There are few places less conducive to human health and social connection than a parking garage. Practically an antithesis to dynamic urban life, hulking automotive infrastructure remains a vexing problem — even in cities aiming to reconsider their dependance on the car. In Calgary, for example, an above-ground parkade — which was built to open up nearby surface lots for development — by 5467896 Architecture is designed to accomodate more inspiring future uses, with a basketball court, café and exhibition space already animating the ground floor. And in bustling central London, a luxuriously moody fitness centre by local designers Studio RHE transforms an erstwhile garage into a surprisingly stylish destination.
Aptly dubbed Third Space, the gym leverages the constraints of the garage typology to create a moody yet sociable settings. In the hands of Studio RHE, however, the garage’s deep, dark spaces — characterized by relatively low ceilings and precious little access to natural light — are transformed into a venue that combines the functions of a fully-equipped professional gym with the amenities and ambiance of a trendy (albeit decidedly health-conscious) nightclub.
Situated at the foot of a commercial building, the 2,500-square-metre Third Space takes over a small ground level and two levels of subterranean parking spaces. While the adaptation transforms the multi-storey space, the designers smartly opted to celebrate — even amplify — the sense of darkness and detachment. Anchored by a subdued yet luxuriously dark palette and bespoke (and highly customizable) linear lighting by Normann Copenhagen, the design makes a virtue of its unconventional setting.
Past a warm ground floor reception area, Third Space is outfitted with a comfortable snack bar and lounge, accented by a wall of corrugated metal that leads visitors down to a similarly clad feature stair. An LED chandelier animates the journey up or down the stairs, with 360 LED light tubes that mimic a cascading waterfall.
Downstairs, Technogym treadmills are paired with a full selection of equipment for weight training, resistance and cardio. While the training area features a dark and meticulously streamlined aesthetic accented only by the linear lights — which stretch the room, compensating for the low ceiling — and pops of orange, generously proportioned lockers and restrooms are defined by smooth metal finishes and notes of red across the chairs and banquette seating.
By contrast, the group exercise area — and the saunas — offer a softer ambiance, with wood tones creating a tranquil setting for yoga and pilates. But the project’s pièce de résistance is the building’s humble spiral parking ramp, which Studio RHE has reimagined as a dramatic curved running track.
An apt centrepiece for a gym that makes the most of its awkward site, the spiral culminates in a circular combat ring and MMA cage. Here, too, the sleek and understated signature palette elevates the sporting spectacle.
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