Not far from Oberstaufen, at an altitude of 1,150 meters, lies the Alpe Hohenegg mountain inn, nestled in the idyllic landscape of the Upper Allgäu. This modern building complex was rebuilt in 2004 on a traditional alpine pasture, preserving the original location and orientation. Thus, the inn combines contemporary, angular wooden design with authentic Alpine charm.

The spacious panoramic terrace offers guests an impressive mountain backdrop. However, the intensive wear and tear from hiking and ski boots left significant marks on the wooden floor over the years. At the beginning of the year, the owner opted for a durable, non-slip, and visually appealing solution – the Strong decking boards in brown from NaturinForm. A total of 320 square meters of the high-quality wood composite material were supplied for the terrace and now provide a durable and stylish outdoor area.

Alpe Hohenegg combines modern comfort with alpine coziness. Run by Nikola and Carsten Schmahl since 2015, it is only accessible on foot in winter – rewarded with spectacular views of the Upper Allgäu. The twelve stylish rooms with a total of 56 beds offer comfortable accommodations for guests, while the restaurant delights with down-to-earth, regional cuisine. The panoramic terrace, once made of spruce wood, had become heavily used after years of hikers and skiers and required extensive renovation.

Jürgen Kellner, a master carpenter and structural engineer from Augsburg, took on the renovation of the terrace. With many years of experience and a strong network of partner companies, he focuses on sustainable timber construction projects. Given the high demands placed on a commercially used terrace, he recommended the durable and slip-resistant wood composite material from NaturinForm as the new surface.

The renovation presented the team with unique challenges: Two different subsurfaces – soil with gravel and paving, and an existing steel structure with a slope – required customized solutions. For safety reasons, a fall net was installed beneath the steel structure before the entire structure was approved by BG BAU.

For subsurface preparation in the front area alone, 23 cubic meters of crushed stone substructure were transported to the alpine pasture by truck. After laying the paving stones at 50 cm spacing, the NaturinForm aluminum substructure with a water-draining layer was installed. Strong decking boards were then installed in custom lengths up to 5.1 meters across 320 square meters. The complex installation process required precise pre-drilling, countersinking, and screwing – a time-consuming but necessary step for a durable and high-quality patio surface.

Strong – Stability meets natural look

With a material thickness of 38 millimeters, Strong offers exceptional load-bearing capacity and versatile application possibilities. Thanks to its high stability, larger distances can be spanned – without the need for complex load-bearing substructures. The supporting plank impresses with its natural wood grain and is available in brown, gray, and anthracite. The surface, available in either lightly brushed or finely grooved, gives the plank a high-quality and natural appearance. It is also splinter-free and easy to maintain, ideal for long-lasting patio surfaces.

Weather-resistant and non-slip

NaturinForm combines the natural aesthetics of wood with the durability of weatherproof materials. Thanks to the special manufacturing process, a polymer encloses each individual wood fiber, preventing water from penetrating. This makes the wood composite material particularly resistant to moisture and weathering. In a TÜV Rheinland test, the planks achieved a slip resistance rating of R12 according to DIN 51130, providing a safe surface even in damp conditions.

Sustainable, climate-neutral production

Sustainability is a top priority at NaturinForm. The floorboards are manufactured according to strict ecological principles and have been certified climate-neutral by TÜV NORD since November. Only wood fibers from sustainable, PEFC-certified forestry, a byproduct of the wood processing industry, are used – without additional tree felling or the use of tropical wood.

By avoiding the use of environmentally harmful chemicals, fungicides, and pesticides, Strong is particularly environmentally friendly. The planks are 100 percent recyclable and, where possible, are taken back to be reintroduced into the production cycle.