The building complex impresses with its current film offerings, state-of-the-art projection technology, and amenities and services. The terrace overlooking the rooftops of the canal city is a popular choice. NATURinFORM's solid WPC decking "Die Rationelle" (The Rational) was used to create a visually attractive and economical design.

Centrally located and practically within sight of the world-famous Meyer shipyard, an interesting eye-catcher has been built in Papenburg on the Ems River: the new cinema building, built for €6.5 million. The cinema, owned by the Muckli family of entrepreneurs, seats over 1,000 guests in six screening rooms equipped with the latest cinema technology. Designed by the Leer-based architects, the Seele + Garcia project company, the ultra-modern complex consists of three cubes connected by a rounded glass facade. And – on top – above the futuristic-looking foyer, a visitor terrace, furnished with WPC decking from NATURinFORM, invites you to linger. While many places complain about a lack of interest in going to the cinema, in Papenburg they know better: "There is no cinema crisis, just bad films and little comfort for the guests. That's why we feel well prepared for the future," emphasizes Frithjof Weinert, the theater's director for more than two decades.

Comfort and service

Comfort and well-being are paramount for the cinema operators in Papenburg: All levels of the building are accessible by elevator, and the screening rooms are accessible via ramps. Each room also has wheelchair access. This includes the spacious foyer on the first floor for moviegoers and those picking up their tickets, as well as the popular drink service at their seats. And, most notably, the terrace overlooking the city's rooftops, which also serves as an escape route for the fire department.

Choosing the plank

The construction of the approximately 190 m² visitors' terrace fell to master roofer Emil Meiners, owner of the roofing company established in Papenburg for over 55 years. Together with the theater management, he was also responsible for selecting the flooring. It needed to be a visually appealing plank that was durable, slip-resistant, and easy to maintain. Wood was ruled out from the outset. Furthermore, the roof membrane beneath the terrace could not be damaged. Expert and user information on the modern wood-polymer composite material WPC (Wood-Polymer Composite), plank samples, various cost calculations, and consultations with Alfred Tiebert from NATURinFORM led to the decision to use the solid WPC decking plank "Die Rationelle" in brown. An important reason: Compared to conventional plank formats, the new width of approximately 245 mm results in significant time and material savings during installation. To minimize waste despite the curves and straight back wall, planks of six, five, and three meters in length were used. They were supplied by Dachbaustoffe Melle; they were transported to the site at a height of 12 meters by crane.

Laying the terrace

After the flat roof structure, consisting of a standard vapor barrier, Foamglas thermal insulation, and Kubidritt Plus waterproofing, the decking was installed according to the manufacturer's specifications using a 40/60 base profile as the substructure. Continuously adjustable height-adjusting swivel feet achieved the required 2% slope of the terrace surface away from the building wall. Installation was quick and easy after initial training and using standard woodworking tools. When joining two decking boards lengthwise, Meiners left a sufficiently wide gap to allow for possible expansion of the material. The curve at the glass parapet posed no problems, as the decking end remains invisible behind the railing. "We were able to work the curved elements cleanly."

The advantages

Overall, theater director Weinert and Emil Meiners are satisfied with the overall impression of the WPC terrace from NATURinFORM. "The installation went smoothly, and the look matches the building. Furthermore, the surface is easy to maintain without regular painting and can withstand even heavy wear and tear from moviegoers over the long term. A high level of safety is also guaranteed: no slipping, no splintering. Walking across the roof terrace feels excellent – even when walking barefoot. And if it's slippery in winter, we can spread salt."