LANDSCAPING & EXTERNAL WORKS Taking fencing to the next level
John Abernethie of Birkdale looks at how fencing has evolved beyond a functional element to help architects provide increasingly in-demand, attractive outdoor spaces for clients
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utdoor areas are becoming more important for both residential and commercial projects. The health and wellbeing benefits of access to quality outdoor spaces is now well established. Homeowners are expecting more from gardens, viewing them as an important extension of the house. Until recently, fences have been considered to be primarily functional elements, used to create boundaries, provide security and allow privacy. While this is still important, fencing is increasingly a key part of the visual design and used in more varied and innovative ways to bring structure and texture to an outdoor area. As such, the careful selection of fencing, posts and accessories can have a significant impact on the space. Traditionally, there have been limited options when it comes to fencing, with timber and concrete being the two most popular materials for posts, and timber being the most common choice for the panelling itself. The development of galvanised steel posts in a range of colours, alongside other fencing accessories have opened up a number of design opportunities, as well as practical benefits. One of the key trends in recent years has been the blending of different textures and materials. This can be achieved in an outdoor space by combining the natural, traditional appearance of timber panels with the sleek, modern aesthetics of steel posts. Powder-coated steel products also provide an opportunity to create a colour scheme for the fence with matching posts, gate posts, post caps, gravel boards and capping rails.
These accessories will complement the chosen fence panel material and design as well as provide an opportunity to visually link the outdoor spaces to the exterior, or even interior, of the house or building. For example, on-trend colours, such as anthracite – popular for windows, doors, cladding and rainwater systems – can be
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reflected in the fence posts and accessories. In addition, when used innovatively, composite gravel boards can provide an altogether different aesthetic. It is possible to construct the panel sections to the full height of the fence using gravel boards only in a stacked configuration. Selecting boards made from a composite material will ensure a long life,and with the added benefit of a choice of colours. Products designed for this purpose will include features such as a tongue and groove design, creating a solid,
ADF OCTOBER 2021
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