A high-quality private tennis court delivered within a constrained premium residential site — from early feasibility and court positioning through to pavement construction, surfacing, and final line marking.

The Glen Oaks Drive project was part of a wider backyard transformation for a private Christchurch client, incorporating a swimming pool, pool house, patio, landscaping, and a full-size tennis court. Recommended by Plexipave, we were brought in to assess whether the court was achievable within the available space, and to lead design and delivery if it was.

Project Challenges

The core challenge was threefold: confirming the court could fit within a restricted rear yard already committed to other outdoor works; establishing that construction access was possible without damage to the existing property; and ensuring the design solution kept excavation depth and construction risk within acceptable limits. Neighbours and cost were also early concerns. We worked through each of these during the feasibility and design stage — before the client committed to the build.

Our Approach

Feasibility and practical design
We reviewed the site against tennis court layout and playability requirements, testing different positioning options within the available backyard. The site was tightly constrained by the pool house, patio, residence, boundaries, and neighbouring properties. Rather than treating this as a standard court build, we worked through the constraints to develop a practical layout that made the most of the available space while still providing a comfortable playing area.

Early design and budgeting gave the client confidence before committing to construction — with clear advice on buildability, likely cost, and risk provided upfront.

Site-specific pavement design
The court was designed as an engineered pavement system suited to the specific ground conditions. We coordinated geotechnical investigation and developed a pavement design from those findings. Subgrade was tested and recorded prior to pavement construction, giving the client quality assurance records to support the finished product.

Construction in a high-value residential setting
Access was restricted and works had to be completed without damaging the surrounding property. Cadeo developed a construction methodology that allowed plant and materials to enter the backyard safely, then delivered the full scope: site clearance, demolition of existing structures, excavation, backfill, pavement construction, concrete edging, surfacing coordination, net installation, and line marking.

The court programme ran alongside a separate builder delivering the pool and pool house. Cadeo managed the construction interface and sequencing to keep both programmes on track.

Stakeholder management
Door-knocking and letter drops to neighbouring properties were completed before and during works. Clear communication with the client, neighbours, and specialist surfacing contractors kept the project running smoothly in a sensitive residential environment.

Project Outcomes

Delivered within budget and completed in approximately three weeks — with the client able to travel during construction and return to a finished court.

• Practical court layout developed within a highly constrained backyard

• Early feasibility gave the client confidence before committing to construction

• Site-specific pavement design supported by geotechnical investigation and subgrade testing

• Construction methodology protected the existing residence and surrounding property

• Neighbour communication managed proactively throughout

• High-quality Plexipave finish with completed netting and line marking

• Delivered within budget and programme