For a new boardwalk along the Wānaka lakefront, fencing from Urban Group provides safety and style while complementing the outstanding beauty of the natural landscape.

The boardwalk is part of a multi-stage lakeshore redevelopment by Reset Urban Design. "That particular stage was in a pretty rugged wilderness area, so nobody really used it," says architect Linda Joll from Reset. "Now, the integration of a boardwalk means everybody can enjoy access to the lakefront."

Sturdy balustrading for safety

Reset provided concept design and worked closely with Urban Group on product selection, specifying aluminium Premier panels for 320m of boardwalk balustrading, and Assure fencing for an additional 200m dual-use cycleway. Blakely Construction provided the PS1 producer statement for building consent and completed the installation.

"Where the boardwalk was constructed is a sensitive ecological area," says Blakely Construction project manager Dan Williams, "and it was a complex job to ensure minimal intrusion on the land while getting all the necessary heights and angles for the raised boardwalk."

With raking up to 22 degrees, Premier panels easily allow for changes in height, and provide protection on the lake side of the boardwalk for pedestrians, wheelchairs and strollers. "The balustrading is set for safety standards," says Joll. "People are negotiating different levels of boardwalk that drop down to the water’s edge, and we have to prevent them from falling."

Complementing the natural landscape

Because of the location, the project’s design required that it sit lightly on the land in terms of both ecology and aesthetics. "The balustrading needed to be as minimal and open as possible so pedestrians and cyclists could enjoy the view," says Williams.

Premier’s rugged aluminium construction combines with its clean lines to create a strong yet subtle profile to blend in with any environment. Here, powdercoated in Satin Black, the Premier balustrading does its job without detracting from the natural beauty of the Wanaka location.

"The result is very simple, very open, very light on the landscape," says Joll. "We’ve used Urban Group’s products before and been very happy with the performance — they have proved to be strong and durable, and the powdercoating is great quality."