Creating an exceptional squash facility involves more than just setting up courts; it requires a thoughtful approach to design that enhances both player performance and spectator experience. With over a dozen squash projects and studies under our belt, ARC has honed a deep understanding of what makes a squash facility truly effective, giving us a solid foundation to share key insights and considerations.

Choosing the Right Wall System

One of the first decisions in designing a squash facility is selecting the wall system. The choice impacts not only the aesthetics of the court but also its functionality.

For top-tier showcase matches, glass walls are often the preferred choice. Courts with glass on all four sides, commonly known as “exhibition” or “show courts,” use tinted glass for the side and hit walls, providing a striking visual for viewers. These setups are relatively rare, typically found in high-profile venues where their dramatic appearance can be fully appreciated.

A slightly more cost-effective option is using glass on three walls with a solid hit wall. This setup also caters to showcase matches but at a reduced expense compared to fully glass-walled courts. The hit wall is usually made of sand-filled laminate, offering durability and performance.

In many educational institutions and public squash centers, a practical choice is the combination of sand-filled panels on three walls with a glass back wall. This design ensures excellent playability while maintaining a clear view for spectators through the glass.

Other common alternative to sand filled walls include Armourcoat plaster on concrete block walls or fibre-resin panels on metal stud walls. These options are effective and cost-efficient, providing reliable performance for everyday use. Plastic laminate panels, though less common, may also be used in facilities that cater to multiple sports.

Selecting Flooring for Optimal Performance

Flooring is another critical component in squash court design. The choice between strip maple and engineered wood floors with a DIN rating can significantly affect the playability and maintenance of the court. For show courts, a dark wood floor is preferred to provide a strong contrast with the white squash ball, enhancing visibility and player focus.

Proper maintenance of wooden floors is essential. Sanding and leaving the floors unsealed and unfinished ensures the ideal playing surface, promoting consistent ball bounce and traction.

Ensuring Effective Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in the performance and enjoyment of squash. LED fixtures are recommended for their efficiency and ability to provide high light levels. Ideally, courts should be illuminated with at least 50 foot-candles, and up to 100 foot-candles if the matches are to be recorded or livestreamed. Managing natural light is also important to prevent glare and shadows that can disrupt gameplay.

Maintaining Comfortable Conditions

Maintaining the proper temperature in squash courts is crucial for ensuring playability. Rubber squash balls are sensitive to temperature changes; if the court is too hot, the balls become too lively, at colder temperatures the balls lose their bounce and responsiveness. To achieve optimal performance, it’s important to keep the court temperature within a stable range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Typically, because squash courts have relatively low back walls—often only 7 feet tall—the court temperatures generally stay close to the overall space temperature. Therefore, managing the temperature of the main facility space effectively helps ensure that the courts remain within this desired range for consistent ball performance, player and spectator comfort.

Designing for Spectators

Spectator experience is an integral part of squash facility design. Scoreboards should be placed above the hit wall for clear visibility during matches, and an overall match board should be positioned where it can be easily seen by all attendees.

Adequate seating is essential, and thoughtful design of circulation paths helps prevent interruptions in viewing. Ensuring that spectators have a clear, unobstructed view of the court contributes to a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

At ARC, our extensive experience in designing squash facilities means we understand the nuances that make a facility both functional and engaging. By focusing on these key elements, we help create spaces that enhance the game for players and provide an outstanding experience for spectators. For more detailed guidelines, we recommend consulting the World Squash Federation (WSF) handbook.