Biophilia, wellness, and design come together in the interiors of Embody – a holistic gym designed by Broadway Interiors. We get the details from the designers at the helm of the project about the modern, contemporary design and the challenges associated with bringing it to life.
- What was the initial design brief?
The client wanted to develop a fully provisioned, luxurious gym and wellness environment, offering an all-inclusive and personalised range of services to a discerning market clientele.
- Who designed and delivered the project? How was this achieved?
Located in the midst of the most iconic building within DIFC, this holistic-focused, exclusive gym embraces a relaxed environment with a range of fitness and wellness services. The DNA of the space combines a neutral pallet of earthy tones, using minimalistic contemporary styling with a touch of luxury design elements adding a sophisticated feel throughout. Designed by Chris, Lamya and the Broadway team and executed by Al Tayer Stocks, Embody Fitness not only provides a high-quality wellness and fitness space, but a discerning and definitive appearance for its clientele.
The 10,000 sqft facility occupies the third floor of the North Tower and overlooks the large indoor atrium affording great views and large amounts of natural light to pass into the main gymnasium. Further areas include consultation rooms, treatment spaces, a relaxation suite, Café, along with traditional Male and Female changing rooms with showers and locker areas, a steam room, ice bath and sauna, as expected in a fully provisioned Gym offering.
The space includes a number of focal points to provide those subtle and distinct touches using refined, clean line detailing that exude excellence. The unique inverted trough ceiling in the main gym adds interest and the homogenous use of colours and materials give a soothing and opulent feel in the facilities. Materials used throughout the space include oak, rich concrete textures, natural stones, simple paint, augmented by hanging greenery and the recycled tree. All of these natural elements reflect the vision of the space for the client providing a positive karma across the full facility.
- Were there any changes or additions to the original plan and schedule?
There was an open dialogue to changes throughout the project as the client had an active interest in design and wanted to balance this with his experience of the operational needs of the business. Working together we maximised every decision to ensure the final outcome created the client’s vision within budget.
- What are specific design highlights of the new project?
The modern interpretation of a tree in the Café, cleverly conceals a structural column which threatened to subdivide the space. This transforms its location into an iconic centre piece, fully laden with radiating branches, LED illumination and greenery interspersed to afford a biophilic consideration and calming influence to offer a wind down option to offset the high intensity exercise areas.
The design emphasises clean lines, strong and stark contrasts alongside cool tones, which identifies the different spaces around the facility. The male locker rooms showcase a modern, masculine feel with slightly darker tone, whilst the female locker rooms display a lighter, contemporary feel using more natural and biophilic materials.
- What new facilities are you offering the market?
Embody is a members-only, results driven fitness destination, which brings innovation and creativity to the traditional wellness and gym experience. Elite personal trainers, sports therapists and nutritionists help clients achieve body transformation and fitness goals matching the demographic of a successful, working district.
- Who are you targeting with this new facility?
It targets VIPs in the Dubai International Financial District who are passionate about achieving life-changing results in an exclusive club!
- How much was invested in it, both time and money?
The project was extensively resourced from a human capital perspective to ensure the right result was achieved and a capex spend of around 7M AED was afforded.
- How does this new addition affect the overall positioning of the building?
Being a VIP fitness facility, it upholds its exceptional reputation as one of the most exclusive buildings in the financial district, adding to the rental value.