Context

St Augustine's Place is a major new-build development located to the east of Herne Bay in Kent. The project comprises 900 homes, including 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-bedroom configurations. Carefully planned to integrate modern, energy-efficient housing with landscaped public areas including woodland, habitat ponds, allotments, play areas and community facilities.

The developer's vision for St Augustines place was to deliver a thriving sustainable community; a place that would appeal to families, commuters and environmentally-minded residents. The fences and railings needed to reinforce this sense of quality and cohesion.

Challenge

Aesthetic coherence and appeal

Fencing needed to complement the contemporary architectural style of the homes clean, modern lines, blending brick, wood and landscaped greenery without appearing intrusive or utilitarian.

Durability and low maintenance

The seaside location near Herne Bay meant materials would need to resist corrosion. Homebuyers expect minimal upkeep, so fencing needed to retain its appearance for years to come with minimal intervention.

Safety and demarcation

Shared open spaces, pathways, playgrounds and parking required clear but subtle demarcation, delineating space without dominating sight lines.

Efficient installation

Installation needed to be fast, minimally disruptive to landscaping and avoid site welding or other tail-end works that might continue after roadways and gardens were completed.

Community reassurance and compliance

Nearby residents required assurance that infrastructure works wouldn't impose visual nuisance or maintenance costs. Fencing had to comply with local authority's expectations for quality and public benefit.

Solution

Jacksons manufactured and supplied a thoughtfully specified system of steel estate railings in pre-fabricated panels, hot dip galvanised and powder-coated black to meet all project criteria.

Each railing panel is created from tubular steel, fully welded, then hot-dip galvanised to protect against rust. An architectural-grade black powder coating adds both visual elegance and extra protection.

Panels came ready-assembled with consistent build quality, eliminating on-site welding entirely. Concealed fixings between post and panel allowed seamless continuity with no visible bolts or unsightly joins. This reduced installation time and risk, and allowed landscaping and pathways to be completed independently.

The metal railings neatly frame front gardens, paths and communal green areas without dominating the view. The sleek black finish complements facades and greenery alike.

With galvanisation and powder coating, the railings require virtually no ongoing maintenance - no painting, staining or rust treatment, and are backed with a 25-year service life guarantee.

Result

Residents have a perimeter and boundary solution that will withstand the environment with no further painting or rust treatment throughout its lifetime - meeting modern expectations for hassle-free homeownership.