Tectum Group the Grandeur of the Iconic Coastal Building, The Grand

Anyone visiting Nieuwpoort this summer will find it hard to miss. The former Le Grand Hôtel, an iconic Art Deco building dating from 1929, is undergoing a major restoration commissioned by VDD Project Development. The design is by the renowned architectural firm David Chipperfield Architects, led by Pritzker Prize winner David Chipperfield.

Tectum Group was selected to handle the entire roof system. This project goes far beyond traditional roofing work.

"This project perfectly illustrates where we, as a group, make a difference," says CEO Kris Bloemen. "We have all the expertise under one roof. This allows us to handle both flat and sloped roofs—including zinc work, natural slate, and the most complex roof details—entirely in-house. For the construction team, that means a single point of contact, a single schedule, and, above all, far fewer worries."

Craftsmanship at the Highest Level

The roof consists of approximately 750 m² of natural slate, 1,000 m² of zinc work, and 1,000 m² of flat roofing. At peak times, up to fifteen skilled workers are on the job site at the same time.

The construction requires exceptional craftsmanship. The sleek zinc dormers, featuring standing seams, provide a stylish contrast to the flowing, curved roof surfaces clad in natural slate. It is precisely this combination of straight lines and organic shapes that gives The Grand its distinctive character.

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However, those curved roof surfaces also present a technical challenge. In certain places, the slope is limited, allowing rainwater to move between the overlapping natural slates via capillary action. This is a physical phenomenon in which water can move upward through small openings, defying gravity. Combined with strong winds, driving rain, and the salty maritime climate along the Belgian coast, this increases the risk of moisture seepage. To prevent this, a lead strip is installed between each row of natural slate tiles. This additional water-repellent layer intercepts any rising moisture and safely drains it away.

"It's precisely those details that you, as a passerby, hardly notice, but which determine whether a roof will withstand the harshest weather conditions for decades. Such complex projects require not only experience, but above all craftsmanship and an in-depth knowledge of materials and techniques," Kris concludes.

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Everything under one roof

For The Grand, various divisions of Tectum Group are joining Tectum Group . The flat roofs are being constructed by Tectum Dekkers Eke, while Tectum Constructors Roeselare is responsible for the sloped roofs. Thanks to this collaboration, the entire roofing project is being carried out as a single integrated project.

According to Kris Bloemen , this approach Kris Bloemen increasingly important in the future.

"Buildings are becoming more technically complex, and clients expect us to take more and more of the burden off their shoulders. They don’t want to manage multiple specialized contractors; instead, they want a single partner who masters all aspects of roofing and assumes full responsibility. That is exactly what we strive for every day."

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Limburg craftsmanship that’s worth seeing

Although most passersby will mainly admire the imposing facade, the true craftsmanship often lies in the details that are barely visible: meticulously crafted joints, curved zinc structures, perfectly placed natural slate tiles, and a sophisticated roof structure that can withstand the challenging coastal climate.

So if you’re passing through Nieuwpoort this summer, it’s definitely worth taking a moment to look up. After all, behind the renovated silhouette of The Grand lies a piece of Limburg craftsmanship.

Anyone visiting Nieuwpoort this summer will find it hard to miss. The former Le Grand Hôtel, an iconic Art Deco building dating from 1929, is undergoing a major restoration commissioned by VDD Project Development. The design is by the renowned architectural firm David Chipperfield Architects, led by Pritzker Prize winner David Chipperfield.

Tectum Group was selected to handle the entire roof system. This project goes far beyond traditional roofing work.

"This project perfectly illustrates where we, as a group, make a difference," says CEO Kris Bloemen. "We have all the expertise under one roof. This allows us to handle both flat and sloped roofs—including zinc work, natural slate, and the most complex roof details—entirely in-house. For the construction team, that means a single point of contact, a single schedule, and, above all, far fewer worries."