Situated in the lively suburb of Maplewood, NJ, Groove Theory Fitness sought to make exercise both fun and accessible for everyone. Their debut has followed a major renovation of a warehouse space where Liz Curry Studio expertly crafted designated zones of use, optimizing the square footage for functionality and flow while also imbuing the gym with vibrance and character. After an intense renovation, the once blank slate of a warehouse was turned into a motivating and uplifting community hub.
Award Winning Design
Liz Curry Studio is thrilled to announce that Groove Theory Fitness won the Silver award in the category of Fitness and Retail at the ASID Design Excellence awards. We are so grateful to our incredible clients and vendors who believed in our vision for the space, which was photographed beautifully by Aimee Ryan.
Objective and Vision
When designing the space for Groove Theory Fitness, the goal was to create an elegant, vibrant, and welcoming environment to serve as a community center for wellness. The primary objective was to establish an inspiring space that functions as a one-of-a-kind fitness studio with built-in flexibility to cater to a variety of one-off events.
Key Design Elements
Layout
The space required a generous entryway with a lounging area that can double as a waiting room, a space for personal belongings, and an open concept studio.
Wallcovering and Acoustics
Acoustical panels made with wood slats and acoustical backing are used to create a backdrop to the fitness space that, in conjunction with floating mirrors and integrated lighting, create a dynamic surface. Simple trim is used to create visual interest in alignment with acoustical panels on the adjacent wall.
Lighting
Due to limited natural lighting, the design relies heavily on artificial lighting to both facilitate functionality and establish the desired atmosphere within the environment. Within the fitness space, natural light levels are controlled with motorized shade to allow for full control of the space’s mood at any time of day. Overhead lighting was installed throughout but the key lighting element and defining feature are the color changing LEDs that are integrated throughout the space.
Vibrant tones of lighting continue into both restrooms and, in combination with graphic wallpaper, create a unique and invigorating environment.
Functional Enhancements
Check-In Area
Before & After:
The entry area of Groove Theory Fitness serves as a place for guests to check in and sign up for classes, a place for clients to wait for classes to begin, and it also serves as a physical divider for the various functions of the gym as a whole, keeping the work out area in a more private zone of use. The colors of the space both reinforce the functional divisions, while also promoting continuity of design.As one progresses into the space from the entry to the fitness studio, the tones of the room shift. What starts as brighter space with 3D panels in a wood tone transitions to moodier tones of the personal storage space to the darker yet space of the studio. All a while connected with two tones of muted green and a midnight blue as a common thread.
Flooring and Lighting
Before & After:
Tones of greens and blues are intertwined throughout the design from the main wall and ceiling colors to built-in lounge seating to custom concrete sinks in the restrooms.
The flooring is kept to gray and natural tones to juxtapose the dark ceilings. The integrated color changing LED lights that are integrated throughout the fitness space create a vibrant atmosphere that is ever changing. The colors are used to set the mood for classes and events, from serene tones for yoga to dynamic and energizing colors for high intensity cardio classes.
Eco-Friendly Ethos
Sustainability is a central focus, with the use of LED technology, occupancy sensors, and water conservation measures such as automatic flushes and touchless faucets. The materials used, including low-VOC paints, recycled acoustic felt, and repurposed rubber tires, further contribute to the space's eco-friendly ethos.
Conclusion
The Groove Theory Fitness space demonstrates how a thoughtful and holistic approach to design can merge functionality, atmosphere, and sustainability, creating an invigorating and accessible environment for any fitness enthusiast.
