Indoor Structures
Contents
B2 Traditional Buildings
2
B3 Air Supported Structures
16
B4 Frame Fabric Structure
67
B2 INDOOR COURTS BUILDING BRIEF TRADITIONAL
BUILDINGS
Contents
Introduction
2
Project Lifecycle
3
LTA Funding
4
Standards
4
Statutory Approvals
4
Disabled Users Policy
4
Contract
4
Design Principles
5
Environmental Issues
6
Design Parameters -Tennis Hall Dimensions -Court Surface -Walls -Roof Lights -Ceilings -Heating and Ventilation -Electrical Services
6 6 7 8 9 9
10 10
Lighting
11
Provisional Sums 14
Outdoor Courts
14
Non-Traditional Buildings
14
Introduction
The purpose of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Indoor Building Brief is to provide a guide
to the minimum standards to which indoor courts should be constructed. The Brief consists of
recommended minimum design parameters. This information should not be considered to be
a complete brief in itself but the basis from which a full project brief, design and specification
can be evolved.
It should be noted that the standards contained in this document are for most levels of play
however some dimensions require to be exceeded for specialist events, services and
tournaments. In these instances further advice should be sought from the LTA. Further
requirements will also need to be agreed where space is to be allocated for coaching, LTA
county and area offices.
Project Life Cycle
START ON
SITE
Key
Stage
One
FEASIBILITY /
PLANNING
Two
DESIGN STAGE
Three
CONSTRUCTION
STAGE
Four
OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE
Confirm funding for
tennis structure
Appoint PM/ project
team.
Project team to decide
Type of court surface
Type of structure
Sixe of structure (LTA
dimensions met
including foundations
and drainage).
Number, type and
location of doors.
Power supply
required.
Lighting (levels to be
obtained and location)
and heating required.
Contact planning
officer for there
opinions on gaining
planning permission.
PM to submit planning
application.
Project team to:
Select procurement
route.
Produce project brief
/ scope of works
document.
Prepare tender
package (based on
guidance note B2).
Submit tender
package to LTA for
review and comment.
Send approved
tender to suitable
suppliers.
Review contractors
bids and submit to
LTA for comment and
review.
Appoint contractor.
Review design
packages submitted
by contractor.
Review design
packages submitted
by contractor.
Submit final design to
LTA and other
bodies.
PM to arrange a pre
start meeting to confirm
site logistics.
PM to monitor
construction of the
building to ensure that it
complies with the
Employers Requirement
and guidance note B2.
On completion of the
project the purchaser
receives a maintenance
manual from the
contractor.
PM in association with
the LTA to undertake
completion and
commissioning checks
and tests.
Club to appoint person
(s) to be responsible for
maintenance.
Commence
maintenance regime in
accordance with
maintenance manual.
Submit records to LTA
quarterly.
LTA Funding
All LTA funding for Indoor Tennis Court projects is conditional upon compliance with the
minimum requirements of the LTA Indoor Building Brief.
Standards
All construction projects should conform to the minimum requirements of all relevant current building legislation, including British Standards and Codes of Practice.
Statutory Approvals
The LTA requires confirmation in writing that Building Regulation and appropriate Planning
approvals have been obtained before construction begins.
It should be noted that the Construction Design & Management Regulations 1994 (CDM
Regulations) will apply to all but a few minor projects.
Disabled Users Policy
Please refer to Guidance Note B1 for details of the Disabled Users Policy.
Contract
All projects that require LTA funding should use a recognised standard form of building
contract eg Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) standard forms, which are suitable for dealing with
a range of project values and types.
Space should be allocated on the construction site signboard for an LTA Building for Tennis
sign (310mm x 1220mm).
Design Principles
The design of the centre should create a building with warmth of character and environment
that will be attractive to users of all ages and abilities.
The accommodation should be fit for its intended purpose and made attractive by the considered use of materials, textures and colours in suitable combinations. In addition to satisfying the fundamental requirements of function, safety, elegance and economy, the design must minimise future maintenance needs and running costs.
Effective regulation must be maintained of both natural and artificial lighting and of the
internal environment. Mechanical and electrical systems should meet the requirements of the
brief, be suitably concealed without prejudice to their operation and maintenance. They
should not interfere with the use of the indoor courts or conflict with the clear height
requirements above the courts.
The relationship between internal and external spaces and between the tennis courts, and
ancillary accommodation, etc should show creativity in design but should also provide an
economically suitable solution. The following key issues should be considered:
views from social area to indoor/ outdoor courts positioned so as to avoid distracting players
accessibility for users to coaching/tennis development staff
accessibility from car park to main entrance for all users
a viewing area within the tennis hall, behind the baseline of indoor courts with easy access for disabled and family users
good clear signage internally and externally combined with a considered use of colour and texture
parent and child bays or a drop off point system should be included in any scheme in addition to statutory minimum requirements
revenue facilities should be easily accessible to social/entrance spaces
each internal and external court should be easily accessible without disturbing users on adjacent courts e.g. by the use of separate access doors for each court
the indoor hall should be positioned so that it does not overshadow any outdoor courts.
Environmental Issues
The LTA embraces environmental issues in the design of tennis facilities. The following
areas should be considered:
use of materials obtained from renewable sources
measures to minimise dependence on finite fossil fuels, emissions and operating costs and improve energy efficiency.
Design Parameters
Tennis Hall Dimensions
Principal Play
Area
Other
Dimensions
Length
Width
Length of net (doubles)
23.77m (78 0)
10.97m (36 0)
12.8m (42 0)
Min Runback (ie clear
depth behind baselines, at
each end)
6.40m (21 0)
Width of lines (white)
included within above
court size
see drawing
Min Side-run (ie clear
width beside each side)
3.66m (12 0)
Min Side-run between
courts not separately
enclosed
4.27m (14 0)
Unobstructed height at
netline
9.00m (29 6) min
Unobstructed height at
base line
5.75m (18 11) min
Unobstructed height at
rear of run-back
4.00m (13 1) min
Total length 36.57m (120 0)
Width for one enclosed ct 18.29m (60 0)
Width for two enclosed cts 33.53m (110 0)
Width for three enclosed
cts
48.77m (160 0)
Width for four enclosed cts 64.01m (210 0)
The minimum clearances and dimensions given above shall not be infringed without the prior approval of the LTA. In certain circumstances, space restrictions may reduce the available clearance, and the LTA will consider such situations on their individual merits. Special clearance requirements apply in the case of air-supported structures, as defined in the separate LTA Brief for Non-Traditional Structures (B3).
Court Surface The LTA must approve the choice of playing surface and its colours.
The main contractor will be required to obtain the written approval of the playing surface
installer as to the suitability of the prepared sub-base before laying of the playing surface
commences. This approval must be copied to the LTA.
The playing surface must lie in a single level horizontal plain with no gradient. The maximum
permitted tolerance in the level of the finished playing surface is a 6mm gap under a 3m
straight edge.
Movement joints will not be allowed in the court surface of