for example Andalúzia CC, Benátsko, Emília-Romagna and Lombardia.
Designing a facade or terrace?
Send us a drawing or a photo. We will prepare a shading visualisation and a quote with the number of blocks.
Request a quote