Port Royal Tennis Center

Sunmaster of Naples Inc., Naples, Fla., United States

The project consisted of three motorized retractable awnings for shading and connecting the outdoor space of an exclusive waterfront club’s newly-built tennis center.

The architects wanted to enhance the exterior courtside facade connecting two sister buildings while providing shade to those taking a break. The retractables help define the functional outdoor space, while the deck and steps also serve as an observation platform when games are in session, so the shade factor had dual importance.

Three unit header boxes are mounted on different planes while the front bars are in alignment. This is why the angles and projections for the two side awnings are about half that of the wider middle unit. The housing boxes and frame elements are white to blend with the exterior wood trim of the building.

The combined units offer respite from the sun, a place to cool down from activity and provide an architectural element to the buildings. The units are motorized individually, allowing for a greater range of choice.