The Post Barn

Construction of a purpose-built multi-use events venue.

Sector: Sports & Leisure
Client: The Vineyard Group
Value range: £3m +

Construction of a new bespoke wedding and events venue at Donnington Valley Golf Club, featuring unparalleled attention to detail with a traditional oak frame combined with minimal frame glazing and ultra-modern building services, all set alongside sculpted garden zones to ensure a picturesque setting for special occasions.

Scope of work

Site Preparation:
The project began on the existing practice green at Donnington Valley Golf Club. Site levels were reduced to the proposed levels, with the existing green stockpiled for client reuse.

Groundworks & Civil Engineering:
New foul and surface water drainage systems were installed at the front of the building’s footprint, facilitating the creation of traditional strip and pad foundations to support a new structural oak frame.

Substructure Works:
Blockwork up to the DPC level was completed, followed by the installation of a Visqueen torch-on membrane to prevent gas and moisture ingress. A reinforced concrete slab was then poured.

Structural Frame:
A traditional English Oak frame, designed and manufactured by Hartwood Oak, was installed using traditional methods such as folding wedges and mortise & tenon joints. The frame was sandblasted, and an acoustic ceiling finish was applied before commencing roof construction.

Roof & Exterior:
The roof was tiled with handmade clay tiles, blended by hand for aesthetic consistency. The building’s exterior featured traditional face brickwork and treated larch feather edge cladding, with locally sourced joinery for under-cloaking, sarking boards, and fascia. Heritage cast effect aluminium rainwater goods were installed.

Windows & Doors:
Bespoke windows and doors, manufactured in Italy, were installed to provide a slimline sliding door system. Commercial aluminium doors with matching finishes ensured continuity.

Interior Fit-Out:
A liquid screed was poured, and contemporary natural limestone tiles were installed in the main areas. Various rooms, including male and female toilets, an accessible WC, and storage cupboards, were created with bespoke design features and handmade joinery. A mezzanine floor with a bespoke staircase and handrails provided additional space and a view over the main barn floor.

Amenities & Finishes:
A bar area with a new fireplace and seating areas was constructed, featuring a real log burner and a custom hood matching the bar. Acoustic accessible ceilings with integrated lighting were installed in the bar/reception space to provide easy but unobtrusive access to the building ‘s modern services.  A commercial-grade kitchen was fitted with a walk-in fridge/freezer, dry store, and bar storage areas.

Mechanical & Electrical Systems:
The project included the installation of MHVR, underfloor heating, fibre data, and Lutron LED lighting systems. New audio and visual systems were integrated, along with a fire alarm and security system featuring Salto access controls.

External Works & Landscaping:
High and ground-level car parks were created using a SUDS, Cellular Eco grid system to enhance site drainage.. Extended drainage systems connected to a new sewage treatment plant that feeds into the existing lakes. Landscaped garden areas with traditional brickwork walls, Saville tumbled paviours, and natural stone paving were illuminated with fittings connected to the internal Lutron control system.

Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 outbreak, including a four-week suspension in late March 2020, the project was successfully completed. The new venue at Donnington Valley Golf Club stands as a testament to quality and craftsmanship, providing a stunning and functional space for weddings and events.