In the picturesque mountain town of Saint Gervais-les-Bains, a former ice rink has been transformed into an inviting, relaxing arena – a meeting place for guests and locals alike, nestled between historic townhouses and the imposing peaks of the Mont Blanc massif. Visitors here listen to concerts, celebrate festivals, or simply enjoy the breathtaking view. The connection to nature is omnipresent – not only in the panorama, but also underfoot: The stylish, durable Die Kompaktefloorboards from NaturinForm lend the arena a warm, natural atmosphere.

The Esplanade Marie-Paradis is far more than just a square in Saint Gervais—it's a place steeped in history and symbolism. Named after the first woman to reach the summit of Mont Blanc in 1808, it's now a meeting place for mountaineers, hikers, and connoisseurs. Anyone who takes off their hiking boots here after a long hike and sinks into a deckchair on the elegant gray floorboards can sense the connection between nature and architecture.

Marie Fabre, a regular visitor from Lyon, savors this moment every year. "Arriving here after a hike at 3,000 meters and enjoying the view – it's simply perfect." She points to the approximately 900 square meters of floor space around her: "There used to be concrete here. But the wood looks as if it's always been there." The silver-gray floorboards, with their alpine hut patina, blend harmoniously into the mountain landscape – creating an authentic yet sustainable ambiance.

Wood composite with tradition and future

The planks are actually an innovative wood composite material that combines the natural aesthetics of wood with the durability of a technical polymer. The surface was developed in collaboration with Neolife, an expert in sustainable building materials. The requirements of the municipality of Saint Gervais were clear: The new esplanade should be usable for large events and visually aligned with traditional Alpine materials—while also being environmentally friendly and durable.

Sustainability with style

The planks come from Naturinform, a specialist in sustainable wood composites based in Redwitz, Franconia. Production is strictly ecological: No trees are felled for the planks, but only wood flour from sustainably managed forests is used. The environmentally friendly polyethylene also ensures maximum weather resistance – without the use of fungicides, pesticides, or chemical preservatives. Even under the extreme conditions of the Central Alps, the material remains elastic and resilient.

While conventional wood can crack or weather, Naturinform's wood composite retains its natural beauty – year after year, season after season. The Esplanade Marie-Paradisis thus not only a tribute to a historical heroine, but also an example of modern, sustainable construction in one of Europe's most beautiful landscapes.

Inspired by nature

The flooring used was Die Kompaktefrom Naturinform, a solid extruded and dyed multi-colored plank. The surface of the planks in St. Gervais was specifically adapted to traditional wood surfaces of the Alpine region—with a graphite gray shimmer and a rough-sawn appearance that harmonizes perfectly with the mountain landscape.

Noble patina with built-in

Despite technical refinement, Naturinform products still consist of 70 percent wood fiber. This allows the material to retain its natural radiance and develop a subtle patina over time – without uneven discoloration or unsightly moisture stains. The color particles are embedded deep within the material during the production process and permanently protected by a protective polymer layer. The result: a color that remains consistent and is enhanced with silvery reflections.

Tailor-made from the factory

The carpentry company Cladok benefited from a practical service: From a quantity of ten identical planks, these can be precisely cut to size at the factory in Redwitz. Only 240 cm long planks were used for the Esplanade Marie-Paradis – a total of 1,880 planks. The precise cutting at the factory saved valuable time on site, allowing the entire terrace to be completed in just four weeks.

Variable underworld

Surrounded by historic hotels with colorful facades, the terrace offers a unique panoramic view. The elevated platform, accessible via wood-clad steps, not only invites you to linger, but also serves as an event space for concerts and festivals.

For maximum flexibility, the Neolife planners developed a clever modular system: The floorboards were combined into manageable units of four planks each. These modules can be lifted as needed, allowing power or water lines for events to be easily installed underneath – invisible, yet accessible at all times.

For Marie Fabre, the mountaineer, the experience is what matters most: “Sitting up here, with the peaks in view, the warm ground beneath my feet – that’s the perfect holiday for me!”