Abstract: The disclosure relates to a built-up playing court structure having a stable moisture content controlled surface layer with playing qualities equivalent to conventional clay courts. The playing court structure comprises a built-up court surface layer, a barrier surface which is substantially impervious to moisture, a containment wall, a subsurface bed of aggregate, and means for controlling the moisture content of the court surface. A subsurface moisturizing and drainage system provides a horizontal playing surface, highly resistant to any washing away of surface materials. Controlling surface moisture also provides a consistent playing surface with no loss of surface materials due to wind.