Basketball Court Design: Indoor Court Designer | Biofit — Wellness Designers + Gym Consultants
Introduction to Indoor Basketball Court Design
Indoor basketball and multi-purpose courts
One leisure facility that has become increasingly popular for co-living and student accommodation developments are the basketball courts indoors or the multi-purpose indoor sports court.
At BIOFIT, we specialize in crafting wellness spaces and offering expert gym consultancy services, including indoor basketball and gyms with basketball courts. So stay tuned.
Benefits of Indoor Basketball Courts
Indoor basketball courts offer students a wide range of physical and mental health benefits and double up as indoor badminton courts.
They provide an opportunity for vigorous exercise and are the perfect environment to socialize with other students, something that a Pilates or yoga studio may struggle with due to the solitary nature of the practice. This is why student flats with a basketball court are so beneficial.
Additionally, an indoor basketball court can add tangible sales & marketing value to residential development, helping attract tenants and increase occupancy rates without investing in a packed sports centre or sports hall. In our experience, student halls with a basketball court make do with 60m2-80m2 of double-height space.
An indoor basketball court can also serve as a central attraction for family activities, fostering a sense of community and bonding among family members.
As such, developers need to carefully consider the design of their indoor basketball courts or half-hall courts to maximize their potential as an asset alongside a designer gym and wellness studio. That’s where we come in as specialist designers in leisure spaces and wellness facilities!
Importance of leisure spaces and amenities
Studies have shown that co-living residents and students are looking for more than just a bedroom when choosing their accommodation nowadays, and this is a sector ripe with innovation, with significant brands disrupting the industry like never before.
As a reference, see PBSA News for all the latest updates on purpose-built student accommodation, mainly where creative innovation is ripe.
Co-living residents want a place to sleep, eat, relax, socialize, and stay healthy through exercise, so developers must factor this into their design plans, including gyms with basketball courts.
Social benefits
An indoor basketball court and indoor basketball gyms will provide residents with a dedicated recreational space, and it can also help create a sense of community within the development and provide an opportunity for social interaction.
Design principles
To ensure that an indoor basketball court is an influential asset for residential development, developers must consider several factors such as safety, accessibility, lighting, and ventilation.
It is also essential to consider the dimensions of the court when planning its layout and configuration. The size of the court (there is a minimum amount of space needed for this concept to work) and its location within the building (ideally on the ground floor with external glazing so passersby can see it!) are crucial to maximize its potential as an amenity for tenants and as a marketing asset.
SUSTAINABILITY CONSIDERATIONS
Sustainable materials and finishes
Another critical aspect of interior design for indoor basketball courts is the selection of healthy, sustainable materials and finishes that not only enhance the visual appeal of the space but also contribute to its durability and ease of maintenance.
High-quality flooring materials, such as hardwood or eco flooring tiles specifically for indoor sports courts, such as those from ECORE or Tarkett, are our preference.
Colour choices can be limited with other suppliers, but these two offer far more options than we've found.
Padded, sports hall and acoustic wall panels are also an opportunity to introduce sustainable materials into the design. Although squash court walls are just as likely to cause a nasty bruise or two, a student head's sports court somehow comes with a degree of extra responsibility in our view!
The rise of wellness studios and indoor sports facilities in PBSA developments
As student demand for leisure spaces and amenities grows, developers are exploring more creative solutions to increase sports hall bookings and brand value.
Wellness studios and indoor sports facilities with climbing walls, mini golf courses, and e-gaming rooms are becoming increasingly popular in PBSA developments, alongside the traditional outdoor basketball courts. In London, the Westway Sports & Fitness Centre offers eight football pitches, ten tennis courts, one of the best climbing walls in the UK, and a range of outdoor sports from basketball to Eton Fives—truly a sporting dream.
Meanwhile, as development progresses, North London is advancing its own array of state-of-the-art facilities, meeting the burgeoning demand. These venues not only offer students diverse physical and mental health benefits but also serve as hubs for social interaction and recreation, supporting initiatives such as Basketball England as well as the England national team.
By incorporating these types of facilities into their designs, developers can ensure that their PBSA developments remain attractive to tenants and offer a unique experience for student living.
Benefits of having an indoor basketball court in CO-LIVING developments
Having an indoor basketball court in a co-living or PBSA development can bring many benefits, both for the tenants and the developer.
First of all, it is a great way to encourage physical activity and fitness amongst residents, which can help them to stay fit and healthy.
It can also be used as a space for socializing and team-building activities, helping to create a sense of community within the development.
Finally, having a gym with an indoor basketball court can add value to the development and make it more attractive to potential tenants.
Factors to consider when designing an indoor basketball court for PBSA development
When designing an indoor basketball court for a PBSA development, it is important to consider the size of the court and its location within the building.
Developers should plan and build customized courts that meet specific needs, ensuring the design and construction process aligns with the envisioned use and space constraints.
The court should be large enough to accommodate multiple players in a convenient area that allows easy access.
It is also essential to consider factors such as safety, accessibility, lighting, and ventilation to ensure the court is comfortable and safe for all users.
LIGHTING
Lighting is another critical component of interior design for indoor basketball courts. Adequate illumination is necessary to ensure optimal playing conditions, promote safety, and create a certain ambiance, especially after dark.
Heavy-duty sports court lights from suppliers such as Philips represent value for money and a fool-proof solution, rather than trying to hang standard luminaires from the ceiling and hoping the balls avoid them in the future!
Finally, designers must consider the aesthetic of the court and ensure that it complements the overall design of the building.
Multi-purpose court designs - what other activities can an indoor basketball court use?
An indoor basketball court can be used for various activities beyond just basketball.
Volleyball, badminton, and table tennis can all be played on the court, and they can also be used for yoga sessions and other forms of exercise.
In addition, an indoor basketball court can be used as a social space for tenants to relax, study, or host events.
Finally, an indoor basketball court can also be used for live music performances, workshops, or other entertainment activities.
Working with a designer to create a unique and functional indoor basketball court
When designing an indoor basketball court for a co-living or PBSA development, it is important to work with an experienced designer who understands the specific needs of the development.
The designer should be able to create a unique court that is tailored to the space available and can accommodate different activities.
It is also essential to consider factors such as lighting, ventilation, and safety when working with a designer to ensure that the court meets all requirements.
By working with a professional designer, developers can create an indoor basketball court that meets their tenants' needs while adding value and appeal to their co-living development.
Incorporating branding, murals, and visual identity elements into the interior design of indoor basketball courts can help to create a sense of place and foster a sense of pride among residents, or indeed become a powerful marketing tool for the developer looking to attract new residents.
Conclusion and future trends in co-living amenities
When designing an indoor basketball court for co-living or PBSA, it is important to consider the amount of floor space available, the number of players using it, and the type of surface they will be playing on.
Multi-purpose court designs are becoming increasingly popular as they offer more versatility and are easier to maintain.
For example, a multi-purpose court can be used for basketball, volleyball, or badminton, depending on what activities students want to participate in.
Integrating the basketball court with other on-site facilities is also essential to maximize its usage and strengthen its appeal to potential students.
Working with a designer can help create a unique and functional indoor basketball court that meets the specific needs of the development.
Examples of successful indoor basketball courts can be seen in various co-living and PBSA developments worldwide, such as student accommodation complexes in Australia, Europe, and North America.
From now on, we can expect to see an increase in leisure spaces and amenities offered by co-living and PBSA developments as student expectations evolve.
Indoor sports facilities, like basketball courts, will continue to be popular among residents due to their versatility and convenience, providing ample opportunities for playing basketball indoors.
Developers should explore collaborations with designers specializing in crafting bespoke multi-purpose sports courts, adept at accommodating clients' varied requirements, including the desire to play basketball and cater to students' preferences.