Pioneering Outdoor Courts
Pioneering Outdoor Courts
Squash Plus has a vision to raise the profile of the sport and make squash accessible to more people, specifically to children.
Visibility is critical to success. Around the world there is the perception that many facilities are uninspiring places, often poorly maintained, and tucked away out of sight. This is changing slowly but until kids can see courts in public spaces - and play on them without expensive memberships - the sport cannot develop.
During the pandemic, the sport’s reputation suffered further and what was recently thought of as one of the world’s healthiest sports became considered a high-risk activity simply because it is played indoors and in very enclosed spaces. Our challenge is to transform the image of squash courts and make them attractive in a post-pandemic era.
We’re working on two complementary concepts: first, a lower-cost court with a steel and polycarbonate canopy which provides enough protection to ensure use in a variety of climates and weather conditions. We are continually refining the specification trialling numerous materials at our R&D court in Spain. Second, we have engaged HETA architects in London who are designing a series of elegant hi-tech pavilion structures for sites that demand a high level of architecture.
For some years temporary glass courts have been put up for elite tournaments in landmark venues such as in front of the Pyramids of Giza or in Embarcadero Plaza, San Francisco. The time has now come for permanent courts to be built outside which will give the sport the exposure it really needs whilst delivering increased health benefits to players.
Visibility is critical to success. Around the world there is the perception that many facilities are uninspiring places, often poorly maintained, and tucked away out of sight. This is changing slowly but until kids can see courts in public spaces - and play on them without expensive memberships - the sport cannot develop.
During the pandemic, the sport’s reputation suffered further and what was recently thought of as one of the world’s healthiest sports became considered a high-risk activity simply because it is played indoors and in very enclosed spaces. Our challenge is to transform the image of squash courts and make them attractive in a post-pandemic era.
We’re working on two complementary concepts: first, a lower-cost court with a steel and polycarbonate canopy which provides enough protection to ensure use in a variety of climates and weather conditions. We are continually refining the specification trialling numerous materials at our R&D court in Spain. Second, we have engaged HETA architects in London who are designing a series of elegant hi-tech pavilion structures for sites that demand a high level of architecture.
For some years temporary glass courts have been put up for elite tournaments in landmark venues such as in front of the Pyramids of Giza or in Embarcadero Plaza, San Francisco. The time has now come for permanent courts to be built outside which will give the sport the exposure it really needs whilst delivering increased health benefits to players.