KX Pilates CBD

Entry to the Pilates studio is via a small discrete lift at street level, beside a noodle shop from one of the main streets in Melbourne’s CBD. The studio is marked by an illuminated sign with the KX logo beside the lift, and the building location is nestled in between a diverse array of cafes/restaurants, bars, office buildings and hotels. The studio is located on the third floor, and has the advantage of great views through three large windows, which are the only source of natural daylight into the studio.

Loke Architects’ brief was to create a signature high performance KX Pilates Studio in Melbourne’s CBD. KX Pilates is a fusion of traditional reformer Pilates with cardio and endurance training. The studio had to nurture physical workouts and also nourish and strengthen the user’s mind. KX CBD needed to have a bold and edgy personality in combination with luxurious post workout facilities so that customers would leave the studio looking and feeling invigorated.

The space that had been obtained for this project was on the third floor of an older office building in Bourke St Melbourne. The space was currently utilised by a building company as a temporary site office for a nearby project. The office space was broken down into many smaller compartments accessed from a narrow corridor with very old and decrepit bathroom facilities.

The project took approximately four months from start to finish. It required a full internal demolition, and new fitout. One of the main challenges was the single point of access via a very small lift which had a low ceiling, and was shared by the entire building. All demolition and supply materials had to be significantly reduced in size in order for them to be bought into or out of the site via the lift.

Loke Architects located the reception area to the front of the building beside the lift to take advantage of the three large windows and maximise the street views and natural daylight.

A striking space frame was created over the reception desk, which had abstract forms of “k” and “x” integrated into it. These space frames were repeated throughout the studio to tie the 3/4 high walls to the ceiling for additional structural support. The 3/4 high walls to the studio allowed natural daylight from the windows to penetrate into the studio.

The use of the concrete blocks to the reception desk and to support the banquette seating in the reception area provided an edgy robustness, and they were used in contrast with the warmth of the timber top seat.

The same timber material was also used in the bespoke lockers and joinery throughout the bathrooms to soften the space and provide continuity throughout the project.

The circulation of the studio had to have a circular fluidity and allow seamless class change-overs so that users could sign-in at the reception area, undertake the class, and exit the class towards the lockers and change rooms.

The studio requirements were to accommodate the Pilates reformers, and provide good lighting, storage, and create a serene environment for the Pilates classes.

The bathrooms, showers and change rooms used a more refined palette of materials and sophisticated approach to finishes in order to create a sense of indulgence post workout, in order for users to leave the studio feeling invigorated.