The "Wilhelminatoren" (Wilhelminator), with its skywalk offering a fantastic view of the wooded region at the border triangle of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, is a popular local recreation destination in the South Limburg region. Adriaan Bos runs the restaurant of the same name at the foot of this lofty tourist attraction. To meet the demands of his ever-growing clientele, Bos underwent a comprehensive modernization of his restaurant, which has been family-owned since 1957. The outdoor areas also received a facelift. A spacious 600-square-meter terrace was created. The terrace flooring was chosen for DIE KOMPAKT solid plank in brown from the range of the Bavarian wood composite specialist NATURinFORM.

After a year of operation, Adriaan Bos draws a positive conclusion after the first summer season of his redesigned outdoor area: "My guests are thrilled. We chose the right flooring here."

“Wilhelminatoren”: Tourist magnet in the border triangle

The "Wilhelminatoren" – or "Wilhelmina Tower" in English – looks back on a turbulent history. Named after Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, the wooden observation tower was erected in 1905 on the Vaalserberg near the municipality of Vaals. During the Second World War, the tower was severely damaged by German artillery fire, subsequently rebuilt twice, and once even moved 60 meters. In 2011, the decision was made to provide the region's landmark with every modern convenience. After a five-month renovation period, it reopened. With a 35-meter skywalk, the "Wilhelmatoren" now offers magnificent views of South Limburg and the German-Belgian border region. The completely renovated location is often and happily used for special celebratory events.

Upgrading the outdoor area

The restaurant, named after the prominent Wilhelminatoren tower, is considered a popular social meeting place in the region. Events, social gatherings, and celebrations of all kinds take place regularly. "The majority of our visitors come from the border region, but we also have many guests from further afield who come to spend their holidays here, enjoy the nature, and explore the region," says Adriaan Bos. His restaurant seats 300 people, and since this summer, the new terrace has provided outdoor seating for an additional 160 guests. The redesign and expansion of the terrace has significantly enhanced the outdoor area. The previous paved terrace, accessible only via steps, had become outdated. Adriaan Bos had a new 600-square-meter terrace built on a pile structure above the sloping terrain. The restaurant and outdoor area are now connected on one level for barrier-free access.

Processor expertise in material selection

When selecting the building materials, Adriaan Bos relied on the expertise of Ron Hermans, owner of Meubel- en Timmerbedrijf Hermans in Vaals. The company's services include carpentry work such as the construction of dormer windows and eaves, as well as complete interior work with wood, as well as furniture production and terrace construction. "We do pretty much everything our customers ask for and what we can do," says Ron Hermans, a trained construction engineer and building contractor. His clients come from the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium.

600 square meters of terrace on 42 concrete posts

The design for the redesign of the restaurant and terrace was created by architect Roger Martens of the Maastricht-based architectural firm RMA. "My company coordinated the construction of the terrace, from setting the foundations for the concrete piles to laying the decking and installing the railing," explains Ron Hermans. To compensate for the slope of the terrain, 42 concrete posts were first installed, followed by a steel structure as a stable substructure for the solid azobe hardwood joists. After the joists were installed, the decking boards were mounted with stainless steel clamps.
The fact that NATURinFORM produces DIE KOMPAKTE planks up to 13 meters long makes work easier for the craftsmen, as well as providing a visual advantage. "This resulted in only a few connection points, which gives the overall impression of the area a beautiful and calm aura," Ron Hermans enthuses. The surface quality also makes this plank ideal for use in a wooded area. Precisely measuring the structure on the sloping terrain proved to be a challenge. After all, the construction had to be particularly stable, as many people would be regularly gathering there.

High quality advice from specialist retailers

Ron Hermans is a big fan of the wood composite. "An attractive and robust material with good technical properties for building paths and patios," he says. "Compared to solid wood, this material is very easy to keep clean and it doesn't splinter. So small children crawling on the floor can't hurt themselves." He says he's had nothing but positive experiences with NATURinFORM so far. He often sources his materials from the Scherf timber retailer in Simmerath. Founded in 1975, the company offers everything related to wood on 25,000 square meters – including around 1,000 square meters of exhibition space. Hermans is absolutely impressed by the product range and the high quality of advice provided by his German dealer. The terrace at the "Wilhelminatoren" was the largest project of this kind he and his team have ever completed. "We're quite proud of that," says Hermans.

Wood composite materials with optical and technical advantages

Wooden surfaces in natural environments with dense tree cover are more exposed to environmental influences. Untreated wood quickly becomes slippery, not least due to falling leaves, causing boards to lose their shape, crack, and splinter. Wood composite materials behave quite differently, successfully combining the visual advantages of natural wood with the practical, convincing properties of an intelligent material that blocks water deposits and thus weather influences. Surfaces covered with wood composite planks remain slip-resistant even when wet.

No environmentally harmful chemicals are required to maintain the planks, nor are any varnishes necessary, as the planks are already dyed at the factory. The weather-resistant component is polyethylene, a non-toxic and environmentally friendly polymer. NATURinFORM manufactures according to strict ecological standards: Only PEFC-certified wood from ecologically managed forests is used; no tropical wood or freshly cut trees, only sawdust.

THE COMPACT: Highest level of slip resistance

DIE KOMPAKTE from NATURinFORM was used for the new restaurant terrace at the "Wilhelminatoren" restaurant. The planks are extremely durable and do not require annual painting. As with all planks from the manufacturer's range, installation is possible without visible screws. DIE KOMPAKTE has a finely grooved side and a block-striped side. It is available in widths of approximately 139 millimeters and lengths of approximately 3, 4, 5, and 6 meters, as well as custom lengths of 2-13 meters, and a thickness of approximately 26 millimeters. Due to its reversible surface, it is versatile and available in brown, anthracite, and gray. In a test by TÜV Rheinland, this decking board achieved the highest level of slip resistance – R12/R13 according to DIN 51130 and Class C according to DIN 51097.

Protective layer guarantees long-lasting beauty

Because NATURinFORM products are still 70 percent wood fiber despite the technical finishing, the wood dominates the optical properties so clearly that the natural patina formation caused by sunlight is still possible. It's just much more controlled than in pure wood: There are no blackish spots caused by moisture, no faded areas of color. Because the color particles are applied during the fusion process, they are given a protective polymer layer. The selected color tone is retained over time, only being enhanced by silvery patina reflections during the first four months outdoors.