I am always on the lookout for functional design.  Recently I visited the Expo site in Aichi.  While exploring the grounds I came across a nice fence design using cylinders of wood and  simple metal hardware that penetrated the posts.  This gave the fence a natural but sturdy look.  At another location I found the combination of finely machined stainless steel complimented by a wooden railing.  Here the natural look is not as convincing but at least it will not rust.