Hospitality Design Trends Drive Highlands Golf Club Patio Expansion
As hospitality and leisure venues increasingly invest in outdoor environments that can operate across multiple seasons, material specification is becoming a critical factor in balancing aesthetics, durability, safety, and long-term maintenance considerations.
Highlands Golf Club in Edmonton, Canada, is one of the latest examples of this growing industry shift, recently completing a major clubhouse renovation and patio redevelopment designed to transform the facility into a more versatile, year-round hospitality destination.
The project included a complete interior redesign, while externally, the elevated L-shaped patio was expanded from seating for approximately 20 guests to more than 65. The upgrade also included the installation of a covered louvred pergola with integrated electric heating to improve comfort during colder months.
“We wanted to retain some of the traditional elements and colours from the original construction, while updating the facility using luxury, low-maintenance materials,” says Highlands Golf Club General Manager, Landon Hargreaves. “This project was about creating a more functional and inviting hospitality space that members and guests could enjoy throughout more of the year.”
While visually focused, the redevelopment also presented several technical and environmental challenges typical of commercial outdoor hospitality projects in northern climates.
The elevated deck and stairway reconstruction needed to accommodate steep site topography, heavy daily foot traffic, snow exposure, and dramatic seasonal temperature fluctuations ranging from above 86°F (30°C) in summer to below -22°F (-30°C) in winter. Slip resistance was also a key consideration due to frequent use by visitors wearing golf footwear.
To meet the project’s performance requirements, contractor Norie Christian of Completely Custom Carpentry specified Apex PLUS bamboo-PVC composite decking from Eva-Last in Himalayan Cedar and Alaskan Driftwood.
Apex PLUS features a glass-fibre reinforced core engineered to improve dimensional stability across larger spans and fluctuating temperatures, while the acrylic polymer capping provides resistance against moisture, scratches, stains, scuffs, and weather exposure commonly associated with high-traffic commercial environments.
“This was a major upgrade in appearance compared to the old deck,” says Christian. “I found this decking much more stable than others I have worked with. In addition to much better slip resistance, hidden fasteners could be used, resulting in a cleaner finish, quicker installation, and significant cost savings on the project.”
According to Shelley Galliver, Vice President of Group Marketing and Brand at Eva-Last, projects like Highlands Golf Club redevelopment reflects a broader movement across hospitality, leisure, and commercial design sectors, where outdoor spaces are increasingly viewed as essential operational assets rather than seasonal add-ons.
“Outdoor hospitality spaces are no longer being designed purely for appearance or seasonal use,” says Galliver. “The specification of durable, climate-resilient materials is becoming increasingly important in helping operators maximise both the lifespan and functionality of these spaces.”
From golf clubs and restaurants to hotels, mixed-use developments, and residential communities, operators are placing greater emphasis on creating outdoor environments capable of delivering premium experiences while minimising ongoing maintenance demands and weather-related deterioration.
