Tucked within the lush greenery of Bukit Kiara and spanning approximately 2.77 acres, this project breathes new life into a previously overlooked corner of Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC). Originally consisting of three non-functional tennis courts, two on higher ground and one on a lower level, the site was underutilised and lacked the vibrancy that defines a thriving public space. With minimal footfall and unused facilities, the area had potential that was waiting to be reimagined.
Initiated in March 2022, the project began as a conversation around reviving the sport of tennis. However, as the team delved deeper into research and global trends, it became clear that newer, more accessible racket sports like pickleball and padel were gaining massive popularity overseas. Unlike tennis, these sports are easier to pick up, do not require athletic training, and appeal to a broader demographic, from youth to older adults. The idea quickly evolved from simply upgrading the courts to introducing a sports lifestyle destination that is inclusive, social, and wellness-driven.
Throughout a year-long brainstorming and design development process, our team envisioned a new kind of space, one that didn’t just serve athletes but welcomed everyone. Beyond courts and rackets, the vision grew into a wellness and leisure hub, combining sports with food, fitness, beauty, and relaxation. A central goal was to create not just a place to play but a place to gather, watch, dine, and unwind. The resulting master plan includes a thoughtful mix of programs:
- 4 indoor pickleball courts
- 4 outdoor pickleball courts
- 3 padel courts
- 1 F&B building
- 1 spinning studio
- 1 beauty salon
- 1 Pilates studio
Each component is housed in an individual building, rather than a massive single complex, and all structures are linked by landscaped walkways. These walkways double as social spaces, inviting visitors to stroll, watch games, interact, or simply take in the greenery. Rather than isolating each activity, the layout encourages connection between spaces, between people, and between purpose and place.
Design-wise, the architectural language is kept simple and clean, complementing the natural landscape. A mix of box forms and pitched roof structures is used throughout the development to break visual monotony and reflect a balance between functionality and lightness. The buildings are finished in whitewash, allowing them to blend harmoniously with the green surroundings and blue sports courts.
Each lot was designed to respond to the site’s unique topography. For instance, the F&B building spans across the site’s level difference, with public toilets subtly tucked below and the dining area placed right next to the outdoor courts, giving diners front-row views of the action. The spinning studio sits on higher ground with a striking, triangulated pitched roof that gestures upward, while the Pilates studio navigates the terrain by splitting into two volumes connected by a staircase, creating an engaging spatial journey. The beauty salon is accessed through a quiet, landscaped path, creating a sense of retreat.
This project is a reflection of our vision: to craft spaces that inspire wellness, community, and joy through thoughtful design. By blurring the lines between recreation, leisure, and architecture, The Courts at Bukit Kiara is not just a revitalisation of unused space; it is the creation of a vibrant, connected, and uplifting environment for people of all ages and lifestyles.
