SmartScreen Post and Rail Case Study | Patio Area Privacy

The Challenge 

Danny and Lynn, a semi-retired couple originally from Auckland, recently completed the build of their dream home in a new residential development nestled within the rolling hills of Gulf Harbour. Chosen for its natural beauty, peaceful setting and proximity to local amenities, their partially elevated section offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and water. As avid entertainers and lovers of the outdoors, they designed their home to embrace alfresco living, with a generous patio space intended for dining, relaxing and socialising with family and friends.

The couple’s vision was for a backyard that felt like an extension of their home. They invested in tasteful landscaping and built an expansive outdoor area that took full advantage of the site’s elevation. However, shortly after settling in, they realised that the openness of the design was not as private as they had hoped.

The Solution

The Strol SmartScreen options, installed using the SmartScreen Post and Rail System, gave Danny and Lynn the ideal combination. This system provided a sophisticated yet practical approach to enhancing outdoor privacy without losing the connection to the surrounding environment. The couple was drawn to the modern mix of kiwiana and traditional design of the SmartScreen panels, which combine durability with visual appeal. Manufactured using Weathertex, an eco-friendly material made from 97% hardwood timber, the panels offered a sustainable choice that aligned with the couple’s environmental values and desire for long-term performance.

One of the key advantages of the Strol system was its modular design. It allowed the couple to customise the layout to suit the unique shape of their patio. As enthusiastic DIYers, they appreciated the straightforward installation process. The SmartScreen Post and Rail System allowed for secure mounting directly into their exposed aggregate concrete patio, eliminating the need for major construction or earthworks digging up their landscaped lawn. To ensure precision, they used a practical tip they now recommend to others: by creating guide holes in a solid piece of timber and using that as a drilling template, they were able to avoid drill bit deflection caused by embedded stones in the exposed aggregate surface.

Once the structural posts were anchored in place, the decorative privacy panels simply slid into the rails. The process was not only efficient but also satisfying, giving Danny and Lynn the confidence of a job well done. They selected the black woodgrain finish, which offered a contemporary aesthetic that complemented the exterior of their home. More importantly, the panels provided just the right level of screening to achieve outdoor entertainment area privacy, while still allowing glimpses of the mountains and sea through the design.

The Result

The transformation was immediate. Danny and Lynn now enjoy a patio that is both private and inviting, a space where they can entertain guests or unwind on their own without feeling exposed. The addition of the decorative outdoor panels has significantly improved the usability of the space. They spend far more time outdoors; thanks to the sense of enclosure and intimacy the screens provide. Whether hosting an evening gathering or enjoying a solitary moment with a book, they feel completely at ease in their outdoor space.

The SmartScreen system offers a practical yet visually refined alternative to traditional fencing. It functions effectively as a privacy wall for outdoor use, while serving as a design feature in its own right. The screens not only create a practical backyard privacy solution, but also contribute to a cohesive garden design, enhancing the sense of space and structure within the landscape.

The weather-resistant nature of Weathertex ensures that the SmartScreens require minimal maintenance, an important consideration for homeowners seeking low maintenance landscaping. With sustainability increasingly top of mind for many, the environmentally conscious materials used in the screens offer added peace of mind.

Thanks to the SmartScreen Post and Rail System, Danny and Lynn now have exactly what they envisioned; a private, elegant patio that allows them to relax and entertain while enjoying their dream home overlooking Gulf Harbour.