The colourful, communal space in Wandsworth was designed for Gymnasium, the first B-Corp gym in the UK
Holland Harvey, an architecture practice dedicated to creating places with social impact, has designed a gym in an old shop unit in Wandsworth, south-west London. The space has been created for Gymnasium, a local fitness brand and the UK’s first certified B-Corp gym.
Holland Harvey aimed to reflect Gymnasium’s focus on community, inclusivity and sustainability in its design. The practice adapted the boxy and restricted retail unit on Wandsworth High Street into a bright and unified space. Holes were punched in the floor plates to improve connectivity between spaces. Visitors to the gym enter a double-height reception area which opens into the members’ space on the floor above, anchored by a communal table and animated by a sculptural lighting installation.
The gym includes three different fitness studios, each with a different colour palette, function and identity, and each fitted out with bespoke equipment racking. These workout spaces are accompanied by gender-inclusive changing and shower facilities. Holland Harvey has designed bespoke concrete furniture and joinery with brass detailing, that encourage communal use and interactions.
To certify as a B Corp, Gymnasium had to meet rigorous standards in five key areas: governance, workers, community, environment and customers. Thus, a focus on people and planet underpins the gym and is consequently reflected in Holland Harvey’s design.
‘Gymnasium is a brand that has built its success on the strength of its community,’ says Olly Clucas, senior architect at Holland Harvey. ‘Our design embodies these principles by creating an environment that encourages social interaction and enjoyment by providing communal, open facilities.’
Photography by Nicolas Worley
