Metal Fencing For Retirement Homes

Solution

Metal Railings That Support Safety and Comfort

For this project, to meet the requirements for safety, accessibility, and aesthetics, approximately 36 metres of Barbican Imperial^® steel paling fencing at a height of 1.25 metres was installed, along with matching single-leaf swing gates. This choice provided a strong physical barrier without compromising the welcoming atmosphere of the retirement community, ensuring residents felt safe while maintaining the open, landscaped feel of the grounds.

The Barbican Imperial^® design features a classic pale-through-rail construction, offering strength without the harsh look often associated with security fencing

Its smooth, rounded pales are particularly important in care home environments, where residents may hold onto the fence for support as they move along pathways. Unlike timber fencing, metal construction eliminates the risk of splinters, ensuring a safer solution. Additionally, the pales that extend above the top rail create a natural handhold, further enhancing accessibility and comfort. Finished in a powder coated black, the fence complements the architectural style of Wellesley Court and blends seamlessly with landscaped areas, achieving a balance of safety, practicality, and aesthetics.

The gates were fitted with padlockable latches positioned for easy access, ensuring usability for residents and staff, including those using wheelchairs. Barbican Imperial^® fencing offers the option of decorative finials and post tops for more prestigious applications, though Wellesley Court opted for a clean, minimalist design without these additions.

Choosing Barbican Imperial^® for Long-Term Performance

Investing in high quality fencing is essential for long term performance and cost control. Inferior materials, such as untreated timber or ungalvanised steel, deteriorate quickly, leading to frequent replacements that disrupt residents and increase maintenance costs. By choosing a durable solution like Barbican Imperial^® metal fencing, which comes with a 25 year guarantee, Wellesley Court ensures reduced long term expenses and minimises stress for both staff and residents. 

Maintaining Visibility and Openness

An important consideration in the fence installation was maintaining visibility for residents. The railings positioned around windows were carefully designed to ensure that views remain unobstructed, which is essential in environments where many individuals spend a significant amount of time indoors. Preserving sightlines to gardens and outdoor spaces not only enhances natural light and visual connection with nature but also supports wellbeing and a sense of openness, avoiding any feeling of confinement. High visibility also increases safety, as residents can quickly alert staff using the orange cord if they notice any potential danger outside, ensuring peace of mind and a proactive approach to security.

Additional  Benefits of Thoughtful Design

As an added benefit, the chosen fencing solution also supported environmental considerations. Its design allows small wildlife, such as hedgehogs, to move freely through the grounds, helping maintain local biodiversity. This thoughtful approach ensured that practical needs were met while enhancing the overall harmony of the outdoor space.

Beyond security, the fencing serves a practical role in guiding residents along designated paths and discouraging access to grassed areas and gardens, helping maintain the grounds without imposing restrictions. As an added benefit, the pale spacing allows small wildlife such as hedgehogs to move freely, supporting local biodiversity. This thoughtful approach demonstrates how a well-chosen fencing solution can enhance safety, accessibility, and environmental harmony without compromising on aesthetics.

Other Fencing Options for Retirement Living

When planning fencing for retirement living environments, certain options are generally recommended to balance safety, aesthetics, and practicality. Vertical bar or railing systems are often preferred for perimeter security because they look welcoming while being difficult to climb. For areas requiring privacy and security, EuroGuard Combi combines steel panels with timber slats for effective concealment. Timber acoustic barriers are ideal for reducing noise near generators or busy roads, while decorative railings such as Bow Top or Sentry work well for car parks and guiding visitors. These choices reflect the need for security without compromising the sense of openness and comfort that residents value.

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