Architecture: Turning Business Models into Reality

Design is strategy made visible. At the Racquet Sports Institute, architecture translates the business model into a facility that is efficient, sustainable, and loved by users. We align court mix, space sizing, circulation, sightlines, acoustics, and building systems with operating workflows so that performance, comfort, and profitability reinforce each other. Thoughtful, experience-driven planning keeps long-term operating costs under control while future-proofing the venue for evolving formats and demand.

squash court considerations

padel court considerations

Key Considerations in Architecture

The core challenge is turning a trend into a durable asset. That means planning layouts and adjacencies around your revenue engine and staffing reality, sizing courts, social zones, locker rooms, and back-of-house to actual demand and turnaround times, and shaping circulation and sightlines that reduce bottlenecks, support supervision, and elevate the spectator experience.

Equally important are systems and materials that save over the lifecycle—acoustic control, lighting, ventilation, and envelopes that lower OPEX and maintenance—combined with structural grids and service runs that allow phased growth and reconfiguration. Sustainability is designed in from day one through daylighting, efficient systems, and resilient finishes that pay back economically and environmentally.

A small green plant and a glowing LED bulb on soil, with a blurred, leafy background. The scene suggests innovation or growth.

Facing Sustainability Challenges in Squash Facilities

Discover how clubs boost sustainability, reduce costs, and become eco-friendly through practical examples, insights, and success stories.

Sustainability: A Necessity and an Opportunity for Facility Growth

Sustainability is essential for racquetfacilities. Discover strategies to cut costs, reduce energy, and boost reputation with SFN insights.

Leading the Way in Sustainability

Explore Wolfgang Hochmuth's insights on sustainable squash facilities, from energy efficiency to eco-friendly design and innovative solution

Architectural Design of Squash Facilities: A Cornerstone for Successful Business Planning

In the competitive world of fitness and recreation, the architectural design of a squash facility plays a pivotal role in its success. A...

The Rise of Squashland Slovenia: A Pioneering Approach to Creating Sustainable and Commercially Viab

Goran Milicevic is not just another name in the squash community; he is a pioneering entrepreneur who has ingeniously combined sporting...

Why Context Matters in Court Construction

There is no one-size-fits-all court. Playing characteristics, durability, lifecycle cost, and user experience vary by mission, climate, and throughput. A showpiece all-glass squash court can be perfect for showcase events yet impractical for heavy league use; indoor padel demands appropriate clearances and noise mitigation; pickleball surfaces and sub-bases must be tuned to volume and weather; badminton requires uniform, glare-free lighting and non-reflective finishes to protect play quality.

Choosing the wrong specification can undermine utilization, inflate maintenance, and erode satisfaction. The right approach is to match court systems and finishes to the business model, operating conditions, and community you serve—so the facility delivers on day one and in year ten. Explore our layout guidelines, request a court specification review, or book a design workshop to align architecture with outcomes.

ASB Glass Floors: Slip Resistance — A Deep Dive after the London Classic

Referees and players report slips on the ASB GlassFloor at pro events, especially when sweat pools near the T. Tribology explains why squash needs micro-texture; wood courts restore grip by re-sanding. Experts flag possible micro-abrasion on glass; ASB denies wear, citing MSquash and pointing to humidity plus planned heating/ventilation. PSA says it’s reviewing feedback to ensure safe, fair conditions. Read the full analysis of standards and safety details here.

Partially constructed padel court with blue flooring, glass walls, and construction materials, set outdoors under a clear sky

Padel Court Construction – Quick Implementation Checklist

In the final article of our Padel Court Construction series, we provide a detailed checklist to help you review every key aspect of your project before completion. Building on Part 1 (planning and permits) and Part 2 (construction and materials), this practical guide ensures your court is fully compliant, functional, and ready for play. Whether you're finalizing fencing, lighting, or surfacing, this checklist keeps your project on track.

Indoor sports hall with blue padel courts under construction; two workers on a lift installing metal frames.

A Comprehensive Guide to Planning and Building Padel Courts (Part 2)

Part 2 of our padel court guide dives into structural foundations, lighting design, permit processes, and long-term maintenance. Learn how to build a stable base, ensure proper drainage, install compliant lighting, and avoid delays in approvals. Essential reading for architects and investors aiming to create safe, high-quality padel courts. A must-read before breaking ground – practical, detailed, and regulation-ready insights await.

Indoor padel facility with multiple courts under a white inflatable dome, featuring blue artificial turf, glass walls, metal fencing, and LED floodlights. Players are actively engaged in matches across several courts.

A Comprehensive Guide to Planning and Building Padel Courts

This expert-developed guide from SFN covers everything architects and investors need to plan and build padel courts—from indoor vs. outdoor design, space requirements, and court types to surface selection, permitting, foundations, and a comprehensive checklist. Ideal for first-time planners seeking clarity and precision.

One Sport, Many Courts: Why Context Matters in Squash Construction

SFN’s deep dive into squash court construction exposes a critical truth: not all courts are created equal. From performance risks to financial fallout, poor planning can cost everything. Prestigious glass courts may look stunning, but can be a disaster in the wrong setting. With global cases like Open Squash NYC and major builds in Riyadh, it’s time for the WSF specs to evolve — or risk holding the sport back.

What Makes Squash Courts Different – Part 4: Flooring, Glass Back Walls Lighting and Climate Control

Part 4 of the SFN series highlights key infrastructure elements that define quality squash courts: flooring, glass back walls, lighting, and climate control. It outlines essential safety standards, planning tips, and technical requirements for optimal performance, durability, and player comfort. Facility operators gain clear guidance to create safe, high-performing environments aligned with international best practices.

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