DESTIN, FLA.—After a fire ravaged the outdoor space at the Hilton SanDestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa, the resort looked to MoistureShield composite decking to create an expansive new 17,000 square foot multi-purpose deck. The new deck leaves the Gulf Coast views unobstructed for hotel guests to enjoy, while preserving beachfront habitat.
The fire started on the hotel’s beachfront area in October 2010. It ignited an adjacent deck, destroying most of the hotel’s deck structure and outdoor restaurant. In response to the fire, Hilton SanDestin’s management and construction team sought to build a new and improved outdoor experience. One of the design objectives was to create more deck space along the beachfront to enhance habitat for nesting sea turtles and provide a less obstructed view of the coastline.
In order to achieve this goal the team chose to move the location of the restaurant closer to the hotel, and add a 15,000 square foot deck expansion in its plans. The new deck would tie in the remaining 2,000 square foot deck and be built in compliance with Walton County’s Wildlife Lighting Ordinance, which seeks to minimize disturbances to nesting sea turtles, their hatchlings and other coastal wildlife.
Many Factors Considered Before Purchase
After careful consideration in choosing a new decking material, including flammability concerns, appearance, availability and performance in the coastal environment, the hotel’s management, design and construction teams chose MoistureShield composite decking.
The Hilton SanDestin was drawn to MoistureShield composite decking for its durability, attractive appearance and barefoot-friendly nature. “MoistureShield does not require sealing or staining, it holds up well over time in our coastal climate and conditions and it provides a splinter-free surface with a wood-like appearance,” said Bob Earwood, vice president of Construction & Development for Sandcastle Resorts and Hotels.
“We chose MoistureShield decking in Cape Cod Gray, because it met our specific needs and expectations,” Earwood said. “The fact that MoistureShield is made of 95 percent total recycled content was certainly an added bonus.”
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