After more than ten years of dissatisfaction with a difficult-to-maintain decking, the owners decided to redesign their approximately 100-square-meter roof terrace with Smart in graphite gray. Thanks to the easy-care WPC decking from NaturinForm, they can now enjoy their retirement in a relaxed setting on an elegant terrace with a magnificent view.

A terrace dream with a view and art

When people think of Bochum, they often think of the city "deep in the west, where the sun gathers dust,"as Herbert Grönemeyer sings. But Bochum also has other sides – above all Stiepel, the largest district. Characterized by abundant nature and hillsides with sweeping views over fields and the Ruhr Valley, Stiepel, with only 900 inhabitants per square kilometer, is one of the most sparsely populated areas in the city. Around 80 percent of the buildings are single- and two-family homes – a true idyll in the foothills of the Bergisches Land.

The Glatzels also live here. When their children moved out, they traded their family home for an exclusive penthouse apartment in a four-unit building newly built in 2008. The highlight of their new home is the approximately 100-square-meter, almost wraparound roof terrace. The Glatzels particularly enjoy using the covered sides. "This is where we spend most of our time," says Elisabeth Glatzel, "and enjoy the fantastic view – especially now, with the new WPC flooring."

A decade of trouble – and the solution

The developer had originally installed Bangkirai wood on the terrace. However, despite regular and thorough maintenance, the surface remained susceptible to dirt and difficult to clean. "Ultimately, we were frustrated with the surface for ten years," reports Elisabeth Glatzel.

In 2021, the decision was made: The patio decking needed to be replaced. Thomas Glatzel began researching a material that was easy to maintain, durable, and visually appealing. He came across WPC (wood plastic composite) online. But before making a final decision, they sought expert advice.

Jörg Rosenbach, master roofer and managing director of the long-established Wilhelm Grauthoff GmbH, recommended NaturinForm decking. His recommendation had a clear reason: "I had huge problems with another manufacturer on my own 80-square-meter terrace. Now, after three years, I'm going to dismantle it and replace it with NaturinForm."

After a brief on-site sampling, the Glatzels opted for Smart in graphite gray. The multicolored shade harmonizes perfectly with the gray-painted wooden windows, the glass parapet, and the stainless steel railing. The colors blend seamlessly into one another, emphasizing the modern ambiance of the house. Only the pine trees provide a color contrast.

Art and movement on the roof terrace

In addition to the high-quality design of the terrace, works of art add exclusive accents. "We wanted to bring movement to the terrace with the artwork," explains Elisabeth Glatzel. Small bronze angels are attached to long poles that gently sway in the breeze, while a large angel's wing changes direction depending on the air current. These dynamic elements create a lively atmosphere and round out the stylish overall appearance of the terrace.

Ease of care of WPC boards as top priority

The WPC decking from Smart, which was used on the roof terrace, impresses with its easy maintenance and durability. Thanks to its slight curvature, water drains easily, preventing puddles—a major advantage for the uncovered south-facing side of the terrace. The embossed surface further supports this drainage by preventing waterlogging. This ensures that the terrace dries quickly even after rainfall or cleaning.

In addition to being easy to maintain, Smart is slip-resistant and barefoot-friendly. Despite its low weight and a height of just 19 mm, it offers all the advantages of a classic solid plank, including high stability. Due to its high wood content, it undergoes a natural optical maturation process that gives it the desired matte color. Unlike untreated wood, which continues to fade and requires regular maintenance through oiling or painting, this color remains constant after the initial phase.

For the Glatzels, this low maintenance requirement was a decisive factor in their choice of decking. "It's perfect!" they explain enthusiastically. "The dirt that was previously difficult to remove is now a thing of the past. We no longer need to hire a specialist company to clean it. Now we can easily keep the patio clean ourselves – and even after two years, the decking still looks like new."

Decking and substructure from one system

Not only the WPC decking, but also the substructure played a crucial role in the longevity of the new terrace. Since the previously laid bitumen sheets were undamaged, they could continue to be used as a water-resistant base. Height-adjustable deck feet were placed on cork pads to level the decking and compensate for any unevenness. These feet are essential components because they create the connection between the subfloor and the deck structure.

The ALU system profile was mounted on the terrace bases, to which the decking boards were invisibly screwed. In areas subject to particularly high stress—for example, where large works of art, potted plants, or furniture are located—the substructure was reinforced with additional profile connectors and cross bracing to ensure maximum stability.

Sustainability and recyclability

NaturinForm planks are factory-dyed, so they don't require varnishing or oiling. Depending on the product line, up to 31 colors are available. Another advantage is their high wood content: The ratio of wood to polymer in NaturinForm is approximately 70 to 30 percent.

In addition, the WPC boards are 100% recyclable. With its proprietary recycling system, the "Re-Form Recycling Box," NaturinForm contributes to keeping valuable raw materials in the material cycle for centuries. Leftover pieces or dismantled material can be collected in the box, which is delivered free of charge to the construction site. After construction is completed, or when the box is full, the material is returned to the production facility in Redwitz ad Rodach, northern Bavaria, for recycling.

The planks are manufactured according to strict ecological principles: Only PEFC-certified wood fibers from sustainable forestry are used, which are a byproduct of the wood processing industry. The organic component of the composite material consists of an environmentally friendly polymer. Unlike conventional wood, NaturinForm planks do not require environmentally harmful chemicals – plain water is sufficient for cleaning. Furthermore, no microplastics are washed out.

NaturinForm offers products for DGNB-certified construction. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) prepared according to international standards are available for all decking boards and facade profiles. The products are subject to strict quality controls and stress tests to ensure consistently flawless wood-based material quality.