Vi Personal Training Studio
Gym design
High-performance training facility
GYM CASE STUDY
This project was about transforming a highly restrictive, historic environment into a high-performance training facility. The founders had secured a beautiful, listed former bank, complete with its original safe, but this brought complexity particularly with fire regulation and neighbours around. Their concept was to deliver a group strength training concept to six members per session, which demanded a breadth of strength training kit, organised into destination PODS. Each customer would have a defined area with everything needed to complete the class within easy reach, called the Strength Pods or My Rack. The design vision Vi hoped to achieve was uncompromising: a premium, non-intimidating boutique space.
March 2023
THE BRIEF
A balance between high-end aesthetics and extreme functional precision:
- Ensure a premium non-intimidating boutique environment:
- Deliver a small-group personal training facility focused on strength, allowing coaches to easily observe and assist all six members at once.
- Organise the space into six designated workout zones: provide comprehensive strength equipment setups for each station. The aim being that each member has a unique zone, there is no requirement to share kit, the space never feels like a circuit class and the PT can extract most potential from members through the clear layout of class.
The Challenge
Maximise footprint whilst respecting listed building restrictions: The project required careful navigation of architectural limitations and fire exit regulations, whilst not losing sight of the client’s brief to provide six designated workout spaces in a premium environment.
THE STRONGER SOLUTION
Designing a flawless boutique space in a listed building requires more than just supplying equipment; it demands rigorous spatial engineering & floor planning. Our response to the brief showcased our deep problem-solving approach and extreme attention to the user experience.
- Space Planning & Construction Adjustments: We engaged in developing a record-breaking number of floor plan iterations on our journey to maximising the limited footprint.
- Training Zones & Equipment Strategy: The breakthrough came via our Bespoke Strength Pod Architecture. This acted as the anchor for highly modular equipment that fitted seamlessly onto the rig. By integrating bolt-ons such as landmines, TRX recoils, pull-up bars, and bespoke benches, we minimised the horizontal footprint whilst maximising functionality. The final design was functional, stylish and free of clutter.
- Branding & Visual Design Integration: To ensure the space remained inviting and premium, we integrated unique aesthetic details that perfectly matched the founders' style and attention to detail. Several iterations of different colours were tried to ensure the right RAL was the chosen one for the colour of the double sided half racks, and PODS.
The Result
Stronger successfully delivered a premium boutique strength studio, overcoming significant planning considerations to provide a compact solution which optimised space whilst offering a wide variety of equipment.
Here is what Vi’s founders had to say about the partnership:
‘‘Stronger Wellness operated as an honest, collaborative partner throughout. They had the attention to detail needed to deliver this project where every penny and every centimeter counted. The install was seamless. Stronger Wellness were really supportive and their service went above and beyond. We totally recommend them to everyone all the time and cannot wait to develop together gym number 2!’
FAQ
GYM DESIGN
Designing a high-performance facility in a listed building, like Vi Studio project, requires rigorous spatial engineering. The key is to navigate architectural limitations, such as original safes and fire regulations without compromising the structure. We utilised a record-breaking number of floor plan iterations and bespoke strength pod architecture to maximise every centimeter of the historic footprint while maintaining a premium boutique aesthetic.
We recommend a personalised Zone layout. In the case of Vi, we organised the space into six designated workout zones. Each member has their own unique pod with comprehensive strength equipment, meaning no shared kit and no "circuit class" clutter. This allows coaches to observe and assist all members simultaneously from a central vantage point.
We utilise modular equipment to minimise the horizontal footprint. By using the gym’s rig as an anchor for "bolt-on" accessories (like bespoke benches and integrated storage), we provide a full-body strength experience within a compact area. This "pod" approach ensures the space remains inviting, stylish, and free of traditional gym clutter.
Truth is, even with the most advanced 2D, 3D, Simulators, AI and beyond, there is nothing like ‘how did that feel’ on that first workout inside the space. So our recommendation is always to not add everything on day one, install, get feedback and make adjustments after 3 months. It is always easier to add than to remove, specially once things are bolted. Another idea is to do it the old fashioned way, get a barbell with you and a masking tape. Go to your studio and literally do lunges and burpees etc with bars around…. Ask yourself and the people with you, how did that feel, cluttered or ok? And from there you can add more insights into the drawing stage.
THEY BELEIVE IN US
