The Summer Pavilion, Beckenham Tennis Club

The Summer Pavilion at Beckenham Tennis Club is a timber-framed structure with clay tile roofs and a brick plinth, dating to the interwar period. A 1930s extension to the east is not of special interest.

The building is hexagonal in plan, with canted ends to the east and west of the south elevation. Verandahs run along the north, south, and west elevations. The south elevation, facing the cricket pitch, has five bays; the original canted corners each had three bays, though the eastern corner was reduced to two bays with the addition of the 1930s block. The elevation features three rendered gables with exposed timber framing and decorative bargeboards. The gables at each end are angled. The walls are timber-framed, set on a brick plinth, with dado height panels of vertical timber boarding. Cross bracing is visible on the panels within the canted corners. Above the panelling are triple-light windows with transoms. The central bay has large glazed double doors flanked by windows with double lights and transoms. A second entrance is located in the centre bay of the western canted corner. The verandah is supported by wooden brackets springing from engaged timber columns, with additional support from three later, boxed-in metal posts.

The northern elevation, facing the hard courts, originally had a pitched-roof verandah, now divided into two hipped-roofed pavilions, which give the building an oriental appearance. The eastern pavilion is now enclosed, creating the Maria Bueno Lounge, while the western pavilion remains open with a glazed screen. Sections of the verandah have also been enclosed, with timber sash windows. A small boarded WC has been added at the western end of the verandah. Original iron rainwater goods have been replaced with plastic.

Inside, a long gallery runs along the south side, facing the cricket pitch. To the north of the gallery are various rooms, including kit rooms, the Maria Bueno Lounge, and a lobby leading to the 1930s extension. The lounge’s bay window results from the partial enclosure of the northern verandah and eastern pavilion. The lounge is divided by the original verandah supports, and the original vertically panelled wall remains on either side of the opening to the gallery. This area was formerly known as the ‘Ball Room’ and originally contained hooks with hanging bags of tennis balls, corresponding to the number of tennis courts. The gallery is largely original, with the addition of a small kitchen area. An honours board on the western wall of the gallery lists players who have won both the club’s open tournament and Wimbledon.