Built for Living and Learning: Oaks Christian School Campus Upgrade

Style and Longevity at Oaks Christian School

Universal Metro partnered with Oaks Christian School to deliver campus-wide commercial flooring solutions, anchored by the ResLife dormitory project and extending into adjacent interior spaces that support daily student life. Installed in 2025, the Oaks Christian School dormitory flooring project reflects a performance-driven approach to education and residential environments—where durability, acoustics, and design cohesion must work together without compromise.

This was not a single-room or single-system installation. The project required a coordinated flooring strategy across residential, academic, and communal spaces, all within an active campus setting.

Project Overview

Oaks Christian School is a TK–12 college-preparatory institution with a robust boarding program serving both domestic and international students. The ResLife facility functions as a full residential ecosystem, combining private living quarters with shared study areas, lounges, kitchens, fitness spaces, and circulation corridors.

Universal Metro’s scope extended beyond student dorm rooms to include interior flooring across the broader residential and communal environment. Each space demanded a different balance of performance characteristics—high wear resistance in corridors, acoustic control in study zones, and moisture and slip resistance in service areas—while maintaining a consistent design language throughout the facility.

Flooring Approach & Product Intent

While specific manufacturers and SKUs remain part of the project’s construction documentation, the flooring systems installed reflect education-grade, high-performance commercial materials selected to support long-term use in a residential learning environment.

Resilient flooring systems were used strategically in high-traffic areas such as corridors, multipurpose rooms, and common spaces, where durability, cleanability, and lifecycle cost are critical. In residential and study areas, flooring selections emphasized acoustic performance and comfort underfoot, supporting quieter environments without sacrificing durability. Kitchens, fitness spaces, and service areas incorporated finishes engineered for moisture resistance and slip control, ensuring safety and performance in more demanding conditions.

Transitions, wall base, and edge conditions were detailed carefully throughout the project to protect finishes and maintain continuity between spaces—an essential consideration in facilities with constant daily use.

As a Starnet® Worldwide Commercial Flooring Partnership member, Universal Metro draws on national manufacturer relationships and proven installation standards to ensure that product selections align with both design intent and operational realities.

Installation in an Active Campus Environment

Executing the Oaks Christian School dormitory flooring installation required disciplined coordination and flexibility. Work was phased to align with school schedules and residential occupancy, allowing campus life to continue safely and uninterrupted.

Universal Metro coordinated closely with the general contractor, design team, and campus facilities staff to sequence work efficiently and maintain quality control across all phases. Substrate preparation, moisture considerations, and finish detailing were addressed proactively to protect long-term flooring performance and reduce future maintenance risk.

This level of execution is critical on education projects where flooring must perform immediately—and continue performing for years.

Results

The completed flooring installation supports Oaks Christian School’s residential program with interiors that are durable, cohesive, and suited to the realities of student life. Floors now carry the daily rhythm of living, studying, and gathering while maintaining the appearance and performance expected in a high-caliber educational environment.

For architects and general contractors, the project demonstrates how a coordinated flooring strategy—rather than isolated material decisions—can elevate residential life facilities and reduce long-term operational challenges.

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The Oaks Christian School flooring project exemplifies how Universal Metro delivers expertly crafted, innovative, and durable flooring solutions for educational environments.

2025 Starnet grand prize winning project

Reviving Wellness: Murrieta Hot Springs Resort Renovation

Murrieta Hot Springs Resort Renovation: Restoring a Storied Landmark with Modern Flooring Innovation

The Murrieta Hot Springs Resort renovation represents a remarkable achievement in balancing history, innovation, and modern hospitality design. This ambitious project breathed new life into one of Southern California’s most iconic destinations, transforming a property with more than a century of layered history into a world-class wellness resort. Universal Metro played a central role in this transformation, delivering flooring solutions that combined durability, elegance, and historical sensitivity.

Universal Metro was proud to play a central role in this transformation, delivering flooring solutions that seamlessly combined durability, elegance, and historical sensitivity. Our team’s work on this project was honored at the 2025 Starnet Design Awards, where the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort received the Grand Prize along with Gold Award in Public Spaces.

A Property with Many Lives

The story of Murrieta Hot Springs Resort stretches back to 1902, when German immigrant Fritz Guenther developed the site into a celebrated health spa retreat. Known for its Spanish-inspired architecture and geothermal mineral waters, the resort quickly became a destination for those seeking relaxation and healing.

As the decades passed, the property went through several transformations. It served as a hotel, later as a vegetarian commune in the 1980s, and then as a Christian conference center and Bible college in the 1990s. For many years, it was closed to the public, leaving behind a mix of structures and uses that made any future revival a complex undertaking.

In 2022, new ownership took on the vision of restoring the site to its original purpose as a public wellness resort. By February 2024, Murrieta Hot Springs Resort officially reopened, offering modern spa facilities, geothermal pools, guest accommodations, and wellness-focused amenities. The Murrieta Hot Springs Resort renovation became a project not just of restoration, but of renewal and reinvention.

Challenges in the Renovation

Restoring a property with such a long and varied history presented significant challenges. Among the most pressing were:

Respecting the Past While Building for the Future: The design needed to retain the spirit of the original Spanish-style architecture while adapting the resort to modern expectations of wellness and hospitality.
Durability in Demanding Environments: With geothermal pools, saunas, and bathhouses, flooring solutions had to withstand moisture, heavy traffic, and continuous use without sacrificing beauty.
Creating a Unified Vision: With spaces ranging from private guestrooms to public cafés and sprawling bathhouses, every flooring choice had to contribute to a cohesive design theme—“California Nostalgic.”

Flooring and Material Solutions

Universal Metro’s approach to the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort renovation combined thoughtful design with advanced installation systems. Working with Starnet Preferred Vendors, the team delivered solutions that ensured durability, moisture resistance, and timeless beauty.

Daltile & Marazzi provided terracotta-toned tiles in the reception, café, and guestrooms. These finishes echoed the resort’s Mediterranean-inspired roofs while adding warmth and authenticity.
Mosaic and Glossy Finishes were used in the bathhouse, pairing earthy matte tiles with glossy off-white walls. This combination created a clean, modern contrast that also performed well under constant exposure to moisture.
ARDEX & Mapei Installation Systems were essential behind the scenes. These high-performance materials offered moisture protection, adhesion, and substrate stability, ensuring that the floors would perform flawlessly for decades to come.
Digital Tools and Precision Systems such as Measure Square, RFMS Measure, Spec-ID, and C/F Data Systems ensured accurate specifications, streamlined planning, and efficient installation—critical for a project of this scale and complexity.

Every flooring decision was guided by a dual mandate: preserve the integrity of the resort’s historic character while equipping it with materials that would meet the demands of a modern wellness destination.

Results of the Project

The results of the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort renovation are striking. Guests now enter a resort that celebrates its historic identity while delivering the comforts and sophistication of a contemporary spa experience.

Historic Charm Maintained: Terracotta palettes and Spanish-style textures reconnect visitors with the site’s origins.
Modern Wellness Elevated: Durable, low-maintenance flooring supports spaces like geothermal baths, mud rooms, saunas, and cafés.
Longevity Guaranteed: Behind every tile lies advanced installation systems that protect against moisture and heavy use, ensuring the resort’s design will stand the test of time.

The project has transformed Murrieta Hot Springs Resort into a place that is both a tribute to its past and a bold step into its future.

A New Era for a Historic Destination

Today, Murrieta Hot Springs Resort welcomes visitors once again, offering them the healing waters and restorative environment that defined its legacy more than a century ago. Thanks to Universal Metro’s flooring expertise and its collaboration with top vendors, the resort has reemerged as a premier wellness destination.

The Murrieta Hot Springs Resort renovation stands as a testament to what can be achieved when history, design vision, and modern flooring innovation come together. By preserving character while ensuring performance, Universal Metro helped deliver a project that will inspire and rejuvenate guests for generations to come.

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At Universal Metro, every project tells a story of craftsmanship, collaboration, and innovation. From historic landmarks to modern commercial spaces, our work reflects a commitment to excellence in flooring design and installation.

From Hollywood Legacy to Modern Luxury: Georgian Hotel Santa Monica Flooring Project

Reviving Art Deco Elegance at the Georgian Hotel

A landmark along Santa Monica’s iconic coastline, The Georgian Hotel has always embodied timeless elegance. Its turquoise façade and Art Deco design made it a Hollywood favorite in the 1930s, and nearly a century later, the property has been reimagined for a new generation of guests. The Georgian Hotel Santa Monica flooring project was central to this transformation, delivering surfaces that balance historic preservation with modern performance.

Universal Metro was entrusted with bringing the flooring vision to life — a responsibility that demanded both craftsmanship and sensitivity to the building’s historic architecture. Our team prepared substrates with ARDEX systems, installed intricate terrazzo inlays in the lobby, and coordinated large-scale tile installations in the restaurant and bar areas. In meeting rooms and corridors, we installed Tarkett carpet to enhance esthetics, acoustics and comfort, while back-of-house and service zones were finished with slip-resistant Altro products to ensure safety and durability. Every detail — from the precision of patterned layouts to the seamless transitions between materials — reflected our role in translating the designers’ Art Deco vision into functional, lasting surfaces.

Restoring an Icon with Purpose

The renovation preserved the hotel’s Art Deco spirit while introducing modern hospitality standards. For the Georgian Hotel Santa Monica flooring project, flooring became a storytelling element — linking bold, geometric design with durable solutions for heavy-use areas.

To achieve this, a curated mix of high-quality products was selected:

ARDEX underlayment and leveling systems provided the critical foundation for all finished surfaces, ensuring smooth installation in a historic structure with uneven substrates.
Daltile ceramic and porcelain tile brought geometric precision and durability to the restaurant, bar, and circulation areas.
Tarkett Powerbond carpet offered acoustic comfort and style in meeting spaces and guest corridors, while handling the wear of frequent use.
Stark Custom Carpets : customer woven Axminster
Monarch Hardwood: European Oak in the guestrooms – hand-scraped micro-beveled 9/16 inch product
Custom terrazzo inlays were fabricated to replicate period-appropriate compass star patterns in the lobby, blending heritage with new performance standards.
Altro slip-resistant flooring enhanced functionality in service and back-of-house zones without compromising safety.
Pliteq: RST sound management underlayment

Flooring Solutions That Elevate Every Space

The Georgian Hotel Santa Monica flooring project applied these solutions strategically throughout the property:

Lobby & Reception: Daltile hard surfaces paired with ARDEX-prepped substrates delivered crisp, durable finishes. Custom terrazzo compass stars reinforced the Art Deco aesthetic.
Guestrooms & Suites: European Oak for its exceptional durability, which withstands heavy foot traffic, and its aesthetic appeal,
Restaurant & Bar Areas: Tile and carpet transitions created lively atmospheres while withstanding heavy guest traffic.
Meeting & Circulation Spaces: Tarkett Powerbond carpet improved acoustics and comfort while carrying Art Deco-inspired colorways.
Service & Utility Areas: Altro slip-resistant products safeguarded staff operations with long-term resilience.

Spanish-style details were echoed in flooring palettes — muted terracottas, soft browns, and earthy tones that tied seamlessly to the stucco exteriors and arched entryways.

Meeting the Challenges of Historic Renovation

As with any landmark restoration, challenges arose:

Substrate irregularities addressed with ARDEX solutions.
Preservation needs, requiring careful installation around original moldings, structures and framing.
Maintaining historic authenticity: Renovation required careful decisions on which original features were matched with modern products.
Complex transitions between tile, terrazzo, and carpet, demanding meticulous craftsmanship.
Scheduling coordination across multiple trades to ensure continuity in active hotel spaces.

The Georgian Hotel Santa Monica flooring project overcame each of these challenges, demonstrating the value of experience, planning, and skilled labor in high-profile hospitality work.

A Reimagined Jewel on the Coast

With its refreshed interiors, The Georgian Hotel now celebrates its Hollywood-era roots while meeting modern hospitality standards. The Georgian Hotel Santa Monica flooring project is a showcase of Universal Metro’s ability to balance design heritage with functional excellence — leaving a foundation that’s as timeless as the hotel itself.

Explore Our Award-Winning Portfolio

The Georgian Hotel Santa Monica flooring project is just one example of how Universal Metro delivers flooring that combines craftsmanship, innovation, and durability across the hospitality sector.

Crafted for Experience: North Ranch Country Club Flooring Transformation

A Clubhouse Reimagined

North Ranch Country Club underwent a major transformation to redefine the member experience. The renovation introduced a new 13,000 sq. ft. wellness center featuring a gym, yoga and massage studios, pools and hot tubs, updated dining, childcare facilities, and refreshed locker rooms.

For a project of this scale, RCI Builders turned to hospitality flooring contractors in Westlake Village they could trust — and Universal Metro was selected to deliver a complete, turnkey flooring solution for both the clubhouse and lifestyle center.

Scope of Work

Universal Metro provided a comprehensive flooring package that balanced design aesthetics with performance across multiple environments. Key elements included:

Subfloor Preparation & Moisture Mitigation
- ARDEX self-leveling underlayments ensured flat, stable, and moisture-resistant surfaces in gym, shower, pool-adjacent, and dining areas.
Tile & Hard-Surface Installations
- Daltile Reminiscent tile throughout corridors, clubhouse common areas, and exterior patios.
- Daltile Mythology tile in bathrooms, showers, and wet-wall surfaces.
- Complete waterproofing, grout, sealing, and pencil trim.
Luxury Vinyl & Resilient Surfaces
- Armstrong/AHF Natural Creations LVT in yoga rooms, massage studios, gym reception, and offices.
- Johnsonite/Tarkett wall base and transitions for seamless movement between materials.
Project & Material Management
- Coordinated expedited material delivery with Starnet partners when the outdoor patio was added.
- Used C/F Data Systems and RFMS for estimating, documentation, and installation tracking.

Across the project, Universal Metro demonstrated why they are among the top hospitality flooring contractors in Westlake Village, providing tailored solutions for high-traffic, wet, and multi-use environments.

Flooring Solutions That Balance Style & Performance

Durability & Moisture Resistance: Ceramic tile in wet and high-traffic areas ensures longevity and easy maintenance.
Comfort & Acoustics: LVT adds warmth and sound mitigation in wellness and spa areas.
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow: Extending tile to the exterior patio maintains design continuity.
Design Cohesion: Neutral, refined palettes unify the clubhouse, spa, and dining areas into a welcoming environment.

This combination of products and installations highlights Universal Metro’s expertise as hospitality flooring contractors in Westlake Village, capable of delivering high-performance solutions across diverse environments.

Challenges Met, Excellence Delivered

Mid-Project Scope Expansion: When the outdoor patio was added, UMI leveraged Starnet partnerships to secure expedited tile deliveries — keeping the project on schedule.
Moisture & Substrate Challenges: Showers, locker rooms, and pool-adjacent spaces required waterproofing and substrate prep; Ardex systems ensured a reliable, flat surface.
Multi-Environment Coordination: Spa, wellness, athletic, and dining spaces all received tailored flooring solutions without sacrificing visual continuity.
Precision Finishing: LVT, tile, and wall base transitions were executed to exacting standards to meet the client’s high expectations.

Universal Metro’s hands-on expertise confirms why property owners trust them when searching for hospitality flooring contractors in Westlake Village.

The Impact: A Unified, Elevated Club Experience

The renovated North Ranch Country Club now showcases durable, visually appealing floors that enhance the member experience. Ceramic tile stands up to heavy traffic and wet conditions, while LVT delivers comfort and acoustical benefits. Seamless indoor-to-outdoor flooring maintains a cohesive aesthetic, reflecting the club’s upscale brand.

Universal Metro’s role as hospitality flooring contractors in Westlake Village ensured that every design vision became reality — on time, on budget, and with exceptional craftsmanship.

A Trusted Flooring Partner for Hospitality & Private Clubs

Universal Metro’s work at North Ranch Country Club reflects extensive experience delivering commercial flooring solutions for hospitality, private clubs, and high-end amenity spaces. From early coordination through final installation, our team understands how flooring impacts both design intent and operational success.

Pomona Valley Hospital Women’s & Children’s Center Flooring Project — Universal Metro’s Healthcare Expertise in Action

Pomona Valley Hospital Women’s & Children’s Center Flooring Project

Pomona Valley Hospital Women’s & Children’s Center Flooring Project — Universal Metro’s Healthcare Expertise in Action 13

Universal Metro is proud to have partnered on the Pomona Valley Hospital Women’s & Children’s Center flooring project, a transformative renovation that blends innovation, safety, and design excellence. Located in Pomona, California, Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center is a nationally recognized, nonprofit regional medical facility serving the Inland Empire and Los Angeles County communities for over a century. The new Women’s & Children’s Center was designed to expand maternity, neonatal, and pediatric services—creating a modern, comforting environment for families during life’s most important moments. As a trusted leader in healthcare flooring installation, Universal Metro worked alongside HMC Architects and Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center to create spaces that support healing and comfort—earning national recognition from Starnet’s 2024 Design Awards, including the Rob Starr People’s Choice Award.

Project & Design Strategy

This high-profile Pomona Valley Hospital Women’s & Children’s Center flooring project focused on crafting an environment that balances the demands of clinical precision with a warm, family-centered atmosphere.
Universal Metro’s installation scope included:

Homogeneous sheet vinyl in sterile and surgical areas for maximum cleanability, chemical resistance, and infection control.
Heterogeneous wood-visual vinyl in patient and recovery spaces to bring natural warmth and calm to families and children.
Seamless transitions, integral cove base, and heat-welded seams to prevent bacteria buildup and ensure long-term durability.
Color and pattern coordination to guide patient and staff movement while supporting visual harmony throughout the space.

By integrating these materials with the architectural vision of HMC, Universal Metro helped the hospital achieve a balance of functionality, hygiene, and emotional wellness—a key differentiator for healthcare flooring design.

Unique Installation Challenge Strategy

As with all active hospital environments, the Pomona Valley Hospital Women’s & Children’s Center flooring project required precise coordination to maintain safety, cleanliness, and minimal disruption to operations. Universal Metro’s installation team worked under strict infection-control protocols, carefully sequencing work zones around hospital operations and patient traffic.

Their technical craftsmanship—recognized by the Starnet Design Awards—was evident in every corner and seam. The installation combined aesthetic excellence with the precision demanded by medical facilities, reinforcing UMI’s role as a trusted flooring partner for healthcare construction teams across California.

Craftsmanship & Collaboration That Stand Out

The project’s standout results earned the Rob Starr People’s Choice Award, one of the most competitive honors within the Starnet Flooring Cooperative. This award, voted on by industry peers, underscores Universal Metro’s ability to deliver both artistry and performance in a clinical setting.

Additional key contributors included:

HMC Architects – Architectural Design
Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center – Owner / Client

Together, this collaboration produced a space that meets the highest standards for healthcare flooring installation, blending science, safety, and design integrity.

Results That Reflect True Healthcare Expertise

The completed Pomona Valley Hospital Women’s & Children’s Center flooring project demonstrates how Universal Metro transforms healthcare environments through innovation, craftsmanship, and teamwork. From concept to completion, UMI delivered a resilient flooring system that aligns with modern medical standards and enhances patient experience.

By combining durable materials, precision detailing, and seamless project execution, Universal Metro once again proved why its healthcare flooring installations are among the most respected in the industry.

Partner With Universal Metro for Healthcare Flooring Excellence

At Universal Metro, we specialize in flooring solutions that meet the demands of complex medical environments—balancing infection control, aesthetics, and durability. The Pomona Valley Hospital Women’s & Children’s Center flooring project is just one example of how our team delivers trusted results for hospitals, surgical centers, and medical facilities throughout California.

Pendry Hotel: Award-Winning Hospitality Flooring Installation

Pendry Hotel -An Exquisite Hospitality Flooring Installation

Universal Metro proudly served as the flooring contractor for the prestigious Pendry Hotel in Newport Beach, California, delivering a high-quality hospitality flooring installation that combined design elegance with durability and functionality. This project exemplifies Universal Metro’s ability to partner with leading architects, designers, and Starnet vendor partners to create commercial spaces that are both visually stunning and performance-ready.

Project Overview

Pendry Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel featuring a variety of public spaces, including grand lobbies, lounges, dining areas, corridors, and conference spaces. The project demanded a hospitality flooring installation that could withstand high traffic while reflecting the hotel’s sophisticated design aesthetic. Universal Metro collaborated closely with the hotel management, design team, and Starnet vendor partners to deliver a seamless flooring solution that enhances both aesthetics and guest experience.

Project Scope

Universal Metro’s scope of work encompassed the installation of high-performance flooring across all public areas of the hotel, including:

Lobbies and Reception Areas: Were laid in an elegant Versailles pattern, delivering an inviting first impression while providing durable, visually captivating surfaces that elevate the entire entry experience
Lounges and Dining Areas: Designed to balance elegance with functional durability for continuous guest activity, featuring French white oak in the Viamara dining room to introduce natural warmth and timeless character.
Corridors and Common Pathways: Built for long-lasting performance in high-traffic areas, with precise transitions and consistent finish quality, complemented by custom hospitality carpet engineered to withstand wear while elevating the visual flow of the space
The Elwood Club: Showcasing elevated craftsmanship through bespoke woodwork and precision-set ceramic tile, enhancing the club’s refined atmosphere with durable, meticulously detailed finishes.

By covering these diverse areas, Universal Metro ensured that the hotel’s entire public-facing footprint received a cohesive, durable, and visually appealing flooring solution.

Award-Winning Recognition

Universal Metro’s work on the Pendry Hotel earned significant recognition:

Gold Award – Hospitality/Public Spaces, 2024 Starnet Design Awards
Third Place – Rob Starr People’s Choice Award

These accolades highlight the quality of installation, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence in every aspect of the project. They also underscore Universal Metro’s long-standing reputation for delivering award-winning flooring projects in the hospitality sector.

Collaboration with Leading Design Teams and Vendors

The hotel’s design was led by the globally recognized WATG architecture firm, with interior design by Studio Munge. Universal Metro coordinated closely with these teams to ensure the flooring design complemented the overall vision of the hotel’s public spaces.

Working with Starnet vendor partners such as Tarkett, Ardex, Bostik, EcoSurfaces, RFMS, Spec-ID, C/F Data Systems, and Tred-MOR allowed Universal Metro to source premium materials that met both aesthetic and functional requirements. This collaboration illustrates the value of leveraging established vendor partnerships to deliver superior results in hospitality projects.

Project Execution and Expertise

Universal Metro’s team managed the entire hospitality flooring installation, from initial planning and submittal review to final installation and quality assurance. Certified installers ensured precise execution, including subfloor preparation, moisture mitigation, and seamless material transitions.

UMI’s experience in high-end hospitality flooring installations proved essential in handling unique challenges such as high-traffic areas, multiple flooring transitions, and strict design specifications. Every detail was meticulously managed to deliver floors that are as durable as they are visually striking.

Industry-Leading Experience

With decades of experience in the hospitality flooring sector, Universal Metro has successfully completed projects across hotels, resorts, boutique properties, and convention centers. This expertise allows UMI to combine technical knowledge, installation precision, and aesthetic understanding in every project. The Pendry Hotel project reinforces UMI’s ability to execute complex flooring installations that meet the high standards of both designers and hotel operators.

The Impact

The Pendry Hotel flooring installation demonstrates Universal Metro’s ability to transform hospitality spaces into award-winning environments. The Gold Award and Rob Starr People’s Choice acknowledgment highlight the company’s skill in combining technical expertise with design excellence. Guests enjoy a durable, beautiful, and inviting flooring environment, enhancing the hotel’s luxury experience and overall prestige.