Spring 2023
The existing Burrows-Burleson Tennis Center on the campus of Virginia Tech serves one group of people: those who play and/or watch the sport of tennis. Yet it houses over 42,000 SF of public indoor space. By making the space marginally larger, the Blacksburg Tennis Park can expand its reach, creating a world class facility to play tennis, and a beautiful indoor park for the community. This project creates a unique opportunity to highlight the sport of tennis, and allows the sport of tennis to give back to the community.

This project posed an exciting opportunity to investigate the qualities of indoor space more closely utilizing both physical and digital modes of exploration and representation.

The design angles and offsets each court which creates space for mini forests and overlooks. Players will experience the courts as clearings in the forest with privacy preventing distraction from the neighboring courts. Around the perimeter of the building, a subtle rhythm of green space and seating breaks up the monotony of the courts and promenades you along. Peninsulas of various shapes and sizes provide intimate overlooks onto the courts and nature below. Those looking to rest a bit longer can enjoy built in benches, terraced seating, and sporadically placed cafe tables and chairs. The second and third levels are dedicated to the tennis programs with an alumni lounge and varsity weight room with sweeping views of the trees and courts below. This inspiring and airy space creates an optimal place for the teams gather and build community.

Recognition
AIA|DC Exhibition: Small Objects, Big Ideas: The Architect's Model (Summer 2023)