A New Stage for Sport and Storytelling SMASH by THG Studios with Havwoods
Designed by THG Studios and located within their studio in Manchester, SMASH is the world’s first immersive padel court designed specifically as a platform for content creation, brand storytelling and live experiences.
Combining sport, entertainment and technology, the venue has been created to support both high-performance gameplay and professional content production within a single environment – with Havwoods providing an array of products that combine tactility, warmth and enhanced acoustic performance.
Inspiring architects and interior designers for 50 years, Havwoods is globally recognised as a leading name in luxury wood surface design for floors, walls, ceilings, joinery, cabinetry, acoustics, curves, stairs, and profiles.
As the UK’s fastest-growing sport continues to gain momentum, the brief was to create a space that could operate as both a professional sporting venue and a backdrop for content creation. Durability, acoustics and visual impact were all key requirements, with every surface needing to perform under frequent use while contributing to a strong and recognisable identity.
The timber surfaces from Havwoods play an important role throughout the project, introducing warmth and texture while helping to define different areas within the venue. The combination of flooring, wall surfaces and acoustic solutions creates a welcoming environment without compromising the practical demands of the space.
Specified across the entrance and main venue floor, Havwoods’ Azur from the PurePlank collection provides a consistent foundation throughout the interior. Selected for its light-reflective qualities, the pale oak surface helps brighten the enclosed space and enhances the sense of openness. Its engineered construction also makes it well-suited to the high levels of foot traffic associated with a multi-purpose venue.
Feature elements introduce further depth and character. Havwoods’ Fresato Oak from the Elegante Veneers collection was used to clad the Slazenger ball plinth and SMASH feature wall, bringing texture and definition to key areas within the venue. The profiled surface creates a subtle rhythm across vertical planes, with light and shadow enhancing its three-dimensional form throughout the day.
Elsewhere, Hushwood Natural Oak was specified for the equipment display and sports recovery bar. Combining the appearance of natural timber with acoustic performance, the material helps manage sound reflection within a space designed for filming, live events and content production. The result is a more comfortable environment for both players and visitors, while supporting the venue’s technical requirements.
Paul Moody, Global Digital & Marketing Director at Havwoods, adds:
“Projects such as SMASH demonstrate how timber can contribute far beyond aesthetics. Whether through flooring, textured wall surfaces or acoustic applications, wood helps introduce warmth, improve comfort and create a stronger connection between people and the spaces they use.”
Photography Credit: Calvert Studios
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