Sarah Mannerings Studio transform flooded garage into apocalyptic HIIT studio

– Sarah Mannerings
Sarah Mannerings Studio have transformed an unserviced and flooded basement garage in London into an apocalyptic-themed fitness studio for rowing-based high-intensity interval training workouts.
The 1675sq ft (156sq m) space is the first and flagship site for the Rowbots fitness brand, which offers 45-minutes classes in which individuals alternate between rowing machines and floor-work.
The brief requested the conversion of the derelict space into a boutique gym with a reception space, a fitness studio and changing rooms, noting that circulation would be important due to limited changeover time between classes.
Sarah Mannerings Studio was able to fit a 20-capacity studio with 10 rowers and space for weight-lifting and floor-work, separate male and female changing rooms with toilets, showers and lockers and shake making facilities into the limited space.
The design draws on the brand concept of transhumanism and the idea that human beings can evolve beyond their current physical and mental limitations.
"I created an environmental, experiential platform for the concept which was inspired by the idea of a post-apocalyptic, futuristic world," explained Mannerings. "The reception and studio environment have been designed to feel gritty, dark and rough and give the impression that the 'Rowbots' have descended underground to train to survive an apocalypse.
"In stark contrast to the reception and studio spaces, the changing rooms are designed to feel ethereal and optimistic. After class, I wanted to give clients the sense that they had been transformed and transported to a new world."
Fixtures and finishes include remnants of the former garage, panels from the old car lift shaft for the seating area within reception and existing concrete beams and columns that have been hand-finished to look worn.
Lighting consultants Nulty complemented the aesthetic with a mix of neon blue and amber strip lights and LED cables in and around the main exercise space, with calmer more high-end fixtures in the reception and changing areas.
Sarah Mannerings Studio Nulty London





James Corner Field Operations creates Highline for London

Esbjerg’s landmark maritime center, designed by WERK Arkitekter and Snøhetta, opens to the public

SEVEN to open world’s first indoor Discovery Adventures centres in Saudi Arabia

Fun and fear drive new Universal attraction concepts for Texas and Las Vegas

Voelker Gray Design creates 10-acre hot springs wellness haven for Atlanta

AIDarchitecten create healing spa for Antwerp's Botanic Sanctuary

Hollaway Studio's Seahive would bring blue health to South-East England

SEVEN to invest US$13bn in developing entertainment destinations across Saudi Arabia

World Spa’s expansive 50,000sq ft urban bathhouse and wellness club opens in Brooklyn

Floating Salmon Eye visitor attraction by Kvorning Design highlights sustainable aquaculture

White Arkitekter's Wood Hotel in Skellefteå Swedish Lapland is climate positive and made from local timber

Nohlab's 'Everything' installation among Noor Riyadh festival highlights

Bob Iger's return to Disney sparks major restructuring focused on creativity and storytelling

Therme Group plans US$200m urban wellbeing resort in South Korea

Digital art installation in Nanjing helps the public keep an eye on exoplanets

First glimpses revealed of flagship Blue Zones Centre in Miami

Warner Bros. and Infinite Reality launch metaverse experiences for live sports fans

Storyland Studios' Nigeria's film city project will break ground in Q1 2023

Canyon Ranch preps for major expansion with new destinations in Austin, Fort Worth and Houston

WilkinsonEyre-designed Battersea Power Station development opens as leisure district following £9bn redevelopment

Healthy cities conference to discuss diversity and inclusivity in urban planning and design

Foster and Partners reveal design for sustainable marine life centre on the Red Sea

Anaheim's US$4bn ocV!BE project approved by planners

Construction marches ahead for Saudi giga-projects Amaala and The Red Sea

HBG Design behind Michigan’s six-storey Aquadome inspired by the sun’s path across the sky

Seventh International Museum Construction Congress to be held in Norway this year

The 'world's most anticipated museum' to finally open this year

Nike's Serena Williams Building, designed by Skylab, follows the concept of flow

Saudi Arabia's Neom mega-development to include 100-mile long 'horizontal skyscraper city'
