Padium, a premium padel club redefining sport and leisure in the UK, has expanded its offering with a new destination in Cardiff. As one of the fastest-growing sports in the country with participation rising rapidly in recent years, padel is driving demand for high-quality and experience-led venues.
Working alongside ORCA Studios, Johnson Tiles supported the delivery of an elevated experience-led interior concept, designed to build on the success of the brand’s London flagship while setting a new benchmark for materiality and user experience.
Tasked with creating a space that goes beyond sport, ORCA Studios developed a scheme centred around community, recovery and social connection. Set within a repurposed warehouse, the design introduces two distinct zones: a relaxed, indulgent clubhouse environment and a competitive court area. A layered mezzanine structure guides members through a carefully considered journey, heightened by an arena-style, tunnel-inspired entrance that adds a sense of drama, transporting players from the social sanctuary of the clubhouse into the energy of the game.
Within the changing suites, spa areas and recovery zones, our Minerals Wall Dolomite Natural Linear (MIN02L) tiles and District Ash porcelain tiles in both Grip (DIS02G) and Natural (DIS02N) 900x900mm formats were specified to bring texture, depth and durability to high-use environments. The combination of structured wall finishes and large-format flooring creates a cohesive and tactile backdrop, supporting the shift towards a more refined aesthetic across the Cardiff site.
“With Cardiff, the ambition was to elevate everything - from the spatial experience through to the materials. We wanted to create something that feels considered, immersive and premium, particularly within the spa and changing areas. The tiles played a key role in achieving that level of finish and consistency.” said Matthew Constantinou, Founder, ORCA Studios
Designed to accommodate both performance and recovery, the upper-level spa includes a sauna overlooking the courts, plunge pools and dedicated wellness areas, offering a distinctive environment. The material palette supports this transition, introducing a sense of calm and cohesion while maintaining the robustness required for a high-traffic leisure setting.
“Padium is about creating a destination - somewhere people come not just to play, but to spend time, recover and connect. The Cardiff site takes that vision further, with a strong focus on quality, detail and the overall experience. The finishes and materials were key to delivering that level of ambition.” commented Max Lutostanski, Operations Manager, Padium
Throughout the scheme, carefully selected tile finishes help define the spa and changing environments, bringing together function and design in equal measure. The result is a distinctive and high-end interior that reflects Padium’s premium positioning, offering a space that feels immersive, refined and built for the growing community around the popular sport.
Photo credits: Jon Aaron Green
