The new vision for this private Tennis & Racquet Club focused on enhancing the member experience and fostering community within the world of racquet sports. Rather than prescribing a specific approach, the competition brief challenged participants to merge function with design identity, refreshing and reorganizing the outdated facilities. The new layout integrates various amenities, including outdoor and indoor tennis courts, squash courts, a fitness club, kids’ club, outdoor swimming pool, spa facilities, locker rooms, and three restaurants, all designed to alleviate the previously cramped and disconnected clubhouse. Emphasizing flow and circulation, the design encourages member interaction and engagement. Key design principles include maximizing visual connections, allowing members to observe sporting events from every vantage point within the club, prioritizing transparency for views and natural light throughout. Additionally, the concept emphasizes indoor-outdoor connectivity, particularly focusing on tennis as the central activity.
The resulting T-shaped building extends into the outdoor tennis court area, reinforcing the club’s dedication to tennis and immersing members in the sport. Double-height spaces and glazed partitions enable visibility and engagement with various activities, ensuring a dynamic atmosphere throughout. An “annex” property housing administrative functions is seamlessly integrated with the main building through an elevated walkway, maintaining architectural consistency while facilitating access for service and maintenance. The main entrance, redefined and highlighted, welcomes visitors with a modern aesthetic and convenient access to the pro shop. The design ethos centers on heavy timber construction, with wood serving as a primary identity element. Vertical fins in the cladding provide both aesthetic appeal and practical functions, managing solar gain while maintaining a cohesive facade. To create a welcoming ambiance, the design incorporates playful details and motifs inspired by the sport, complemented by accents such as plant material, shades of blue matching the club’s logo, and historical memorabilia. This casual yet refined aesthetic sets the tone for a vibrant and inviting community space.
