Outdoor and Summer Spaces: Living with the Lattice Block

Summer spaces are often about small shifts rather than grand gestures. A place to pause, to sit in the shade, to let air move through while the day warms up. In outdoor living areas, design choices shape how people move, rest, and gather, often without drawing attention to themselves. Klay’s Lattice Block works within this way of living, offering structure without closing things in.

Used in screens and semi-enclosed outdoor areas, the fired clay Lattice Block allows light and breeze to filter through while still creating a sense of privacy. Its terracotta finish brings warmth and texture, sitting easily alongside timber, greenery, and natural stone. As the seasons change, the material softens visually, becoming part of the landscape rather than standing apart from it.

These qualities are clearly expressed in the outdoor and wellness centre designed by Sharne Bloem and Team Mahali. The space moves away from straight lines and formal layouts, instead embracing organic shapes and gentle curves that encourage slower movement and rest. The Lattice installation follows these curves, requiring careful planning and a level of precision beyond a standard application.

The lattice traces the contour of a Japanese Cedar bench, forming a terracotta backdrop that supports the seating area without drawing focus away from it. The curve provides a sense of enclosure for users while remaining open to light and breeze, an approach well suited to summer use. Rather than acting as a decorative feature, the Lattice functions as part of the spatial structure, helping define an outdoor zone that is comfortable, durable, and quietly considered.

In summer settings, materials need to work quietly in the background, supporting comfort and ease. This project shows how a simple clay block, applied with restraint and attention, can help shape outdoor spaces that feel calm, usable, and grounded in everyday living.

For those interested in the process behind the build, progress updates from site are shared regularly by the team. Ongoing glimpses into the project can be followed on Team Mahali’s page @teammahali, along with material-focused updates from Klay at @klaysouthafrica.