Squash Court Architecture: Key Considerations
Squash courts are not one-size-fits-all. Small design choices can significantly affect how the game plays, the court’s cost, and its longevity. As an architect, it’s crucial to understand the different squash court types and construction options in order to design a facility that meets both technical requirements and user expectations. This involves balancing multiple factors – from playability and safety to maintenance and budget – while also integrating the courts seamlessly into your building’s design.
Ultimately, there is no universal solution: for example, a community center might choose affordable courts for easy upkeep, whereas a professional venue could invest in an expensive all-glass show court to attract tournaments. Each approach has its merits, and the right choice depends on the facility’s goals and target users.
Squash Court Dimensions
All stated measurements refer to the final internal dimensions of the squash court. When planning or constructing a facility, it is essential to account for variations in wall thickness, as these can significantly impact the overall footprint and spatial layout.
The type of squash court (e.g. solid walls type, with or without movable-wall, or glass show court) should be defined before beginning any detailed architectural planning, as it directly influences design decisions, cost, and future flexibility.
Length: 9.750 mm
Width: 6.400 mm
Min clear height: 5.640 mm
Recommended height: 6.000 mm
Tin height: 480 mm (430 mm elite)
Singles
Singles squash is the global standard and should be the default choice for facilities focused on broad participation and daily use.
Length: 9.750 mm
Width: 8.4200 mm
Min clear height: 5.640 mm
Recommended height: 6.000 mm
Tin height: 330 mm
International Doubles
International Doubles requires only a wider court and should only be implemented by adding movable side walls to adjacent singles courts.
Length: 13.716 mm (45’0”)
Width: 7.620 mm (25’0”)
Min clear height: 7.315 mm (24’0”)
Recommended height: 7.925 mm (26’0”)
Tin height: 430 mm
Hardball Doubles
Hardball Doubles demands a significantly larger court with specific adjustments in width, length, and wall height, and is mainly played in North America.
Planning mistakes are hard to fix
A squash ball can exceed 200 km/h (124 mph) and hit walls up to 30 times per rally—driving noise, bounce behaviour, and surface wear. Wall choice is therefore central to court design and long-term performance.
1) Squash Court Planning Mistakes Are Hard to Fix
High-quality walls start in pre-design. In larger projects, squash specifics are often underweighted and experts consulted too late. Tenders that cite only “according to standard XY” risk unsuitable components; GCs unfamiliar with squash may underprice and downgrade materials. Building integration—vibration control, ceiling transitions, daylight, acoustic separation—needs early, cross-disciplinary planning; retrofits are costly. Courts are just 5–10% of total capex, so cutting corners hurts ROI disproportionately.
Practical recommendations:
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Consult squash-court specialists before design.
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Specify requirements clearly in tenders.
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Hire contractors with proven squash experience.
2) Court Acoustics: Critical Yet Underestimated
Material choice can amplify or dampen noise, especially with adjacent courts. Lower noise improves player comfort, visit frequency, and reputation; it’s key in larger buildings/community centres.
Practical recommendations:
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Choose wall types tested for acoustics.
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Add acoustic insulation for multi-court sites.
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Evaluate sound with acoustic experts during planning.
3) Playing Characteristics: Wall Bounce Behaviour
Wall stiffness and surface determine rebound consistency. Even small deflections change trajectories and fairness. Too-soft walls cause inconsistent play; uniform stiffness yields better gameplay and usage.
Practical recommendations:
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Use proven squash-specific systems with consistent bounce.
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Involve experienced coaches in evaluation.
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Avoid general-purpose wall systems.
4) Wall Durability: Built for Relentless Impact
Impacts are like repeated rubber-mallet blows. Over time this causes abrasion, chipping, or flaking—especially in high-contact zones. The “squash effect” (ball compresses/grips before release) accelerates wear. All walls show ball marks; cleaning effort and impact on play vary by material. Given a 5–10-year ROI horizon, choose systems with ≥10-year warranties to protect performance, appearance, and downtime costs.
Practical recommendations:
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Select durable, squash-specific materials for long-term impact.
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Prefer surfaces that clean/repaint quickly.
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Verify warranties align with your ROI period.
Choosing the Right Wall Type: Practical Checklist
System Wall (prefab, sand-filled)
Planning: Self-supporting, freestanding; usually no deep foundation. Heavy lifting gear needed; plan storage, transport, placement. Some allow movable walls.
Acoustics: Sand fill cuts cavity resonance and echoes; quieter in-court and less transmission.
Bounce: Dense, minimal flex; uniform rebound without dead spots.
Maintenance/Durability: Very durable, low wear; marks scrub/repaint easily; minimal cracking/warping; typical ~10-year warranties.
Plaster Wall (special squash plaster on blockwork)
Planning: Build blockwork, then hard modified gypsum plaster; slower, skilled labour; plan footing, framing, waterproofing; re-plastering is straightforward; ensure straight, sound substrate.
Acoustics: Solid masonry absorbs/diffuses sound; quieter than hollow panel/glass; damage can raise noise.
Bounce: True, predictable rebound; slightly grippy surface; issues only if plaster peels/cracks.
Maintenance/Durability: Can chip/crack/craze; needs patching or re-plastering; marks adhere—regular scrubbing/repainting; warranties often cover plaster layer only.
Panel Wall (fiberboard on frame)
Planning: ~28–38 mm panels on wood/metal frame; flat slab only; fast assembly; heavy machinery for large panels; plan storage and seal vents/gaps.
Acoustics: Louder/“bright” sound; cavities can resonate; add insulation if noise is a concern.
Bounce: Consistent; generally slower than plaster, not as slow as glass; visible joints.
Maintenance/Durability: Very low maintenance; factory finish resists cracking; marks often washable; many ~10-year warranties.
Glass Wall (12 mm safety glass)
Planning: Precise specialist install; higher cost; check building access for future replacements; address thermal/structural/vibration early.
Acoustics: Highest reflection/amplification; loud in-court and more external transmission.
Bounce: Multiple tempered panels joined at edges; centres can flex a few mm. Near corners/joints: firmer/faster; centre: slightly more flex—generally consistent but not perfectly uniform.
Maintenance/Durability: Very hard surface; easy cleaning; no repainting; screen-printed lines; rare breaks require panel replacement; long lifespans and 10+-year warranties typical.