Transforming Loughborough Tennis Academy with Bold Branding

At Loughborough University, sport, performance, and innovation go hand in hand. When a new space within the university’s tennis academy was set to be refreshed, the brief was clear: create an environment that felt vibrant, youthful, and energising—while still aligning with the university’s high standards and long-term use requirements.

Working in collaboration with a design agency responsible for the visual identity and graphics, our role was to bring those designs to life across the physical space. From initial site surveys through to large-scale wall coverings and door wraps, this project focused on precision, durability, and visual impact.

What Was the Client Looking to Achieve?

The tennis academy space needed more than decoration. It needed a branded environment that would motivate athletes, modernise corridors, and create a consistent visual language throughout the venue. The design agency developed a bold and youthful graphic system, and our task was to ensure those designs translated perfectly onto walls, doors, and external areas.

Key objectives included:

• Accurate translation of complex graphics onto large wall areas
• A seamless finish across multiple surfaces
• Long-lasting materials suitable for a busy sports environment
• Flexibility for future updates, particularly externally

To achieve this, everything started with a detailed site survey.

What Role Did the Site Survey Play in the Overall Project?

Before any printing or production began, we carried out a full on-site survey of the tennis academy. This step was critical to the success of the project. We carefully measured every wall that would receive graphics, creating precise templates that were then supplied back to the design agency. These templates allowed the designers to position artwork with complete confidence, knowing it would fit perfectly once printed.

The survey also extended beyond the interior. Externally, we measured areas for large banners that needed to be both highly visible and easy to update in the future. By capturing all of this information upfront, we reduced risk, avoided costly revisions, and ensured a smooth production phase.

What Made Wall Coverings the Best Choice for This Space?

The majority of the project involved printed wall coverings, cut precisely to shape and installed throughout the academy. We used our permanent wall vinyl combined with a matte laminate finish.

This combination was chosen for several reasons:

• Durability: Ideal for high-traffic sports environments
• Matte finish: Reduces glare from overhead and natural lighting
• Clean aesthetic: Enhances readability and colour consistency

One of the biggest challenges in this project was the use of large white areas within the design. Matching printed whites to painted wall whites is notoriously difficult. Even slight variations can be noticeable and distracting.

To overcome this, we recommended full wall coverings rather than applying graphics onto painted walls. This ensured the white areas within the design appeared intentional and consistent, rather than clashing subtly with surrounding surfaces. The result was a clean, professional finish that felt integrated rather than applied as an afterthought.

How Did Door Wrapping Refresh the Interior Spaces?

Beyond the walls, several sets of internal double doors had begun to show their age. Replacing them would have been disruptive and costly, so door wrapping offered a smart alternative. We printed and wrapped eight sets of double doors, applying designs that flowed seamlessly from one door panel to the other. This level of alignment required careful planning, precise printing, and meticulous installation.

The impact was immediate. These door wraps didn’t just freshen up tired surfaces—they transformed entire corridors. What were once functional passageways became engaging visual moments, adding energy and acting as strong focal points throughout the venue. The wraps also provided a durable, wipeable surface, ideal for a sports facility where wear and tear is inevitable.

How Did External Branding Deliver Flexibility at Scale?

Externally, the project included large mesh banners designed to promote the tennis academy while allowing airflow and reducing wind resistance. These banners were measured during the site survey with future flexibility in mind.

The client wanted the option to update messaging as needed—whether for events, seasonal campaigns, or new initiatives. By using large external mesh banners, this flexibility was built in from the start, without compromising on scale or visibility.

What Was Involved in Installing the Graphics On Site?

Installation across a live university environment requires careful coordination. Work needed to be carried out efficiently, safely, and with minimal disruption to staff and students.

Each element—walls, doors, and banners—was installed with close attention to alignment, edges, and transitions between surfaces. The matte laminate finish helped maintain visual consistency across varying lighting conditions, while the precision cutting ensured designs followed architectural features perfectly.

What Was the Final Outcome for the Tennis Academy?

The finished space is bright, modern, and full of energy. The new branding brings cohesion to the academy, reinforcing its identity and creating an environment that feels both professional and inspiring.

Key outcomes include:

• A consistent visual identity across walls, doors, and external areas
• Revitalised corridors with strong focal points
• Durable finishes designed for long-term use
• A flexible external branding solution for future updates

Most importantly, the transformation supports the athletes and staff who use the space every day—creating an environment that reflects performance, ambition, and pride. Check out the Loughborough Uni Project Gallery to see the whole outcome. 

Bringing Performance-Driven Branding to Life

This project shows that successful environmental branding relies as much on planning and execution as it does on strong design. By combining accurate site surveys with the right materials and close collaboration, the tennis academy was transformed into a space that is durable, flexible, and purpose-driven—demonstrating how well-delivered branding can actively support performance, not just aesthetics.

If you’re looking to achieve the same level of impact within your own workplace, Hyper Creative helps organisations transform offices into branded environments that inspire teams and reflect their identity. Our office branding service brings together strategy, design, and delivery to create functional, engaging spaces that people are proud to work in.

Frequently Asked Questions for Loughborough Tennis Academy

How early should a site survey be carried out in a branding project?

A site survey should take place as early as possible, ideally before final designs are signed off. Early surveys allow wall sizes, architectural features, and surface conditions to inform the design process, reducing revisions later. This approach is especially important for large-scale environments where printed wall coverings, door wraps, and banners need to fit precisely first time.

Are printed wall coverings suitable for spaces beyond sports facilities?

Yes. Printed wall coverings are widely used across offices, education, healthcare, and commercial interiors. When combined with the right materials and finishes, they offer a durable and visually consistent solution for high-traffic areas, making them a strong option for office branding as well as specialist environments like academies and training centres.

Can door wraps be updated or removed in the future?

Door wraps are designed to be long-lasting, but they can also be replaced or updated if branding or messaging changes. This makes them a flexible alternative to replacement doors, allowing spaces to evolve over time while keeping disruption and costs to a minimum.

How do wall coverings support long-term branding strategies?

Well-specified wall coverings help maintain brand consistency across a space for years, even in demanding environments. By choosing durable materials and finishes at the outset, organisations can create interiors that age well, reduce maintenance, and adapt easily—an approach that works just as effectively in office branding projects as it does in educational or sports settings.