SYDENHAM
Universal Fitness Brand approached us with a clear brief: reimagine and revitalise their existing local gym and fitness centre to better align with their energetic, health-driven ethos. The current facade, while functional, lacked personality. It was flat, uninspiring, and failed to communicate the sense of motion, vitality, and strength that defines the Universal Fitness brand. Our response was a bold and strategic redesign of the building’s street presence and outdoor zones—creating a cohesive, activated environment that engages both users and the public realm.
The key to the redesign was recognising the potential in the building’s relationship with its external spaces. Rather than treating the car parking area, outdoor training zone, and building frontage as separate components, we sought to unify them through form, materiality, lighting, and purpose. Our concept strengthens the spatial and visual link between indoor and outdoor training, making the entire complex feel more connected, considered, and alive.
Dynamic feature lighting became the backbone of the new facade strategy. A sculptural lighting element spans the main street-facing elevation, visually anchoring the gym’s presence and tying together the internal fitness facility, the outdoor “Pain Locker” training area, and the adjacent entry and parking spaces. The lighting extends under the existing street verandah, wrapping seamlessly along the soffit and drawing the eye towards the updated street signage—clear, strong, and in line with the brand’s identity. This lighting not only enhances visibility and branding but also ensures the facility remains an active, energetic presence day and night—serving as a beacon of health and movement within the community.
The underutilised outdoor area behind the main façade was another opportunity to add value. We reimagined this zone as a multi-functional, semi-industrial outdoor training environment. Secure, lockable bike storage has been introduced to encourage sustainable transport options, while custom-designed steel cage lockers now provide additional outdoor gear storage for members. The "Pain Locker" has been redefined as a raw, high-intensity training space with durable finishes, industrial feature lighting, and a gritty, purposeful edge.
The result is a more legible, more engaging fitness centre that breaks away from the static norm. The architecture now reflects the brand’s energy and commitment to community wellbeing, creating a facility that not only supports physical movement but also activates its urban context. The new design amplifies Universal Fitness’ presence on the main street, offering a welcoming, inspiring, and motivating environment for members and passers-by alike.
This is more than a facelift—it’s a reinvigoration of identity and a celebration of movement.
ham are to come.