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Collection by Luke Hopping

Reasons to Love Cinder Blocks

Cinder blocks have a bum rap as a crude material, but we argue they're just misunderstood.

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The nightstands were fashioned from concrete blocks that were rescued from the street outside the building. Photo by Alan Gastelum.
The nightstands were fashioned from concrete blocks that were rescued from the street outside the building. Photo by Alan Gastelum.
The dining area features a distinctive cinder block fireplace. Molded plastic side chairs are arranged around a Segmented Base table, all by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. The space is illuminated by a Saucer pendant lamp by George Nelson from Modernica.
The dining area features a distinctive cinder block fireplace. Molded plastic side chairs are arranged around a Segmented Base table, all by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. The space is illuminated by a Saucer pendant lamp by George Nelson from Modernica.
In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Ivy softens the hard edges of the cinder-block structure. Photo by: Roy Zipstein
In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Ivy softens the hard edges of the cinder-block structure. Photo by: Roy Zipstein
Originally dating to the 1970s, Hotel Carlota was revamped by JSa Arquitectura and completed in 2015. As part of the renovation, a pool became the focal point of the courtyard, and its modernized, streamlined design makes a dramatic statement.
Originally dating to the 1970s, Hotel Carlota was revamped by JSa Arquitectura and completed in 2015. As part of the renovation, a pool became the focal point of the courtyard, and its modernized, streamlined design makes a dramatic statement.