Louma Country Hotel sits in a striking part of West Dorset, between Lyme Regis and Charmouth, with wide, sweeping views across the Jurassic Coast. For a development in such a visible setting, the groundworks package had to be delivered with technical control, careful sequencing and respect for the wider landscape.
Appointed by Greendale Construction Ltd, N&G Groundworks took on the package for a new entertainment barn, delivering a substantial scope that included earthworks, structural concrete, sub-structure block and brickwork, drainage, services and external finishes.
Working in a sensitive location
Groundworks planned to suit a high-visibility site
Groundworks in AONB settings and other sensitive landscapes demand a measured approach from the outset. Access, spoil removal, plant movements and build sequencing all need to be considered in the context of the site as a whole, especially when the completed building must sit comfortably within its surroundings.
At Louma Country Hotel, the objectives were clearly laid out. The new entertainment barn needed robust below-ground construction and modern infrastructure, delivered in a way that supported the character of the wider vineyard redevelopment.
Preparing the site for construction
Excavation and formation carried out with control
Early works centred on basement excavations and the disposal of excavated material off-site, creating the space and levels needed for the structure to progress safely. On a project like this, excavation is closely tied to access, temporary working areas, material handling and the next phases of structural work.
N&G’s role required careful programme coordination to keep the site organised and ready for follow-on trades. This stage drew directly on the N&G Groundworks' earthworks capability, with attention given to buildable platforms, safe working areas and a clean transition into the structural package.
Building the structural base
Concrete, masonry and waterproofing integrated into one package
The structural scope for the barn was extensive. N&G Groundworks delivered a reinforced ground-bearing slab and walls, formwork, in-situ concrete works, and sub-structure block and brickwork, giving the building a strong and accurate base.
Structural waterproofing also formed part of the package, which is particularly important for below-ground areas requiring long-term protection against moisture ingress. Bringing these elements together under one contractor supports tighter on-site coordination, clearer quality control, and a more reliable build sequence, especially on commercial developments where interfaces can quickly become complex.
Supporting the building above
Floor construction and below-ground works aligned
Alongside the concrete and masonry package, N&G installed hollow-core flooring on the first floor, helping to move the structure forward in a practical and efficient sequence. This part of the programme depended on accurate set-out and reliable sub-structure works beneath it.
A project of this type benefits from disciplined delivery at every stage, as tolerances established in the groundworks phase carry through the rest of the construction. For contractors and developers, that level of consistency reduces the risk of delay, keeps the programme moving and creates a stronger platform for the trades that follow.
Drainage and service coordination
Infrastructure designed for modern use and long-term performance
A successful entertainment venue needs sound structure and dependable below-ground infrastructure. At Louma Country Hotel, N&G’s package included drainage and services, ensuring the barn could operate effectively as part of the vineyard’s wider redevelopment.
This aspect of the works highlights N&G Groundworks’ experience in foul and surface water drainage and infrastructure coordination, where long-term performance depends on tight planning, sound installation and clear interfaces with the rest of the build. On publicly visible sites, tidy delivery and careful reinstatement also shape how the project is experienced during construction.
High-quality commercial groundworks delivery
Technical capability applied with care and precision
Louma Country Hotel demonstrates how commercial groundworks can be delivered successfully in protected or high-visibility locations without compromising build quality or programme control.
N&G Groundworks brought together excavation, concrete works, masonry, waterproofing, drainage and external finishes in one coordinated package, supporting a development with both technical demands and visual sensitivity.
For contractors and developers planning projects in prominent settings, our work at Louma Country Hotel shows the value of appointing a team with the experience to manage structure, infrastructure and site coordination with care from the ground up.
Posted on March 31st 2026
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