Curved and angular installations: beyond the straight line

In most gate and fencing projects, one basic assumption is made: the fence line is straight and the gate is simply a segment within it. This approach largely results from the technical limitations of traditional solutions such as sliding or swing gates. In practice, this often means that architecture must adapt to the mechanics of the gate.

With retractable gate systems such as FANCY FENCE, the starting point is different. Thanks to the vertical movement of the gate panel, there is no need to reserve space for a sliding track or the opening radius of gate leaves. The gate retracts vertically into the ground, creating entirely new possibilities for designing the line of a fence.

This feature allows a vertical retractable gate system to follow more complex site geometries, including both curved lines and angular transitions. As a result, the boundary of a property can be designed according to the logic of the landscape and architecture, rather than being dictated by the limitations of the gate mechanism.

Modular panel configuration for curves and angles

The key characteristic that enables curved and angular installations is the modular construction of the panels. In the FANCY FENCE system, individual fence sections can be combined in different configurations, forming both straight segments and more complex layouts.

In practice this means:

• panels can create broken lines that follow the property boundary

• gentle curves can be designed

• individual sections can be positioned at different angles

• the system can adapt to existing landscape architecture

This approach allows architects to treat a modern fence not merely as a technical component but as part of the spatial composition. The fence can follow the driveway line, the garden boundary or the geometry of the street, maintaining consistency with the overall design.

A good example of this approach is a project in France where the gate was installed at a 90-degree angle relative to the rest of the fence.

Minimum achievable radius

In curved installations, one of the most common design questions concerns the minimum achievable radius that still allows the system to function properly and maintain a coherent visual appearance.

There is no single universal value because the minimum radius depends on several factors:

• the width of the panels

• the way they are connected below ground

• the geometry of the concrete vault

• the rhythm of the vertical fence elements

• the architectural requirements of the project

For this reason, curved installations are not catalogue solutions but the result of individual engineering calculations and design coordination.

In practice this means that retractable garden gates can be designed to naturally follow the geometry of the fence line rather than forcing the site into a predetermined shape.

A detailed example of this concept is described in the article about the curved FANCY FENCE installation in Melbourne, where the first Banana Gate was developed.

Coordination with landscape design

One of the greatest advantages of vertical retractable gates is their ability to integrate with landscape design.

With traditional gates, fencing often forces changes in the layout of pathways, driveways or planting areas. With retractable gate systems, the situation is different. Because the gate does not require additional operating space, it can be designed as a secondary element that adapts to the landscape composition.

This makes it possible to:

• preserve natural garden lines

• adapt the fence to existing vegetation

• design fences that follow curves or irregular property boundaries

• maintain consistency between the architecture of the house and the garden layout

This approach is particularly valuable in residential projects and in landscape architecture where spatial composition and detail are critical.

Another example of an angular configuration can be found in a FANCY FENCE installation in France, where the gate was designed at a 90-degree angle to match the geometry of the entrance area.

Cost considerations for non-linear installations

Curved and angular installations require greater design involvement than standard straight sections. This is mainly due to the need for individual engineering calculations and the adaptation of structural components.

The main factors affecting cost include:

• preparation of custom technical drawings

• adapting the concrete vault structure to the fence geometry

• rolling or individually shaping steel structural elements

• coordinating the installation with paving and drainage

In high-quality architectural projects, however, this additional stage is not considered a complication but rather a necessary step to preserve the integrity of the design.

New possibilities in fence design

The possibility of designing fences as curves or broken lines changes the way architects can approach property boundaries. Instead of treating a fence as a rigid element that imposes geometry on the space, it can be designed as a natural extension of architecture and landscape.

In this context, a vertical retractable gate system becomes not only a technical solution but also a design tool. It allows fences to follow the logic of the site rather than restricting it to straight lines.

As a result, retractable gate systems open new possibilities in contemporary fence design, both in private residential environments and in landscape projects with more complex geometries.

Project examples

Australia – Melbourne The first curved FANCY FENCE installation, known as the Banana Gate, was developed for a property located at the rounded end of a cul-de-sac. The structure was designed to follow the natural curvature of the property line.  

France – 90° angular installation

In a project in France, the gate was installed at a right angle relative to the rest of the fence. This configuration allowed the gate to match the geometry of the entrance and the surrounding spatial layout.