Breezeblock is popular in tropical countries such as Indonesia. Apart from being a decoration, various types of breezeblocks also has many useful functions for its users. Interestingly, each country has their own way of making and using them. Here are five examples of breezeblocks from countries around the world.

1. Japan

Example of sudare (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Japan is a country that has the technology to block the sun since long ago. The screen is known as sudare. Since the seventh and eighth centuries, sudare has been widely used to block out sunlight and cast shadows into rooms. In addition, Sudare also has another important function, namely ventilation. Sudare is similar to bamboo blinds or bamboo curtains in Indonesia. Its use is also similar, by hanging it on a door or window. So, if you don’t want to use sudare, you can fold or roll it.

2. Brazil

The original Brazilian roster is called cobogó. The manufacture of cobogó began in 1920. The reason was that the engineers at that time felt the need for building materials that had important functions for a tropical country. The functions are to block out some of the sun’s rays and also ventilation. Thus, they created cobogó out of concrete and brick. Over time, other materials were also used. For example, ceramics.

3. India

Example of jali (Source: Carol Mitchell via Flickr)

Jali or jaali is a part of Indian architecture since the eleventh century. Jali itself has the basic material of stone. Then, manufacturing process is by giving holes in the stone and sculpting its shape. The designs used originally came from calligraphy and geometric shapes. However, technological developments allow carvings inspired by plants. In addition, other materials such as wood are also popular. The use of jali is common in Hoysala architecture, which is the typical Hindu architecture of the Hoysala Kingdom.

4. Arab countries

Wooden structures that have beautifully patterned holes are in muxarabi or mashrabiya. It is a room that has said wooden decoration. Like breezeblocks, mashrabiya has many functions. Among them are as ventilation, as well as providing a shade from the sun. In addition, it also provides some amount of privacy for the occupants of the room.

5. United States

Example of breeze block (Source: AMCSviatko via Flickr)

Breeze block in America is based on or inspired by the cobogó. This breeze block was popular from around 1950 to 1970. There are various kinds of breeze block installations. Among them are on the terrace, balcony, or stairs. Its function is to provide privacy for residents of the house, but also keeping the room or hallway cool.

Those are various breezeblocks from around the world. It shows that breezeblocks has multiple benefits that is very useful for people around the globe.