Cuiabá Tennis Court

This tennis court combines the natural warmth of timber with precise geometric form. Drawn from the radial shape of sea urchins, the roof’s flowing shell structure provides shade and ventilation while blending with the surrounding environment. An oculus at the center and undulations in the sides allow natural light to illuminate the court, creating a connection to the outdoors.

The 500-seat building features a striking compression shell roof system, constructed from stacked layers of glulam. The shell works with a concrete tension ring at the perimeter and a steel compression ring at the oculus. The lateral force-resisting system is composed of strategically placed braced frames around the perimeter, ensuring stability against wind and seismic forces. Spanning 55m (180ft) and covering 3,000 sqm (29,000 sqft), the structure demonstrates the versatility of timber in creating large, unobstructed spaces.