Japanese Fence and Gate with bamboo

April 5, 2012

Japanese garden Entry Gate and Fence with bamboo

Although we do not have bamboo planting options for our projects here inMinnesotawe can use bamboo poles for a variety of projects.  We have used bamboo poles for water features, screens, fences, gates, handrails, ceiling treatments, trellis structures and pathway borders.  Bamboo can compliment everything in our western landscapes from a deck to a pond.

One idea I would like to share with you is the concept of blending eastern and western construction techniques and materials.  When designing and building a Japanese garden it is also important to study and understand the site and the architectural style and detailing.

This Japanese influenced entry gate was designed to incorporate materials and colors from the home while introducing materials and colors that fit the ideals of a Japanese garden.  There are a number of design principles that contributed to the final project.  The hedge, fence and entry gate create a more intimate space between it and house.  The street side of the fence and entry gate becomes the “OuterGarden”.  We used bamboo poles in field of the fences to introduce Asian charm to our Japanese entry garden.  In addition to using bamboo poles for the primary area of the fence we also used bamboo in the ceiling of the entry gate.  From the street the entry gate area was to blends seamlessly with the architecture of the house.  All of the cedar boards visible by those who pass by would be painted to match the house, but for guests who entered the property through the gate would be surprised by the elegant craftsman like detailing.  The bamboo covered ceiling is beautifully accented by dark oak stained supports with an Asian detailed cross support carved with the Chinese “double happiness” characters.  When a couple is married inChinathey will often place a double happiness symbol of some type over the door to their bedroom or home.  This symbol represents the happiness that a couple has found together.  It seems fitting to be place above the entrance of this couples home.

The bamboo wing fence is also a neat design.  The fence is designed to match the height of the arborvitae hedge on the uphill side.  Here it runs parallel to the street, then turns perpendicular and stretches over the retaining wall where it then again turns parallel while stepping down… It does all this while maintain the proper modular dimension both vertically and horizontally,

The bamboo poles in the fence and in the ceiling are two potential uses for bamboo in your Japanese garden project.

If you would like our help with your Japanese garden project please contact us, Niwa Design Studio, at 952-470-1882.

Posted in Arbors and Pergolas, Asian Gardens, Bamboo, Fences, Gates, Landscape