Fence Concepts: Form+Function+Fun
Monday, March 31, 2008 at 07:19PM 
In doing some research for a recent project I found that when it comes to fencing, we all too often default with a standard manufacturer, perpetuating the sameness of our current landscape.
I was specifically searching the internet for "contemporary" fencing manufacturers hoping to stumble upon a company at least a level up from the status quo. What I found rather was company after company selling variations on the same idea, many claiming to be contemporary. Since when was vinyl white picket fence considered contemporary?
At LandscapeRx we always try to push homeowners to think past the "I want what the guy down the street has" mentality and look for more unconventional approaches unique to their home.
So when such a prominent feature such as a 6' privacy fence is needed, why not take the opportunity to make a statement.
Bamboo is a sustainable, durable, and fine textured medium that can be used as a great fence application. Cali-Bamboo, based out of San Diego Ca offers a wide variety of colors and techniques that present a great contemporary alternative to a traditional wood or vinyl fence.
An approach I found interesting take by rosenlof/lucas, a landscape design/build firm based out of the Minneapolis area uses the actual structural system as the artistic expression. The bold, rhythmic pattern of the cedar structure is complimented by corrugated fiberglass panels by Sequentia.
A home owner showcased their fence design on lottaliving.com that exemplifies a great unconventional approach. The fence is made from polycarbonate panels available for Sundance Supply, and the framing by Trex, a fantastic synthetic wood company.
The fence provides a sculptural element to the landscape during the day, and using the polycarbonate panels allows great opportunities for glowing lighting effects at night.
While probably not always an appropriate choice for a residential neighborhood setting, the following images show peculiar concepts for fence material.
Our suggestion, when a fence is needed, put up a few bucks, engage a designer, and have some fun, you'll be glad you did.
We love to hear and see about some cool fences that you've come across.
thanks for reading,
Reader Comments (2)
Great Post. I completely back your pursuit for more interesting and unique fence designs. I own a fence company out of Atlanta Ga, and that is one of the hardest things to do over here on the east side. There are many contemporary designs are estimators try to install in these parts. We go as far as to offer incredible deals ( cost of materials only) to do some off the wall stuff. We currently have a couple blogs about the www.beautifulfences.com that we have installed around atlanta, but are certainly running lower that we would like on the unique fences we have installed in atlanta. IF you ever come across some homeowners that seem to be interested, PLEASE send them my way. I will jump on the opportunity to help. We just built a interesting cedar fence with a built in grill area with the fence line... Cool stuff.. but still not unique. Feel free to get back to me anytime. GREAT BLOG!!
Chris Policastro
Production FenceWorks, Inc.