In the open-air tourism sector, sustainability is not determined solely by major strategic decisions. Even seemingly secondary elements, such as the structures that extend and enhance the living space of mobile homes, can play a role in shaping the environmental footprint of a hospitality business. The origin of raw materials, the durability of products and the use of recycled components are all factors carrying increasing weight in the purchasing decisions of campsites and holiday parks across Europe.
These are the principles that have guided Ellehouse, a company specialising in the design and manufacture of verandas and outdoor structures, in developing an approach built around material quality and environmental responsibility.
One of the cornerstones of the company’s strategy is the selection of timber used in its structures. Ellehouse works exclusively with PEFC-certified wood sourced from forests managed according to recognised standards of sustainability and environmental stewardship. PEFC certification ensures full traceability throughout the supply chain and guarantees that the timber comes from forests managed with respect for ecosystems and local communities.
The careful selection of raw materials is matched by equal attention to manufacturing processes. All Ellehouse structures are produced using spruce sourced from certified forests in the Alpine region and Northern Europe, chosen both for the quality of the timber and for the responsible management of forest resources. Before assembly, every component undergoes planing and finishing processes designed not only to improve the appearance of the structure, but also to enhance safety and long-term durability.
For structures intended to remain outdoors for many years, workmanship is a crucial factor. Greater component stability and improved surface protection help preserve product performance over time, reducing the need for major maintenance work or premature replacement.
The use of certified materials is becoming increasingly important not only from an environmental perspective, but also as a means for operators to strengthen and communicate their sustainability credentials to guests who are ever more conscious of environmental issues.
Low-impact protective treatments
Another distinctive aspect of the Ellehouse approach is the decision not to use pressure-treated timber. Instead, the company relies on water-based wood preservatives which, in addition to protecting the timber against mould and wood-boring insects, help maintain the material’s natural appearance without significantly altering its colour.
This choice is also driven by practical considerations. Water-based treatments are easier to apply during routine maintenance and allow subsequent interventions to be carried out directly on installed structures. For operators, this means preserving the original appearance of verandas over time through relatively simple maintenance procedures and with a reduced environmental impact.
Durability is, after all, one of the key pillars of sustainability. A structure designed to withstand the test of time requires fewer replacements, reduces the consumption of resources and helps limit maintenance costs for hospitality businesses.
Recycled WPC and circular economy principles
Another important element is the use of WPC (Wood Plastic Composite), a material that is becoming increasingly popular in outdoor applications thanks to its resistance to weathering and low maintenance requirements. Ellehouse uses a wood-polymer composite made from recycled plastic and wood derived from production offcuts. This approach gives new value to existing materials, reduces the demand for virgin resources and supports production models inspired by circular economy principles.
The use of recycled materials is one of the most effective ways of reducing the environmental impact of products while extending the lifecycle of raw materials – an issue that is becoming increasingly relevant throughout the outdoor hospitality sector.
A focus on durability is also evident in the selection of other materials used across the company’s product ranges. Stainless steel, galvanised steel and structural roofing panels are chosen with the aim of ensuring long-term performance while minimising maintenance requirements. It is an approach that views sustainability not only as the use of certified or recycled materials, but also as the ability to create structures designed to retain their functional and aesthetic qualities for many years.
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