plumpton tennis club

Modernisation and refurbishment of existing rural tennis club. Short listed for the RIBA South East Regional Awards, 2013. Short listed for the RICS South East Awards, 2017 - Leisure & Community. Long listed for the World Architecture News Awards.

Set within the heart of the Sussex countryside, the new Plumpton Tennis Club clubhouse replaces a tired pavilion with a simple, elegant structure that opens directly onto the courts.

The design is rooted in lightness and connection - a timber and glass composition that feels both grounded and transparent. A generous cantilevered roof provides shelter and shade, creating a seamless transition between inside and out. Full-height glazing frames the courts and the Downs beyond, while a calm interior palette of natural materials encourages a relaxed and social atmosphere.

Internally, a large roof light and continuous glazed facade flood the space with daylight, while a central island and bar seating area form the social heart of the club. The open-plan layout encourages informal gathering - a space to meet, watch matches, and share in the rhythm of the sport.

Externally, the terrace and lawn form a natural extension of the clubhouse, bringing members closer to the action on court. Subtle detailing - from the crisp roofline to the warm timber cladding - gives the building a crafted, enduring quality.

The result is a small but confident building: socially focused, environmentally conscious, and beautifully integrated into its landscape. It expresses LRAR’s belief that good architecture, at any scale, can bring people together through clarity, proportion, and light.