jackson architecture: national tennis center, australia

‘national tennis center’ by jackson architecture, melbourne, australia all images courtesy of jackson architecture

part of an ongoing $366 million melbourne park redevelopment, the ‘national tennis center’ by jackson architecture redefines the famous olympic-era eastern plaza area with the enormity of 21 purpose-built indoor and outdoor tennis courts. the building employs tectonic advancements in the creation of the world’s first elevated tennis court that meets international tennis federation standards. the facility sits stop a 1000 vehicle carpark and uses high-tension cables in its slab to minimize vibration. these indoor practice spaces allow the entrance of daylight with a envelope of a glazing and a series of curved skylights that particularly aid in admitting southlight. eight courts are targeted at developing young players and use imported clay to soften the rigorous blow of training. while the facilities are open to professionals and laymen alike, the architecture elevates the athletic experience for all. the building was delivered one year early, in time for the 2013 australian open, and is an early product of decades of planning to revamp the complex, which hosts 200 events outside of tennis per year.

an in- depth view of the new tennis complex includes a brief conversation with the architect

video © major projects victoria

view of the curved, elevated form from the new pedestrian bridge over olympic boulevard

view of some of the 13 outdoor courts

view of the world’s first elevated tennis courts that meet international federation standards

view of the glazed entrance to the complex

front walkway view

the sculptural skylights peek out from choice circulation

view of the building in the context of the complex