Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/605424
American Fence Co. of Phoenix, Ariz. recently completed a major enclosure at a sustainable energy research facility in the state. The project was not your average fence job, and to successfully bring it to completion to the satisfaction of the owners took close cooperation among all parties involved, par- ticularly the architect, the contractor and the manu- facturer of the fence, Ultra Aluminum Mfg., Inc. of Howell, Mich. For security reasons, the project owner did not want its name mentioned, nor the specifi c location. The primary purpose of the structure was to pro- vide separation of the property from an adjoining public right-of-way via a combination of 1,500 lin- eal feet of 8 ft. high 9 ga. chain link and decorative screen wall. According to the project narrative, the goal for the screen wall design "is to provide an aesthetical- ly-pleasing, secure perimeter element that recogniz- es the signifi cant investment in technology that [the project owner] has pioneered. It also ties seamlessly Join Us In Nashville For FENCETECH 2016! Stop By And Visit The World Fence News Crew In Booth 524! Full Details On FENCETECH 2016 Included In This Special Edition Starting On Page 8! Celebrating our 31st year of publication • Be sure to visit us online at www.worldfencenews.com DECEMBER 2015 Close cooperation and attention to detail help bring artful fence concept to life into the fencing along the balance of the perimeter, allows drainage to occur, and provides the public with limited views into the site." The design concept was to utilize the iconic "grid" form that is symbolic of solar technology, and also featured on the [project owner's] headquarters building, to allude to the important and interesting research being conducted inside the facility. "By using interpretive materials in forms that communicate natural solar processes, the screen wall can tell a story about harnessing the power of the sun," the narrative stated. "The design will be made up of two contrasting elements – perforated aluminum panels which focus sunlight into interest- ing shadow patterns – and metal trellises which will support living fl owering vines. Together, the mate- rials metaphorically demonstrate the conversion of raw energy from the sun into other useful forms. "The two elements are laid out in alter- nating directions, forming a repeating 'Z' continued on page 86 The fence design is made up of two contrasting elements – perforated aluminum panels which focus sunlight into interesting shadow patterns – and metal trellises which will support living fl owering vines, shown here. (Photos by Julie Foskett / Foskett Creative) Happy Holidays To All Of Our Fencing Friends! General Jackson Downtown Nashville (Photo courtesy Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.)