Project Facts:

Location: York
Sector: Residential
Client: City of York
Contractor: Caddick Construction
Architect: Mikhail Riches
Installer: Davison Fencing
Mesh Manufacturer: The Expanded Metal Company

Project Overview

Duncombe Barracks is a residential development in York city centre, comprising 34 Passivhaus dwellings. Designed to meet ultra-low energy standards, the homes significantly reduce energy use while maintaining high levels of comfort. The scheme delivers the first carbon-zero homes in the city and places strong emphasis on sustainability, design quality, and long-term performance.

Davison Fencing was tasked with supplying gate and storage solutions that would sit comfortably within the wider architectural vision. The challenge was to deliver products that blended seamlessly with the development while meeting the specific requirements of both the architect and the client. Rather than fading into the background, the gates and stores were designed to act as a considered visual feature across the site.

The end client for the project was City of York Council, with Caddick Construction appointed as the main contractor.

Caption: Expanded metal meter cupboard doors at Duncombe Barracks, powder-coated to match the development’s colour palette.

Product Details

The expanded metal selected for the project was from the Bilbao range of architectural mesh. This pattern aligned closely with the dimensional requirements set out by Caddick Construction, including the specified short way mesh (SWM) and long way mesh (LWM).

A sample of the Bilbao panel was proposed to both the contractor and the architect during the approval stage. Once reviewed, the mesh was approved for use across the project due to its balance of visual quality, strength, and suitability for the application.

The panels were supplied in self-colour and were galvanised and powder-coated by Davison Fencing once fixed to the gate frames. This ensured durability and a consistent finish across the installation.

For this project, Davison Fencing purchased expanded metal mesh sheets only. All framing and fabrication were carried out in-house by them to suit the bespoke gate and store designs.

Caption: Detail of Bilbao architectural expanded metal mesh bike sheds with galvanised and powder-coated finish.

Installation & Performance

The expanded metal mesh was used across a wide range of elements on the site. This included all front garden gates, bin stores, bike stores, and meter cupboards. Applications ranged from swing gates through to sliding gates, allowing a consistent design language to run throughout the development.

While this type of application was relatively new for Davison Fencing, the project provided an opportunity to refine both the design and installation approach. Careful consideration was required to ensure each element met the functional requirements on site while remaining in keeping with the architectural vision. This led to multiple design and strategy discussions with the architect to achieve a clean, well-resolved final result.

All installation works were carried out by Davison Fencing.

Since completion, the expanded metal mesh has performed exactly as intended, delivering both durability and visual consistency across the site.

Caption: Expanded metal mesh sliding gate installation providing secure access while maintaining visual consistency.	Caption: Front garden gate fabricated using expanded metal mesh to provide security while maintaining visibility.

Design & Aesthetics

The colour and mesh pattern were carefully selected to complement the surrounding architecture. The finished gates and stores align closely with the brise soleil features and the building cladding, creating a cohesive and considered appearance across the development.

Rather than standing apart, the expanded metal mesh elements sit comfortably within the overall design, reinforcing the architectural intent while adding subtle visual interest at ground level.

Caption: Expanded metal finish selected to align with the building cladding and brise soleil features.

Collaboration

Davison Fencing worked closely with The Expanded Metal Company on a supply-only basis for this project, purchasing expanded metal mesh sheets that were then fitted to bespoke gate frames in-house.

Throughout the process, the Davison Fencing team and The Expanded Metal Company’s customer services team were in regular contact. These discussions focused on selecting the most suitable mesh pattern, confirming sizes, and planning delivery to align with the project programme.

Davison Fencing has also used expanded metal mesh on previous schemes, including the 4052 Whitaker & Leach project on Firth Street.

Outcome

The finished gates and stores have been very well received. Feedback from both Caddick Construction and the project architect, Mikhail Riches, confirmed that the final appearance matched the original design intent set out during the early stages of the scheme.

The expanded metal mesh blends seamlessly with the wider development, complementing the surrounding materials and architectural features.

Davison Fencing has since confirmed that the same expanded metal mesh solution is being used again on the larger sister development at Burnholme Grove in York, also delivered for Caddick Construction.

Caption: Bespoke double-leaf store doors fabricated and installed by Davison Fencing. Can be used for bin storage.

View our Bilbao architectural expanded metal mesh or find out more about our fabrication capabilities.