How to create a wall to prevent smoke?

[Davofit]

Our neighbours are fairly heavy smokers, which means that we can't use our outdoors for a large chunk of the day without breathing in cigarette smoke. What makes it worse is that their patio is also raised, meaning that, even though our dividing fence is 2.4m high, the smoke still easily wafts over.

Right now, we have an industrial fan, but it's not quite practical to always be lugging it in and out of the garage whenever we are outside. Plus, it is very noisy.

My plan is to get some 3m structural pine, and anchor them to the ground by placing them in 300mm x 600mm plastic tubs filled with concrete, at the top, attach corrugated SunTuff sheets to create an extra barrier. 

While I would like to get a full 3m fence anchored to the ground, I'm also trying to avoid having to go through the council (as I want to keep the cost down).

Do you think this would work? I would appreciate any advice or tweaks that you'd have to make it more sturdy and secure.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Davofit,

Any physical barrier will definitely help reduce the amount of smoke drifting into your outdoor area, although it won’t eliminate it. Your idea would likely work, especially for a temporary or semi-permanent solution. Make sure the tubs are heavy and stable enough to prevent tipping.

Another thing you could consider is installing a wall-mounted weatherproof fan, which could help redirect the smoke away without the need to move it around like your current industrial fan. Combining a physical barrier with some airflow management will give you the best chance of keeping your outdoor space more comfortable. 

If you can provide some images of the space, that would assist our members with additional ideas to help with your issue.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Davofit]

Thanks for your quick reply Mitchell, and for the suggestions.

My wife is more wanting to make the solution something that is structurally permanent, hence the posts with the SunTuf iron. 

This is what the current outdoor area looks like

 

[EricL]

Hello @Davofit 

Would you happen to have a pergola on the other side of your Merbau timber wall? I only ask as you can attach a fold down type barrier made from Pillar 1.8 x 10m Monument 90% UV Waterproof Shade Cloth and a lightweight timber frame. Since the shade cloth is waterproof it will block the smoke coming from your neighbour. You can then lift it up if it it gets too hot in the pergola.

Eric