Marine environments, with their unique and captivating combination of natural beauty and accessibility, offer a unique canvas for development and placemaking. By revitalising these spaces (which are oftentimes disused industrial areas), landscape architects can create vibrant, inviting destinations that enrich the experience for residents and visitors alike.
One crucial element in creating successful waterfront destinations that bring communities together is the careful selection and placement of outdoor furniture – with specific consideration of how the marine environment presents distinct challenges due to the corrosive effects of salt and moisture.
Here, we delve into the essential considerations for selecting outdoor furniture that enhances both the aesthetic appeal and durability of marine environments.
What is classified as a marine environment?
Marine environments constitute a distance of 1km from the seaside coastline, with accelerated corrosion often evident up to 5 kilometres inland. At Botton + Gardiner, we recommend a case-by-case approach to material selection, to consider the specific characteristics of each location.
What is the impact of marine environments on outdoor furniture?
The marine environment is particularly demanding on outdoor furniture. The salt in the atmosphere accelerates the corrosion of metals, leading to rust, discolouration, pitting, and cracking. This can significantly reduce the lifespan of furniture and increase maintenance requirements.
To address these challenges, it’s important to choose materials and finishes that are specifically designed for marine environments. This often involves selecting higher-grade metals, which may be more costly upfront, however their durability and longevity warrants the investment.
Key considerations for outdoor furniture in marine environments
When selecting outdoor furniture for waterfront locations, several factors must be considered:
Material specifications: opt for materials known for their resistance to corrosion, such as 316-grade stainless steel, mild steel with a hot dip galvanised finish, or various grades of aluminium (5083, 6061, 5052)
Finishes: protective finishes, like powder coating or anodising, can further enhance the durability of metal components and resistance to the elements
Galvanic corrosion: prevent galvanic corrosion by avoiding the contact of dissimilar metals. At Botton + Gardiner we use both physical and chemical barriers in assembly to minimise the effects of galvanic corrosion, such as plastic washers or Tef Gel, which isolate dissimilar metals
Non-metal components: consider selecting non-metal cladding slats, like hardwood or Duraslat, for additional furniture elements that are less susceptible to corrosion
Distance from the coastline: even areas within 5 kilometres of the coastline may experience accelerated corrosion, so it’s important to evaluate the specific location and adjust material specifications accordingly
The opportunity for creating community-centric, vibrant waterfront spaces
By carefully considering the unique challenges of marine environments and selecting appropriate materials and finishes, landscape architects can create waterfront spaces that are not only visually stunning but also resilient to the elements, while also fostering a deeper connection to nature and community.
For any specific marine project questions, please feel free to get in touch.