For over 50 years, Wimbledon’s Somerset Road Covered Courts served as an invaluable asset for the All England Lawn Tennis Club. Located opposite the famous estate, home of The Championships, they were originally constructed from concrete and comprised 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 external courts and other 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 Court facility opened in 2022.
With its curved glass skylights and sweeping wooden panels, the building has immediately become a popular addition to the Wimbledon landscape.
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.
The building was recently given a “Highly Commended” award at the Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards 2023.
Client: All England Lawn Tennis Club
Architect: Hopkins Architects
Structural engineer: Cundall
Construction: Willmott Dixon
Photo credits: AJA
