Image Credit : Evolve
Project Overview
Flow Athletic fitness studio was born out of a top floor on busy Oxford St Retail Precinct in Paddington. Siren transformed it into an intimate training ground, intent on producing a strong concept visual - the space became an urban retreat that is grounded, open and inviting. Flow Athletic offers yoga, TRX and Spin classes.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Mia Feasey, Sonya Alexander, Kai Yu
Project Brief
Flow Athletic is a unique fitness studio in Sydney offering a balanced composition of yoga, group cycle, TRX and personal training.
The design needed to reflect the studio's core values and strong brand identity of having a balanced and complete fitness experience. The studio requested a clean and beautifully resolved space which could inspire the clientele and staff alike. Siren Design was asked to transform a warehouse space into an intimate training ground. Our concept was a strong visual, including photographs of the owners during an intense workout that presented a strong graphic element. Natural materials were combined with this and an urban retreat that is grounded, open and inviting was created.
Project Innovation/Need
Unpretentious, industrial yet warm & inviting, Siren used the raw elements such as concrete in overall colour scheme, flooring and feature paneling. Simplicity became another driver, we used it as our ‘mantra’ as we worked through a disjointed, multi-leveled space to achieve a clear arrival area, visually connected studios for yoga, spin and TRX. Focused on tactility and unique quality of finishes, Siren picked bamboo, rubber and concrete as the main flooring. Rather than using bright colour for visual interest, we composed a uniform story of space by using only three colours, instead allowing the people to colour the space. We also allowed for a designated open training area, beautifully appointed changing facilities and natural light filled lounge area, where finishes and furniture are calming in their coolness, leaving the stimulation of the outside world behind.
Graphics were utilised to extend the spatial and textural identity of Flow Athletic. Siren worked closely with Flow directors to achieve the right balance of strong imagery and simple yet beautiful quotes to connect Flow Athletic to its clientele. The Flow Athletic fit out team at Evolve were instrumental in bringing our vision and detail into beautiful reality and helped us deliver a design that is both a beautiful and innovative addition to the health and exercise industry.
Design Challenge
Previously a commercial site, Flow Athletic site presented itself as a diamond in the rough. Siren embraced sustainable principles of the Flow Athletic brand and designed a ‘mindful interior’ with minimal demolition and minimalist design.
Dematerialization became a motto; retaining the existing concrete slab for common areas and exposing structural elements in non wet-areas. Bamboo was chosen for the yoga and retail flooring areas and the safety of recycled rubber for the exercise areas. All chosen for their hard-wearing, sustainable properties and as alternatives to traditional timber, vinyl and carpet finishes. Siren specified low VOC coatings and sealants for all existing and new built work.
We utilized existing services locations for wet areas and airconditioning vents/ducts as much as possible, as well as using the existing balcony in the common area for natural ventilation. With considerate space planning, all areas have access to natural light.
Siren followed good practice lighting design principles and used long lasting LED light sources where possible. Water-saving, high WELS-Rated fittings and fixtures were used in bathroom facilities as well as energy efficient appliances such as Dyson Blade hand dryers and hand sanitizers.
Design principals include personal strength, community and clean living.
Sustainability
Flow Athletic is a balanced & complete fitness experience in the heart of Paddington. The Flow Philosophy believes in a balanced and complete workout that encompasses both mind and body.
The workout space delivers elements of tranquility; a sense of retreat and personal power. This was achieved by considering the space as a journey from the moment you walked up the dramatic, long stair towards the reception. Siren Design used transparency and unity of space to create a community focused environment that not only offers fitness for the body but also for the mind. The result is a space that offers comfort and reflection; our philosophy and design consideration extended to the chill out lounge and balcony, personal consultation space and grooming areas. Rooms are filled with natural light, to expose simple yet beautifully resolved details.
Other highlights include exposed aluminium trusses and black steelwork adding depth to open areas. Over-scaled graphics were carefully selected to integrate subtle branding and inject the space with personality.
Interior Design - Corporate
This award celebrates innovative and creative building interiors, with consideration given to space creation and planning, furnishings, finishes, aesthetic presentation and functionality. Consideration also given to space allocation, traffic flow, building services, lighting, fixtures, flooring, colours, furnishings and surface finishes.
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