Terracotta clay pipe can be used to create stunning architectural details in custom Spanish homes and accessory structures. As a Santa Barbara home designer, here are a few unexpected ways these humble components can transform your project design.
I’ll start with a site visit to a historic 1930s Santa Barbara style pool cabana. A stacked terracotta clay pipe privacy wall is the focal point on the south side of the structure.
Other photo examples to share. A special pool shed, a “doghouse chimney” detail and a link to how to install clay attic vents.
Listen to Jeff Doubét Share More
Listen as I describe my project visit to this fascinating historic structure.
CLICK [+] to Read Transcript & Translate
“Hey guys, today I wanted to share outdoor Spanish shower enclosure privacy wall ideas and photos to help you imagine the possibilities for your own outdoor living spaces. Since 2003, I have been specializing in Spanish homes and landscape designs here in Santa Barbara, as well as clients in Montecito.
And one of the perennial client wish list items that come up are outdoor showers, and I’ve designed many of those. Some are as simple as wood enclosed structures that have doors on them, and nice handmade wrought iron hinges and door latches and that sort of thing.
Maybe exposed copper pipes that could be pulled from the wall, you know… like if there’s a bathroom on the other side it’s easy for a plumber to open up the wall and put that exposed plumbing that gets a nice patina on it, and such.
Also, we’ve done simple plaster walls that attach to the house, but do an “L” shape for that privacy. But today, I wanted to share with you this project. I actually wrote about it in several pages of my book, and show bigger pictures, photos and even designs for how the client was asking for embellishment ideas for an existing pool cabana.
And in these photos, this is the far end of that pool cabana- and it’s just the coolest thing. I mean the terra-cotta clay pipes they were designed, probably… I’m guessing this structure was designed in the 30s? possibly the 40s. We never did figure out who the architect was, and when this structure was actually built.
But here nor there, I thought I would show you ideas that you might be able to put into your own project. So through this arched passageway is the outdoor shower. Most of its enclosed, but there’s still this clay pipe see-through thing. You know, like if you were in the shower, walking into the shower… you would be walking past a view out into the to the yard.
I wanted to share these photos just for the pure pleasure of showing you a unique way of doing a privacy wall. It doesn’t have to be a pool cabana. It could be just a simple wall with a bunch of clay pipes in it. So, I’ll keep it short… I’m gonna, once I get some more time- I’ll upload some additional photos to this page.
You know it takes time, and I’ve got a lot on my schedule. But if you’re not in to Spanish shower enclosures, by all means snoop around on the website. Go up into my keyword search bar and type in Spanish sheds, architectural details… whatever- and hopefully you’ll find more inspiring things. Good luck with your project, and hope for you to come back soon”—Jeff Doubet, September 7, 2025
Make a Spanish Privacy Wall with Stacked Clay Pipe: Photo Inspiration
These photo examples showcase how a stacked clay pipe wall was built into a 1930s pool cabana structure.
Consider using clay drain pipe to build a decorative feature in any Spanish-style structure. They provide visual interest to a blank wall. Create interesting garden walls, privacy walls, outdoor shower walls, etc.
Clay pipe details provide charm to an otherwise boring wall. And you still retain the feeling of being outdoors. For this structure, the little arched opening is an entry point to an open air hallway leading to a semi-outdoor shower room.
Look at the wonderful shadows and textures that are created when building with terra-cotta clay pipe.
More Ways to Incorporate Clay Pipe into Santa Barbara Spanish Architecture
Spanish clay drain pipes are one of my favorite “cheap materials” that can be repurposed and designed as decorative elements in my Spanish-style home designs.
When I designed this Spanish pool shed project, I thought it would be cool to stack clay pipe to make a decorative and functional air vent.
We bought several 12″ long terra cotta clay pipes, and the Artisan builders cut them in half using a tile saw. Then, those half pipes were cut into 4″ wide pieces.
The 4″ pieces of pipe were glued in place with special adhesive as they were stacked.
Here is a Spanish doghouse chimney I designed. Another example of how you can incorporate clay pipe into a Spanish home design. See how this stacked clay pipe project has similar shadows and textures as the other projects above?
Check out the link to learn more about custom Spanish chimney designs and how they are being built in Santa Barbara, CA.
Another popular way to use clay pipe in Santa Barbara Spanish-style architecture is for decorative (and functional) attic venting. Check out 20+ Spanish clay vent installation photos and learn about steps and techniques carpenters and stucco plasterers use to accomplish these projects.