An Entrance Designed for the Home
A gatehouse or arbour can give the front boundary greater definition and make the pedestrian entrance easier to read from the street.
White Pickets designs and builds each structure in relation to the gate, fence and architecture behind it, creating an entrance that feels established within the frontage.
Shape by the Frontage
The width and height of the opening, post size, roofline and position of the pedestrian gate all affect how a gatehouse or arbour sits within the property.
Matt works through these relationships so the structure has the right scale, supports comfortable access and connects naturally with the adjoining fence.
Character in the Right Measure
Details can be developed to suit the property, from a traditional Queenslander or post-war home to a simpler contemporary frontage. Posts, brackets, roof forms and gate profiles are selected with the architecture in mind.
The aim is a well-proportioned entrance with enough detail to belong, without making it feel separate from the home.
The Gate and Structure Working Together
Selected Projects
Paddington
Pickets & Front Services
Bardon
Retaining Walls
Ascot
Automatic Sliding Gates
Hawthorne
Gatehouse & Arbours
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a gatehouse and an arbour?
A gatehouse generally creates a more substantial, defined entrance around the gate. An arbour is usually a lighter, more open structure. Both can be designed to complement the fence and home.
Can a gatehouse or arbour be designed to suit a Queenslander or post-war home?
Yes. The posts, roofline, proportions and decorative details can be developed around the architectural character of the home without making the entrance feel overly ornate.
Can the entrance structure be planned with a new fence and gate?
Yes. Planning the gatehouse or arbour alongside the fence and gate allows the openings, posts, materials and visual details to work together as one entrance.
How are the size and proportions of a gatehouse or arbour determined?
Matt considers the entrance width, pedestrian access, gate size, adjoining fence, sightlines and scale of the home before determining the appropriate height and proportions.
Does a gatehouse or arbour require council approval in Brisbane?
Approval requirements depend on the structure, dimensions, location and planning controls affecting the property. Homeowners may need advice from Brisbane City Council or a licensed building certifier before work begins.