Xtend Barre London
The brief was to design a 3,000sqft fitness studio - the first European flagship of the American company Xtend Barre. Classes are based on a dynamic fusion of Pilates and dance elements, ballet in particular. The client wished to transform what was initially a dingy, halogen lit basement into a welcoming and calming space that would lend itself to practical and comfortable use. With this in mind, the reception and changing room areas in particular were to have a welcoming and domestic feel.
The brief was to design a 3,000sqft fitness studio - the first European flagship of the American company Xtend Barre. Classes are based on a dynamic fusion of Pilates and dance elements, ballet in particular. The client wished to transform what was initially a dingy, halogen lit basement into a welcoming and calming space that would lend itself to practical and comfortable use. With this in mind, the reception and changing room areas in particular were to have a welcoming and domestic feel.
The original generic office interior was stripped down and reconfigured into an inviting, airy, contemporary studio. The lower ground-floor location offers windows on only three sides with mostly obscured glass. The walls and built-in furniture were painted white in order to reflect light as much as possible, thus enhancing the expansive feel. Splashes of colour were introduced through the loose furniture, fitness equipment, a food retail section at the reception and a clothing retail zone.
On approaching the studio’s entrance through the lobby of the building, four slot windows provide a glimpse of the combined reception and retail area and glazed doors open up to Xtend Barre. The open plan area combines three zones: the central reception desk with a food and beverages outlet, a display zone for fitness fashion clothing on a minimal wall hanging system and a seating area.
The reception desk has been planned to fulfil a number of functions. It is where clients are greeted and booked into their classes. It also integrates a built-in food and drinks counter, including all associated services. A seating area allows people to wait for the class in a pleasant, homey setting.
A large glazed partition runs behind the full length of the reception desk and food/drinks stall. The semi-transparent glass has a central opaque strip which provides privacy while also providing a background for the company logo and graphics. The partition allows for a flow of light while enhancing the space and providing a visual link from the reception to the larger studio and vice versa. Glass doors to each of the two studios further promote this transparency.
Both studio spaces are equipped with all the necessary provisions specified by the clients, including the hallmark barres. Bespoke storage solutions were designed to meet the clients specific requirements.
The changing rooms, WCs and showers are designed for unisex use. WC and shower cubicles are respectively located at both ends of the changing rooms, the spacious shower cubicles doubling up as changing rooms. A central freestanding unit houses the lockers on one side and a vanity unit with mirrors on the other side. The space is tiled in white marble-effect porcelain and mirrors are installed both for functional reasons, as well as to visually expand the changing area.
