Landscape & Urban Design Issue 43 2020 | Page 73

DECKING MILLBOARD DECKING CREATES OCEAN MAGIC! As part of Hampshire’s ongoing Ocean Village project, the new Southampton Harbour Hotel has been built to cement the city’s reputation as the UK’s shipping capital and to reference the port’s maritime history. HGP Architects were engaged to create a five-star hotel for the marina and they came up with a spectacular design: Southampton Harbour Hotel looks like a luxury ocean liner moored on the waterfront with terraces on multiple levels. The landscaping of the outside areas (the ‘decks’) reveal an intense eye for detail and perfectly conjure the look and feel of an extravagant cruise ship at sea. High-end decking was required for all the terraces, and as well as looking the part, materials Follow us @ludmagazine had to be able to withstand the waterside location - non-slip and non-rot properties were vital. The architects used 1500m 2 of Millboard’s Enhanced Grain Smoked Oak with contrasting edging to achieve a nautical but slip-resistant surface. Most composite decking combine plastic with wood fibres but Millboard decking is made from wood-free polyurethane combined with mineral stone. This exclusive combination creates a unique resin mineral board that’s tough enough for use in outdoor environments all year round. As polyurethane is one of the most stable resin materials, it won’t warp or rot and needs very little maintenance – it can simply be wiped clean with a damp cloth or mop. The product has no wood content at all so no treatments will ever be needed to keep the decking clear of insects or damp. As the decks form the best-part of the cruise-ship illusion, HCP Architects needed a practical and beautiful canvas for the rest of the landscaping and Millboard’s decking met and exceeded the strict criteria. The decking looks intensely natural and is the perfect backdrop for the day beds and riviera seating of the glamorous hotel exterior. Millboard’s decking range includes three distinctive finishes and ten different colours to fit any installation’s theme or specification. Visit www.millboard.co.uk for more information and style inspiration! www.landud.co.uk 73