Award-winning, hi-tech, gym for The Hut Group's headquarters

We spoke with the Lead Architect on the project, Alanna Brown, and asked her what makes this project special. 

“The brief for the design of the gym was ‘cutting-edge tech’. We had a concept that incorporated a big audiovisual element: a large structure that would hang over the functional zone. We partnered with Pro-Av, who were the preferred AV consultant of THG. Our brief to Pro-AV was for the feature to be spectacular, moveable, and to fill the triple height space. What we now have is a three-dimensional matrix of individually addressable LEDs: a cube of light hanging from the ceiling through which three-dimensional content can be presented.  

“Each LED behaves as an individual pixel in a 3D matrix, so images appear three dimensional. The key feature is that the whole space is brandable. You can instantly convert the gym into a studio for a photoshoot or video by running brand specific content throughout the space. One idea here is that a virtual trainer can lead a session of functional training through the three-dimensional matrix.  

“We mounted screens behind the large wall mirrors that can also display various content. Users can personalise their gym experience by connecting to these screens and playing their online training programmes like TECHNOGYM, FIIT, or Les Mills+. When the screens are off the mirrors just look like mirrors.”  

As you enter the gym, there is a small reception area with hot-rolled steel panels and a high resolution, monolithic screen. The gym itself is broken up into four key areas: free weights, a functional zone, a cardio area, and a strength area with resistance machines. All the equipment is very high-end; Eleiko free weights and TECHNOGYM machines. In the cardio zone, there is a mesh feature which brings the walls in and creates a sense of warmth.

As we turn towards the changing rooms, we see Solus’ wonderful floor finishes, and entering the space we can see Solus wall coverings accented with a copper trim. Here the brief was, ‘beautiful vanity’ and ‘luxury touchpoints’. The copper, the tan leather, the walnut lockers, the Gessi tapware, contrast beautifully with the gorgeous Rockstone collection. Rockstone really lifts the space conferring a luxury feel to it. 

zynk Design have had a brilliant 2022 and are looking forward to the realisation of several projects this year. Along with the work arising from their longstanding relationship with The Gym Group, 2023 will see them unveil: a trampoline park which is being rolled out nationally and is a wonderful space for young people; as brand ambassadors for Forbes Travel Guide, they have designed a gym in a chateau in Cognac which houses Forbes’ hotelier training facility; and a super high-end luxury wellness clinic in Knightsbridge, which Solus are supplying.