On-site gym facilities have long been a selling point for large multi-residential properties, although in recent years even smaller (three or four story) strata buildings feature boutique fitness studios as a means to attract buyers/renters and subsequently increase occupancy rates. But the modern ubiquity of fitness facilities in strata properties has evolved to see demand grow not just for the usual barbells-and-whistles, but an interior environment to rival the likes of Equinox and other luxury fitness brands and health clubs. It’s no longer just about free weights, cable equipment, and web-enabled machines to simulate the actions of climbing, walking, and running. No, the contemporary condo owner/renter demands a workout space that they can Instagram and TikTok as much as they burn calories and build lean muscle mass.

The benefits of investing in a gym interior designer for the condo property you are building or currently managing include the following:

  • Increased Occupant Satisfaction: A well-designed fitness space interior creates a welcoming and inspiring environment, making resident workouts more enjoyable and motivating condo occupants to maximize use of the space.

  • Improved Workout Flow: Strategic interior design with enhanced lighting and clear pathways not only ensures a smooth and efficient workout experience, it can maximize space, minimize congestion and create a safer and liability-free environment.

  • Potential Revenue Stream: Strata properties inventively leverage well designed fitness spaces to attract trainers who will rent out the space to train their clients in a more intimate atmosphere versus public gyms in the city. This has become increasingly common in downtown Vancouver BC.

  • Enhanced Positive Exposure: Residents who are proud of their condo property’s gym aesthetic will take photos and videos of their workout experiences, and tag the strata property which can help market the property to prospective buyers/renters. This can be an especially powerful tactic if there is a mix of nano, micro, mid-tier, macro, and mega influencers residing in the building.

  • Increased Property Value: A condo gym with superior interior design can add value to strata properties, making them more attractive to potential buyers or tenants.

Understanding the benefits and opportunities for a healthy return-on-investment, you are ready to solicit the services of a condo gym interior design near you to supplement the efforts of those charged with selecting and installing the fitness equipment. Calvert Design Studio will work cohesively with your fitness consultants and equipment specialists to produce the most aesthetically pleasing and functioning workout space possible. Call Calvert Design today for a FREE 20-minute phone consultation or read ahead first for more information.

What to Consider for gym Interior Design for Strata condo Properties in Vancouver BC


IMPORTANT INTERIOR DESIGN ELEMENTS FOR MODERN CONDO GYMS

i) Acoustic Interior Design:

Condo gym interior design must incorporate soundproofing materials such as specialized panels, thick curtains, and carpeting to minimize sound escape while concurrently preventing noise disturbance to neighboring spaces and units.

ii) Lighting Interior Design:

Condo fitness room interior design must incorporate smart LED lighting to adjust for the movement of natural light through the day (when there are windows) and to ensure optimal lighting at night (or when there are no windows). If there are no windows, we highly recommend the addition of windows and/or skylights (where viable) as incorporating natural light can promote energy levels and feelings of health + wellness.

iii) Ventilation Interior Design:

Not everyone realizes that ventilation is a crucial part of interior design. A full service interior design and interior architect (more on this below) is not just focused on aesthetics, but also on creating a healthy and comfortable living (and working out) environment. Proper ventilation ensures good indoor air quality in a condo gym, which impacts occupant health and well-being.

iv) Wellness Features, Accents, and Decor

Integrating other features like saunas and spas can promote relaxation and recovery, enhancing the overall well-being of occupants. Ensuring these integrations work in union with the design of the rest of the strata property’s fitness area is critical to user satisfaction. In addition, accents and decor (motivational signage, flora, et cetera) must also be thoughtfully integrated into all fitness spaces.

There is one more key element to strata property gym interior design that relates directly to room shape and size, but that is best covered in the section below.

WHY CHOOSE AN INTERIOR ARCHITECT (not just an interior designer)

While contingent upon the number of residents and units within a given multi-residential property, an ideal (considering space constraints and budget) condo gym should offer 35 square feet per resident. For a building with 100 units, a 3,500 square foot gym would allow for comfortable use. Considering this, a thoughtfully-designed strata fitness facility must prioritize both aesthetic and functional experiences not just through interior design, but interior architecture. Interior architecture comes into play when structural adjustments to the existing space may be required to optimize the experience. A general interior designer cannot accommodate this need, whereas an interior architect is absolute qualified to take on interior project management for fitness spaces. In Vancouver, Calvert Design is that all-in-one firm. Our team is comprised of leading interior architects who have relationships with subcontractors who will (under our direction) make structural adjustments to the shape and size of available spaces, as needed.


If your multi-residential property is in the Greater Vancouver BC area, be sure to schedule an appointment with Calvert Design Studio to discuss options for any of your building’s common areas. Call us today for a FREE 20-minute phone consultation to get started.

CALL 604.924.4034

EMAIL INFO@CALVERTDESIGN.CA