Fence feature design evolution
With so much creativity going into the cladding on our three homes, it’s not surprising David (our builder) saw an opportunity to enhance the plain, boring, wooden paling fence. Let me show you what happened when the crew took the idea of a fence feature and ran with it.
Fence feature for 23 is practical and decorative.
It all started when David looked at the entrance of 23A from the back deck of 23 before the boundary fence was built. He explained to us that he was wondering how to give both homes more privacy without hemming in everyone with the paling fence equivalent of the Berlin Wall.
That’s when the fence feature idea was born. Give people a distraction which doubles as a privacy screen.
Now a fence feature needn’t be an expensive option. Looking around the site, David found some leftover KlipLok steel cladding that could be used instead of a section of palings. From the pile of reclaimed timber, he took a few odds and ends that didn’t have a specific purpose.
Voila. Painting the palings the Monument colour matches the steel and fades the fence into the background. The oiled timbers stand out as a contrast.
Standing on the deck of 23 is now a completely different view. The eye is drawn to the fence feature in the foreground with the entrance of 23A mostly obscured and very much in the background.
Looking from the other side, residents of 23A have a plain privacy screen. Over time, the indigenous shrubs in the garden will grow to add a splash of green and soften the straight lines.
23A fence feature goes one step further.
As the makers of Mortein would say, “When you’re on a good thing, stick to it!”
The privacy screen for the entrance of 23B was always going to be similar to the 23A prototype.
More leftover KlipLok steel panels plus reclaimed timber provide the necessary height without the structure becoming too imposing.
However, round the back, there’s something different. David thought a few extra timber strips would add colour to both sides. Now two properties share the feature.
I thought putting a variety of reclaimed timber sections on the fence was an obvious link to the wood used to decorate the front entrance on 23B.
Of course, there’s also a connection to the timber strips decorating the carport roof.
Going all out for one more fence feature.
Alright, I admit there wasn’t an issue with screening an entrance at the back of 23B. However, our neighbour has a garden shed near the fence at the back of their yard. Why not use this as an excuse for one more fence feature?
By now, the leftover steel cladding well had run dry. But, there was a section of rusty old steel wall from the original carport. The wall served as part of the temporary site toilet for a couple of years. Rather than take it away for recycling, could we use it for a fence feature? Yes, indeed we could.
To paint or not to paint? Should we stick with the rusty look and allow the panel to weather over time? Nah, the yellow V12 wasn’t a good look. Adding a couple of coats of black paint covered all the imperfections.
Bang on a bunch of oiled house stumps, bearers, joists, etc and there you have it. Another privacy screen that works because the feature is far more interesting than anything behind it.
Sometimes, less is more.
Meanwhile, over on the other boundary fence, there seems to be something missing. Is that a hole in the fence?
No, that’s not an oversight. Before the new boundary fence was erected, we’d discussed ways to share the back garden of 23B with our neighbour Joan. Like us, she doesn’t enjoy looking at long lengths of blank paling fences. That’s what she would get unless we did something unusual.
Our answer was to replace sections of wood palings with wire mesh panels. The mesh is readily available at Bunnings and fits neatly into the standard height fence. The fence contractor was happy to make the switch as long as we provided the mesh. Unfortunately, the wire frames wouldn’t fit in our car. Still, it’s true what they say. You’re never too far from a Bunnings store. In this case, we’re an easy 3km “stroll” from our local. We clicked, collected and then walked them home, much to the amusement of other pedestrians.
One section allows Joan to enjoy the landscaping in our back garden. In time, both sides can admire flowers on the climber she’s planted at the base of the mesh.
Another mesh section is the ideal spot for Joan’s beloved sweet peas. They’re thriving with an open growing space and sunlight on both sides of the climbers. I’m looking forward to the colour and perfume from the sweet pea flowers later this Spring. With her hay fever, Libby might not be as keen on the perfume …
Another positive for the mesh panels is being able to chat with Joan “through” the fence. That’s especially important during the COVID19 lockdown in Victoria.
Fun with fences.
All in all, the quirky privacy screens show what can be done with a bright idea and leftover materials.
Fence features are another thing that makes this development so special to us.
