Show Glass Courts

When it comes to events accommodating more than 50 spectators or elite performance facilities, the pinnacle of squash venues is undoubtedly the show glass court.

Constructed entirely from 12 mm tempered glass, it offers an unparalleled view of the game. However, there's a crucial consideration: the use of a white squash ball on a glass court. To optimize ball visibility for players and elevate the viewing experience for spectators, it's imperative that the glass panels on the side and front walls undergo a specialized ceramic coating treatment. This unique treatment imparts a "one-way vision effect" to the surface.

Dimensions of Show Glass Court

When dealing with show glass courts, the inner dimensions closely match those of a standard court. However, various factors come into play when determining the necessary installation space.

In addition to the 12 mm thick glass walls, horizontal glass fins play a crucial role in stabilizing the court. These fins follow precise dimensions: 400 mm in length for the front and side walls, and 300 mm for the back wall. For the exact clear dimensions please contact a WSF approved supplier.

Ground plan

Beyond the court and its structural components, other considerations come into play. There should be ample room for people to move comfortably around the court, and provisions must be made for TV cameras and photographers to capture the action effectively.

Therefore, it's advisable to allocate a minimum of 1.5 meters of clear space around the court. Additionally, preferred seating for watching squash matches is typically located behind the glass back wall, providing spectators with an unobstructed view of the game.

Section plan

In addition to the specified clear height of 5.640 mm, particularly when dealing with a demountable glass court, it is strongly advisable to ensure a clear height within the venue of a minimum of 6.100 to 6.200 mm.

This additional clearance allows for adequate space for any necessary structural components and lighting fixtures. It ensures that the venue can accommodate the court's setup while maintaining a comfortable and visually unobstructed environment for both players and spectators.

Show Glass Court Lighting

Lighting plays a pivotal role in enhancing the one-way see-through effect of show glass courts. This effect hinges on the contrast in illumination levels between the interior and exterior of the court. Inadequate court lighting or excessive external brightness can result in 'burn-through,' diminishing the one-way effect. To maintain this unique feature, it is imperative that the lighting in show glass courts is carefully designed to be direct rather than diffused, ensuring that the light stays contained within the court.

Lighting Intensity for Show Courts:

Mini. for play: 600 lux

Min. according to WSF: 1,200 lux.

For live TV : 1,800 to 2,500 lux.

It is recommended to use

dimmable lights.

Another critical factor to consider when choosing lamps is lamp protection. It's essential to select lamps with robust covers crafted from durable materials like sturdy plastic or metal. These covers act as a shield, protecting the lamps from potential impacts caused by squash balls.

Show Glass Court Lighting Enviroment

At the heart of the glass court lies Contra Vision® technology, a marvel that employs ceramic dots on glass. It's a meticulous process where a black dot is laid down first, followed by a colored dot, whether it be blue, green, or even red. This double-dot technique creates a one-of-a-kind one-way vision effect. For spectators, it provides a transparent view of the match, while players perceive an unbroken glass wall, undisturbed by external distractions. The precision in dot placement and color thickness is the secret sauce of this technology. But the real magic happens when lighting is just right.

The presence of adjacent glass windows or the back wall of standard courts located nearby can pose challenges for players trying to track the ball during the game.

Excessive external lighting can dim this effect, causing the one-way vision to lose its impact.

The key to unlocking the full potential of the Contra Vision® technology is the maximum darkness outside.

Glass Show Court Floors

The flooring in Show Glass Courts differs significantly in color compared to standard squash courts. This contrast arises from the use of a white squash ball on a glass court, which necessitates the floor to be as dark as possible for optimal visibility.

dark floor

glass court nz

red squash floor

dark floor

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Attention: Sanding of floor

It's crucial to note that all squash courts, regardless of their type, require periodic sanding to maintain proper grip for players. However, there is an important consideration: certain wooden floors may lose their color or finish after sanding, rendering them uneconomical for squash sports.

Standard deformation

Sliding

Ball refelction

Standard deformation

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Sport Floor Norm EN14904

For player comfort and safety, squash court floors should comply with the standards for area elastic floors – EN14904:2006. This norm describes the minimum requirements on a sports floor for the optimum health and safety of the players. Floors that do not meet the EN 14904 are causing a higher body wear and tear.