Architecture: Turning Business Models into Reality
Explore innovative design solutions that maximize efficiency, sustainability, and user experience. Learn how thoughtful facility design—where architecture translates the business model into concrete form—enhances performance, comfort, and profitability. Discover how careful, experience-driven planning is essential when selecting the right courts, defining traffic flow, and managing long-term operating costs.
Key Considerations in Architecture
The art of architecture lies in transforming a trend into a long-term, sustainable asset. To achieve this, architecture must not only reflect the needs of the players, but also ensure efficient use of space and optimize operational costs. Functionality and the correct sizing of spaces are critical for economic success, enabling a smooth daily operation. Furthermore, an efficient traffic flow within the facility not only enhances the user experience but also maximizes the utilization of courts and amenities. Facilities must also be flexible enough to adapt to future trends, ensuring long-term relevance in a changing leisure market.
Why Context Matters in Squash Court Construction
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to squash courts—playing characteristics, durability, and user experience can vary dramatically. A glass court used in the wrong context is like using a Ferrari for daily commuting: impressive, but impractical. The wrong court choice can jeopardize the entire business model of a facility, leading to underuse, high maintenance costs, or poor player satisfaction.
Key Considerations When Choosing Court Types
Solid Courts vs Glass Show Courts
-
Solid courts offer consistent ball bounce, better acoustics, and are typically more cost-effective, making them ideal for recreational use and daily operations.
-
Glass show courts enhance spectator visibility and present a modern aesthetic, suited for professional events and marketing appeal — but they come with inconsistent ball bounce, acoustic challenges, and can be less attractive for casual players.
Singles vs Doubles Courts
Singles squash accounts for over 99% of global play. Facilities focused on broad participation and daily use should therefore prioritize singles courts in their planning and design.
Doubles courts come in two main variants:
-
International Doubles: Only the width of the court is increased compared to the singles format.
-
Hardball Doubles: Requires changes to the wall height, width, and a significantly longer court, and is primarily played in North America.
While Hardball Doubles demands a dedicated court with completely different dimensions, International Doubles can often be accommodated by using singles courts with movable side walls. With this flexible setup, the width of the court can be adjusted from singles to doubles in under a minute — offering an efficient, space-saving solution for multi-format use.
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.