This is what's called a split-rail fence: The design is a classic example of more-work-up-front, less-work-later. With a traditional nailed fence, like this… …if one of the rails becomes damaged, you need to de-nail it to remove it. If a post requires replacement, you must de-nail all of the boards going into it. In contrast, the split-rail design uses rails that simply slide into through-mortises in the posts. It's more work up front because you have to sharpen the rail ends and bore out the mortises. But when it comes time to replace components, it can be done quickly and without tools. Out where I am, I see plenty of split-rail fences. But I've never seen someone put this twist on it, as Norwegian architecture firm Rever & Drage has at a visitor's center in Farstadsanden: I can't imagine how much more steel I-beams cost than wooden posts, but yeah, they'll never need to be replaced.

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