Non-naff Concrete Walling Blocks

[Homesunderthehammer27]

We're looking to create a wall to a small courtyard - but, to let light in, it needs to be non-solid. Ideally I'd have laser cut stainless steel panels but they would be a bit too expensive.

We've been looking at laying bricks in some kind of honeycomb effect with gaps and people keep asking if we mean those concrete blocks from the 70's. The only thing is that I think they look really dated but the concept itself is perfect.

There are some interesting designs that I've found on Pinterest, that look maybe Middle Eastern, but I can't find anything that I can buy. Has anybody come across some lovely designs to buy in the UK?

[BubblesBuddy]

Most stylish gardens use Venetian panels sold by companies such as Jackson’s. The concrete looks really dated and you really need to use it with a house of the same age. Your photos were like looking down memory lane. I didn’t see any at Chelsea.

[wowfudge]

In the right setting and painted white, those designs look pretty cool OP. Try here for starters.

[Homesunderthehammer27]

I've not seen Venetian Panels before BubblesBuddy, and I'd discounted wood, but I might explore that a bit further. It's certainly a more budget friendly option till we recover a bit after paying for the extension (she says, wincing at the cost of a balanced flue gas fire)

Thanks for the link wowfudge. It's a very limited range that seems to be offered in the UK. Of the pictures I posted, I like the first round one most. Looking at it again, I could imagine it in a Californian garden.

[wowfudge]

A lot of the photos on Pinterest are of original 60s and 70s walls in places like Palm Springs and these things have been out of fashion although they are enjoying a resurgence apparently.

[Homesunderthehammer27]

So if I went for them, I'd be at the vanguard of a revival? The UK ones still don't do it for me. I wonder how much it would cost to import from the US.....

Actually, there's a concrete paving company close to us who I know have cast products for customers. I wonder if they would do a custom mould and make the blocks. It would probably cost less to have the stainless steel laser cut though.

[wowfudge]

If you had a mould you could probably cast your own......

[Homesunderthehammer27]

That would involve work wow. I don't want them that much

[SockMatchmaker]

There’s a mumsnetter who sells garden screens (I remember the thread where she asked for name ideas for her business) I love her stuff and have plans to buy some when in my new home. Not concrete but they look lovely and no or low maintenance I think.

www.screenwithenvy.co.uk/?ref=StoreYa&utm_source=stry&utm_medium=trafb&utm_campaign=storeya2&utm_term=kwd-455493356818

[Homesunderthehammer27]

Sock They are fabulous. Just going to do some measuring up now! 😀

[BubblesBuddy]

I think there are always a few people who like to revive trends from the past, but mostly they don’t sit well with houses here because we are not hot and sunny. They stain and, at worst, disintegrate. Venetian slats are used in very many smart gardens!

[wowfudge]

Are you on commission Bubbles?

[Mosaic123]

They are truly beautiful. I've bookmarked the link for a future project.