Material Freedom: Customising Retractable Gates to Match Any Architecture

The mechanism of a gate hidden in the ground is always the same: the panel descends vertically into a reinforced concrete cassette and disappears below ground level. The chosen material does not affect the operating principle, the cassette dimensions or the installation method. The selection can therefore be guided entirely by aesthetics: the architecture of the building, the driveway surface, the surroundings of the plot. The choice of infill is an important design decision, so it is worth giving it proper thought.

Material portfolio

A customizable modular fence system gives the architect several categories of infills that can be matched to a specific project.

Stainless steel and aluminium are among the most frequently chosen options. Metal retractable gates pair well with the majority of contemporary facades. Aluminium looks similar while being lighter, which can be beneficial with wider sections. The aesthetic of both materials is neutral, which is why they work across many types of development. Stainless steel performs well where the fence is particularly exposed to harmful factors, such as contact with water, chlorine or de-icing agents. Many architects therefore choose steel profiles when designing barriers around swimming pools or in public spaces.

Corten steel panels suit properties with an industrial character. The fence acquires a distinctive, raw appearance as it develops a patina resembling rust. Paradoxically, this coating increases durability, allowing the panels to last decades without painting or time-consuming maintenance. This type of gate fits projects where concrete and brick play the leading role. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that during the patination stage Corten steel can stain light-coloured surfaces. This should be taken into account when designing the entrance zone.

One of the more distinctive materials is tempered glass. Thanks to its transparency, it works well where visibility needs to be preserved, for example in residences overlooking beautiful landscapes. Glass panels remain a physical boundary and provide access control, but they are not a visual barrier.

HPL panels and sintered quartz produce an effect similar to stone, timber or concrete, but in the form of lightweight, moisture-resistant boards. Their advantage is a repeatable pattern and less demanding maintenance. For an architect who wants to reference a facade finished in sintered quartz, this is a way to maintain project consistency and achieve a modern fence design.

Timber remains an option for projects where the natural quality of the material is a priority, although it requires periodic maintenance, especially in conditions of high humidity.

Custom options for individual projects

The FANCY FENCE system also allows materials supplied directly by the investor to be used. You can therefore perfectly match the fence to the facade, the terrace surface or the window joinery.

Beyond the material itself, the architect also decides on infill density (from 100 mm spacing through semi-solid variants to solid panels), the angle of the profiles and the course of the fence line. A customizable modular fence system offers possibilities that traditional solutions simply do not: you can combine straight sections with segments running along curves or create a broken line.

Indicative cost comparison of infills

The infill material affects the final cost of the system, although the mechanism and cassette remain the same. Aluminium is often the most affordable option. Corten, HPL and sintered quartz fall in the mid-range. Tempered glass and stainless steel tend to be more expensive, but they deliver benefits that other options cannot: transparency or resistance to chemical substances.

Specific costs depend on the configuration, dimensions and location of the project. The free 3D configurator allows you to compare variants and obtain a quote from us.

Regardless of whether the project calls for raw Corten steel, transparent glass or sintered quartz matched to the facade, the mechanism remains the same. Only what is visible changes. It is precisely this freedom that allows the fence to become a natural part of the architecture rather than a compromise forced by technical constraints.