Semblance's debut product melds audio with the visual and tactile appeals of decorative masonry units known as breeze blocks. In terms of stereo performance, this piece is ideal for small to medium sized rooms, functioning either by bluetooth or auxiliary cord inputs. Breeze block's acoustic performance benefits from the high density and dampening qualities of concrete.

Design Team

Benno Schmidt, Jacob Boyd

Development of grille pattern in CAD.

Detail of interface.

Close up of original pattern.

Street in Montreal, Quebec on which the original pattern was found.

My colleague and I are debuting the "breeze block", a speaker system we designed. We are graduating students of Carleton University's industrial design program. This design and others will be released under our company named semblance.

The stereo's outward appearance and material are adopted from the hollowed concrete building blocks the sound system is named after. Breeze, or screen blocks, are building elements heavily used in mid-century modern landscaping designs, often associated with Palm Springs, California. Our chosen pattern was found in the streets of Montreal, Canada. The style is quintessential of MCM breeze blocks, possessing four way symmetry, simple geometric shapes, and pointed corners. In the centre of the motif, a hollow circle is ideal to house a round audio driver.

The choice of concrete is not only for appearance and tactility, as the material's density and dampening qualities reduce unwanted vibrations. Inside, two 3.5 inch drivers deliver clear mid-range frequencies while rear facing bass ports boost the low end. A minimal but tactile interface with bluetooth and auxiliary inputs lies on a recessed backplate. This concealment is part of an intentional effect that from certain views means the breeze block appears to no longer be a sound system, but rather a decorative concrete block. In use, the weight, texture, and nostalgic pattern of the breeze block creates an impression of stillness. This feeling is aligned with our intent for the breeze block to last, reflected in quality components, material and design for repairability.

More pictures & information can be found in this WeTransfer folder: https://we.tl/t-TYAukjEtJq , and our instagram is @semblance.ca . All content used is our own.

Best, and thanks for your consideration, feel free to contact me @

jacob@semblance.ca

Jacob Boyd

Learn More About This Projectx