Photography by www.frederickgoff.space
Natural Fit – Maidstone is the third site to be opened by the Health Spa chain. Engaging Interiors Ltd has worked with Natural Fit from the start designing all three sites. This site presented a new challenge as the existing building that was being repurposed was an AA call centre. The building was single storey and square in shape with windows around most of the perimeter.
The Cafe
Natural Fit offers so much more than your average gym set up and the cafe plays a big part of this. Members sometimes work from there and are able to connect with other members. The interior design of the Cafe was informed by the previous sites but we developed some aspects like the bar design and screens. The client wanted to create a succession of small lounge settings so that members can socialise in smaller groups as required. There is also an area for anyone that wants to sit by themselves with their laptops.
The Spa
With this project the client wanted to construct an extension for the spa element. The main contractor had experience with working with CLT panels and this choice of construction had a big impact on the aesthetic of the Pool space, Changing Rooms and other spaces withing the build.
The Gym
This site is bigger than the previous sites and the gym is no exception. I worked up the layout with the client and together we created a gym layout which is set out to guide you around the building. You start at a pilates area which also has personal training stations and the work your way round to cardio, resistance training and finally a boxing area. Throughout your journey you are surrounded by a mixture of exposed steel trusses, The CLT surround to the mezzanine and the exterior windows.
The Studios
There are two studios, a ground floor spin studio and a first floor yoga / dance studio with a lounge area outside. The yoga studio is on the newly formed mezzanine level. We were able to create the mezzanine thanks to the pyramid shaped roof of the existing building, this sits within the centre of the space with enclosed spaces below. The mezzanine acts like a roundabout that the more open spaces are set around.
Outside
This is the first site to have an outside space for padel courts. I have not played Padel but know it is very popular amongst 20 somethings and this will be an interesting addition to wide selection of activities available at Natural Fit.
