The Emser Therme spa is located directly on the Lahn River and integrates the natural surroundings into its bathing and sauna facilities. The main building was recently expanded to include an upper floor with roof terraces, offering guests a relaxing view of the Lahn Valley.

For the 250-square-meter terrace, NaturinForm's Robust was chosen. The WPC decking impresses with its finely textured surface, which provides a pleasant barefoot feel. It's also particularly slip-resistant, making it ideal for use in damp areas.

Natural harmony: The new roof terrace of the Emser Therme

The small peaks are shrouded in clouds, steep slate roofs greet the view from the other bank, and the Lahn River rushes below – a fairytale backdrop surrounds the traditional spa town of Bad Ems. Here, the young Goethe once dealt with his heartbreak, and Victor Hugo found new inspiration. Today, guests of the Emser Therme can relax on the newly constructed sun deck and enjoy the view over the valley.

Natural materials for a natural environment

"In this unique landscape, we need materials that blend harmoniously with nature and are also weather-resistant," explains architect Jonas Straß. "That's why we chose NaturinForm decking for the new viewing terraces."

Straß oversaw the expansion of the thermal spa for the renowned Stuttgart-based architectural firm 4a Architekten, which had already designed the new building in 2011. Even then, the planners were inspired by the natural surroundings of the Lahn River and the curved shape of the river pebbles. In 2014, they built Germany's first river sauna on the site – a floating platform with saunas, a bar, and a terrace that rises and falls with the water level of the Lahn.

In 2016, the idea of expanding the main building of the spa with an upper floor featuring relaxation and fitness areas was conceived. Surrounded by two spacious terraces, guests enjoy uninterrupted views of the Lahn Valley. An organically curved roof clad in larch wood provides shady retreats and enhances the flowing architecture of the building.

The challenge: A durable patio covering

Roof terraces are exposed to extreme weather conditions – from blazing sun and drastic temperature fluctuations to rain and frost. "Wood as a flooring has a limited lifespan under these conditions," says Straß. "The large temperature differences between hot summer days and cool nights cause it to age quickly. First, cracks appear, then water penetrates, and the material begins to rot."

Untreated wood often only lasts a few years in such applications and requires extensive maintenance. "Planks need to be sanded, re-varnished, or oiled regularly – this results in high maintenance costs and downtime," explains Straß. "This is not a practical solution, especially for a busy spa."

Permanently beautiful and easy to maintain: WPC boards as the ideal solution

The choice therefore fell on Robust from NaturinForm. This innovative wood composite combines the natural look of wood with high resistance to weathering." Robust offers us the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality," says Straß. "The planks don't splinter or crack, and remain durable and dimensionally stable even with intensive use."

Another plus point is the slip-resistant surface – a crucial criterion for the wellness area. "Safety is essential, especially in an area where guests move barefoot," says Straß. "With these planks, we have a pleasant feel underfoot while simultaneously offering maximum slip resistance."

Ease of care also played an important role in the decision. Thanks to the durable material, regular re-oiling or sanding is unnecessary. Soiling can be easily removed with water, eliminating the need for aggressive cleaning agents.

Conclusion: A stylish and sustainable patio covering

With Robust, the Emser Therme spa has found a durable and sustainable solution for its new roof terrace. Guests enjoy the stunning view while beneath their feet lies a surface that not only impresses visually but also sets standards in terms of functionality and durability.

Barefoot suitability as a central criterion

NaturinForm's floorboards are not only impressive due to their durability, but are also ideal for high-traffic commercial areas such as bathrooms. Thanks to their sophisticated material composition, they are extremely durable and won't crack or splinter—a decisive advantage in areas used barefoot.

Visually almost indistinguishable from real wood, they are made from 70 percent PEFC-certified wood fibers from sustainable forestry. To make them durable, slip-resistant, and easy to maintain, the material is coated with an environmentally friendly thermoplastic polymer. This wood composite combines a natural look with technical durability. A light brushing of the surface also ensures high slip resistance – even in wet conditions.

The pleasant barefoot feel of the planks results from their high wood content: Even in low sunlight, the material gently warms up. The polymer slightly enhances this natural effect while preventing the surface from overheating – ideal for patio areas where guests walk around barefoot.

Minimal maintenance – maximum longevity

Another advantage of the wood composite material is its ease of maintenance, which is particularly important for large, commercially used areas. NaturinForm planks require neither varnishes nor oil coatings, as the color pigments are incorporated into the material during production. This eliminates the use of environmentally harmful or health-hazardous maintenance chemicals required for conventional wood flooring.

Should dirt build up, the planks can be easily cleaned with water and a brush, or if necessary, with a pressure washer. This ensures the flooring stays attractive for a long time without the need for extensive maintenance.

Natural wood look with modern aesthetics

For the new terrace at the Emser Therme spa, the solid plank Robust in gray was chosen. Its pronounced grain gives it a particularly natural wood look, while the 21-millimeter thick plank ensures maximum stability – even on heavily trafficked areas.

A special detail: The planks were installed without visible fasteners, creating a seamless, harmonious surface. For the curved terrace ends, the solid planks were precisely sawn to shape and installed with precision – a testament to the high quality of the material's workmanship.