For more than 50 years, Wimbledon’s Somerset Road Covered Courts served as an invaluable asset for The All England Lawn Tennis Club. Located opposite the famous main estate, home of The Championships, they were originally constructed from concrete and comprised of five practice courts within the two domed structures.
In 2017, a planning application was approved to erect a new world-class facility housing six indoor courts, six outdoor courts and clubhouse facilities including a new players’ entrance, a Members’ bar and dressing rooms. There were also extensive improvements to parking, landscaping and access facilities.
Hopkins Architects designed the dramatic new structure with Cundall Structural Engineers, featuring a double curved roof with birch wood soffit panels and Y-shaped supports, inspired by the shape of traditional wooden tennis racquets. Willmott Dixon carried out the construction and the new Indoor Tennis Centre opened in 2022.
Adrian James Acoustics was excited to be called in to perfect the acoustics of the structure. We designed, tested and commissioned bespoke patterned panels which are incorporated into the roof. These special panels improve the acoustic reflections and the overall playing environment.
Acoustic analysis of bespoke ceiling
The building was recently given a “Highly Commended” award at the Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards 2023.