our projects
Issue: A suburban property in need of a front fence
Client: Simon and Naomi May, Coburg
Outcome: A bespoke fence that is beautiful and functional
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The challenge? Create a fence that is beautiful, low-cost and with reclaimed material. The solution? Upcycle the inner springs from discarded mattresses.
Industrial designer Simon and partner Naomi were all for experimenting and loved the idea. Innovation required that we start from scratch. We worked together, combining our knowledge and expertise in materials and design.
We established how the ground would be prepared and selected plants appropriate for the soil type - maidenhair creeper - for planting by Naomi and family.
We also needed to find five metres of timber to build the infills and gates. In a front yard not far away, was what looked like surplus timber. When we asked for permission, the owner allowed us to take as much as we wanted – but we only took what we needed, leaving some for the next person.
90 x 90mm galvanised metal posts and star pickets were chosen as the fence vertical supports. And we disassembled and de-nailed shipping pallets to clad the three gates.
Third step: Building
Simon devised a very simple clip from bracing strap (a standard building product that comes in a roll) to attach the innersprings. The look was very professional but based on the idea that anyone can make one. Here’s how…
As we started to build the fence, there were many complements from passers-by. The construction looked seamless, but this is because we spent so much time on the initial design.
We are very pleased with the outcome. Over time, the creeper will grow up and through the mattress springs, providing more privacy in the front yard.
A fence that is beautiful, functional and made with ingenuity and innersprings.
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Update
It’s three years since we built Simon and Naomi’s fence. We are very pleased with the aesthetic.
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Innersprings and ingenuity
Issue: A suburban property in need of a front fence
Client: Simon and Naomi May, Coburg
Outcome: A bespoke fence that is beautiful and functional
The challenge? Create a fence that is beautiful, low-cost and with reclaimed material. The solution? Upcycle the inner springs from discarded mattresses.
Industrial designer Simon and partner Naomi were all for experimenting and loved the idea. Innovation required that we start from scratch. We worked together, combining our knowledge and expertise in materials and design.
First step: Concept and layout
The shape of the property called for an L shaped fence with three opening gates. The first innerspring frame was placed on site to assess the scale and general aesthetic of a slightly industrial look. With a drop of around three degrees, the driveway proved quite challenging and would need to be levelled.We established how the ground would be prepared and selected plants appropriate for the soil type - maidenhair creeper - for planting by Naomi and family.
Second step: Finding resources
We assessed we’d need 16 meters of mattress innerspring frames, which meant we had to find eight mattresses! We expected to be searching for them on nature strips around town, but the local waste transfer station turned out to be the best source. They have no use for mattresses, which are also difficult to compress for recycling.We also needed to find five metres of timber to build the infills and gates. In a front yard not far away, was what looked like surplus timber. When we asked for permission, the owner allowed us to take as much as we wanted – but we only took what we needed, leaving some for the next person.
90 x 90mm galvanised metal posts and star pickets were chosen as the fence vertical supports. And we disassembled and de-nailed shipping pallets to clad the three gates.
Third step: Building
Simon devised a very simple clip from bracing strap (a standard building product that comes in a roll) to attach the innersprings. The look was very professional but based on the idea that anyone can make one. Here’s how…As we started to build the fence, there were many complements from passers-by. The construction looked seamless, but this is because we spent so much time on the initial design.
We are very pleased with the outcome. Over time, the creeper will grow up and through the mattress springs, providing more privacy in the front yard.
A fence that is beautiful, functional and made with ingenuity and innersprings.
Update
It’s three years since we built Simon and Naomi’s fence. We are very pleased with the aesthetic.
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Upshop Industries is a certified Social Enterprise.
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Upshop Industries is a certified Social Enterprise.
