Acoustic Barrier for Padel Club

Winchester Racquets and Fitness, one of the South of England’s leading sports clubs, has reinforced its commitment to excellence by investing in an acoustic barrier solution to support the continued growth of padel at its Hampshire site.

With a long‑standing reputation for tennis and squash, the club has evolved into a comprehensive sports and fitness destination. Today it offers an extensive range of facilities, including multiple indoor and outdoor tennis courts, squash courts, three padel courts, and a fully equipped fitness centre, making it the number one destination in the county for racket sports and fitness.

Padel has become a central part of the club’s modern offering, attracting players of all ages through casual bookings, coaching sessions, and competitive play. However, as participation has increased, so too has court usage, bringing noise management into sharper focus. Independent research has shown that padel can generate higher peak noise levels than traditional tennis, due to solid rackets, frequent ball impacts against glass walls and wire mesh, and the sport’s social, doubles‑based format.

Located within a residential area, Winchester Racquets and Fitness recognised the importance of managing padel noise responsibly while maintaining uninterrupted access to the sport. To address this, the club commissioned a bespoke acoustic barrier installation around its padel courts.

The project involved the supply and installation of approximately 33 metres of 4 metre high Jakoustic® Reflective acoustic barriers, along with a further 5 metres at 3.3 metres high. Due to the height and performance requirements, the installation utilised the Jakoustic® Commercial and Highway system, constructed on galvanised steel I‑beam posts for strength and long‑term stability. Timber nailing battens were fitted to the posts, allowing the acoustic panels to be securely fixed while retaining an attractive timber finish.

Designed specifically for demanding environments such as sports and leisure facilities, Jacksons Fencing’s Jakoustic® Reflective system provides up to 28 dB of noise reduction by reflecting sound away from sensitive receptors. Its tightly interlocking, heavy section timber boards eliminate gaps and air paths, significantly reducing the transmission of sharp impact noise generated during padel play.

The installation also included a matching single‑leaf access gate, with all steelwork fully galvanised to ensure durability in an outdoor sporting environment.

As well as delivering effective noise control, the acoustic barriers offer additional benefits, including improved privacy, enhanced security, and a natural appearance that complements the setting of a premium sports club. Backed by a 25 year guarantee, the solution provides long‑term value for both the club and the local community.

The project demonstrates how thoughtful, high performance acoustic design can enable the sustainable growth of padel, ensuring the sport remains a positive and welcome asset for players and neighbours alike.