In the world of modern home design, fences are no longer just about marking boundaries. Things have come a long way from the white picket fences of years past! Today’s fences need to do more, for people who expect more.
Contemporary fences are all about combining aesthetics with functionality, providing privacy and security while enhancing the overall look of your property.
In this ten-step guide, we’ll explore the key elements of contemporary fence design and share some inspiring ideas to help you create a striking, functional outdoor fence or wall.
1. Nail the design brief: outline the purpose of your new fence
Before diving into the design stage, clearly define the purpose and requirements of your new fence.
A well-thought-out design brief ensures that your fence not only meets your immediate needs but also enhances your property’s overall appeal and functionality. Now is the time to review any external or Council requirements: will you be affected by height restrictions or other local regulations?
Think carefully about the location of your fence and the subsequent requirements. Front walls and fences may require additional features like noise reduction while conveying a sleek aesthetic. Alternatively, pool fences need different characteristics: look fit-for-purpose, corrosion-resistant materials.
Consider what you want your new fence to achieve: is it primarily for
- Privacy,
- Security,
- Aesthetics, or
- Noise reduction?
If you’re looking for a multi-functional solution, trust ModularWalls, the market-leading supplier of modular noise walls. Our wall and fence solutions provide all of the above – keep reading to discover more.
2. Consider your fence in the wider context of your home and street
When designing your new fence, consider how it fits into the broader context of your home and street.
If you’re installing a new front fence or wall, a well-integrated fence design can enhance street appeal and contribute to a cohesive streetscape.
If you’re looking at a new boundary or dividing fence, think about complementing your home’s architectural style. Think carefully about the materials, colours, and textures that blend seamlessly with your house and neighbouring properties.
By taking a holistic approach, you can ensure that your fence ‘flows’ with the look and feel of your property, creating a welcoming, harmonious outdoor space to enjoy.
3. Installation: will you DIY or call in the professionals?
Now’s the time to choose whether you prefer DIY or Professional installation.
- DIY installation with ModularWalls is easier than you might think. There’s no need for heavy machinery or specialist tools. Installation is fast: so lock in two adults and a spare weekend!
- Professional installation with ModularWalls is a straightforward process. We’ll happily connect you with a recognised installer in your area who can manage the entire installation process – from quoting and ordering materials to installing for you.
4. Opt for privacy, security and proven noise reduction
While aesthetics are important, the primary function of a fence or outdoor wall is to provide privacy and security.
Contemporary fence designs often feature taller structures with minimal gaps to ensure maximum privacy and noise reduction. ModularWalls are sturdy, reliable and non-climbable. Enjoy serious security and privacy with our range of solid wall and fence styles, some of which can reach standard heights of up to 3.0m.
Tested and rated by the National Acoustic Laboratory of Australia, ModularWalls are specifically designed to reduce noise. Whether you hope to reduce traffic noise or the sounds of noisy neighbours, our solutions achieve a 20-25dB noise reduction*.
5. Design for durability
ModularWalls’ premium fence solutions feature composite panel technology that is strong, lightweight and will not rot, warp or corrode.
With minimal maintenance, ModularWalls display amazing rigidity in any situation. The unique post design allows for any future ground movement without affecting the wall’s integrity. Therefore, it is not prone to cracking like other masonry wall materials may do. Not to mention, our 10-year warranty provides additional peace of mind that your contemporary fence design will remain at its best for years to come.
6. Integrate retaining for a sleek, contemporary fence design
Many homeowners are dealing with sloping sites or uneven ground. Happily, gone are the days when homeowners had to settle for unsightly, mismatched retaining walls.
Our revolutionary TerraFirm® technology makes it possible to integrate retaining into a wall or fence design for a seamless look. Not only does this provide a streamlined contemporary aesthetic, but it also maximises the usable space on a block.
“The TerraFirm® system and the TrendWall® system look exactly the same— you cannot tell where one ends and the next one starts. Visually, it’s really consistent, cohesive and beautiful. We have quite a lot of [TerraFirm®] throughout the site and it’s seamless and it was really cost-effective.”
Darren Palmer. https://modularwalls.com.au/blog/contemporary-retaining-wall/
7. Embrace minimalism for contemporary aesthetics
One of the hallmarks of contemporary fence design is its minimalist approach. Clean lines, simple shapes, and a focus on functionality define this style.
The strong geometric nature of ModularWalls makes creating a pared-back look simple. Their monolithic structure gives solid, modern appeal.
If your site is reasonably flat, creating a straight line to draw the eye is simple and provides the illusion of additional space. If working with a sloping site, choose whether you’d prefer a raked or stepped design – each will give a different overall effect.
Left – raked. Right – stepped.
8. Choose serious design versatility
Mixing materials can add depth and interest to your fence design. Combining different textures and finishes, such as timber, aluminium infills, or tiling, creates a visually appealing contrast.
ModularWalls make it easy to customise your wall to convey your style. Choose from various wall finishes to complement your home’s architecture.
9. Play with colours
When it comes to colour, don’t be afraid to experiment with your contemporary fence design! While neutral tones like black, grey, and white are popular choices for a sleek, modern look, adding a pop of colour can make your fence stand out.
Alternatively, on-trend hues like navy, beige, and oyster can create a striking contrast against the natural landscape and make your fence a focal point for your property.
1o. Endless options to customise: all the bells and whistles
With the option to integrate audio and security systems, letterboxes or gates, never before has a fencing solution held so much potential!
Incorporating lighting into your contemporary fence design can transform your outdoor space, creating an inviting atmosphere beyond the daylight hours.
LED lights, solar-powered fixtures, or even built-in lighting strips can be integrated into the fence. Lighting enhances the aesthetic appeal of your space, and can also help to improve safety and security around your property.
Create and construct your ideal contemporary fence design
In conclusion, contemporary fence design is all about blending style, functionality, and innovation.
By prioritising your design brief and considering the broader context of your property, you can create a fence that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home but also offers privacy, security, and noise reduction.
With ModularWalls, the possibilities are endless: it’s easier than ever to achieve the perfect balance of form and function in your outdoor space.
Ready to elevate your outdoor space with a contemporary fence? Start your journey today!
