Innovative and modular outdoor sports centre

TPOINT AND ASB GLASSFLOOR SET THE PERFECT ARCHITECTURAL SCENE FOR SQUASH COURTS

Author Goos Communication Photos ASB Architectural, DE – 83371 Stein a. d. Traun, www.asbglassfloor.com

Form follows function – this is the underlying design principle of all ASB GlassFloor products. This also holds true for TPoint, the new architecturally designed outdoor squash centre. Based on an idea by the company TPoint, ASB GlassFloor developed a concept that can be implemented worldwide and will help increase the visibility of squash. The first projects of the innovative design have already been implemented.

A fitting match: For ASB and for TPoint, squash is more than a sport – it is a passion. Yossi Fixman came up with the idea of developing an outdoor court that would make the sport more visible. It was then that he founded TPoint. ASB GlassFloor was brought on board to implement the idea. This innovative company has considerable expertise in construction, and the ASB SquashCourts brand has an excellent reputation in the squash world.

ASB has installed over 7,500 courts worldwide and was thus the ideal partner for the development of a flexible, scalable, and modular construction system that can be implemented anywhere in the world within a short time: TPoint. “We are quite proud of TPoint”, says Christof Babinsky, ASB GlassFloor Managing Director. “Anyone who knows anything about squash will understand the construction at first glance. And those who don’t will see a minimalistic architectural highlight”. Architectural work of art TPoint combines the visual idea of Yossi Fixman and the expertise of ASB GlassFloor to create an architectural work of art. The fully glazed court is roofed, meets the standards of the World Squash Federation (WSF), and is supported by a steel structure developed by ASB GlassFloor, featuring LED illuminated game lines. This easy-to-clean and robust alternative allows the players to play matches safely thanks to its excellent grip and elasticity.

The LED lines perfectly match the lines on the side walls, thereby creating an impressive image. In terms of external perception, TPoint is a building that quite visibly serves its function. “The revolutionary thing about TPoint is: the court determines the building – and not the other way around. This will help make the sport of squash much more visible. It’s quite fascinating that investors can now devote 100% of their capital in player-relevant hardware

and don’t have to spend 80% of the total project on infrastructure and the creation of a partitioning building”, says Christof Babinsky.

In the limelight That’s because TPoint features a dimension that goes beyond pure playing pleasure. As an outdoor sports centre that can be used around the clock via an electronic access system, TPoint brings the sport of squash from hidden indoor spaces to the public. This helps to further increase the popularity of the ball sport.

For Yossi Fixman, it was precisely this idea that was decisive: “We care about the sport and want to continue to popularise this fast, exciting game. TPoint is also designed for this purpose. People meet at the centres before and after the game and perhaps stay to watch the next match. This creates a social hub in the surrounding area. A meeting place for people who love sports”.

The first TPoint was built in Tel Aviv, Israel, where four courts were set up. “I am quite proud of the finished project”, says Yossi Fixman. “It’s always great to see an idea become reality. I’m happy that our plan to create a scalable system has worked out”. TPoint is designed so that any number of courts can be placed in a row. Thanks to the static planning of TPoint, the respective location does not require a separate design.

After the pilot project in Tel Aviv, the next TPoint squash courts at other locations worldwide are already in advanced planning stages.