‘Looking the part’ is an increasingly factor in the Gulf. With an aesthetically-conscious younger generation exposed to progressive and modern architecture, people are not just wanting to live and eat healthier, but they are wanting to look good while doing it.
Stylish, state-of-the-art gyms have seen a lot of recent success in the region, with companies retro-fitting warehouses, re-purposing abandoned buildings and add every conceivable training facility to lure in a growing fitness conscious crowd. But the gym that takes the crown for the coolest gym in the Gulf, and maybe even the world, has to go to Kuwait’s newest commercial boxing gym: The Burrow.
Designed by Lab100 and located in Sabhan, Kuwait, The Burrow is 1000sqm of pure retro boxing gym combined with modern minimalistic design. Starting with a bright welcoming lobby, guests are directed down a narrow corridor, passing by the locker area, before coming into the spacious main workout hall. Lab100 explains: “While designing the space, the key factor was in emphasizing a natural flow of movement and the element of surprise.”
The gym has a number of semi-private work out halls all surrounding the gyms crown jewel, an elevated boxing ring, lit dramatically by nine hanging pendant lights. A mezzanine level allows for an additional workout space, and during any events, substitutes as a balcony with a clear view of the boxing ring. The semi-private halls are designed to accommodate a variety of activities.
The design of the gym was inspired by using materials that were inspired from retro boxing gyms. These gyms were usually very direct and bare without any decorations. The materials used to get the same feel were a combination of concrete blocks, subway tiles, steel, and hints of natural wood. The corridors used curved glass to give guests a clear path throughout the gym. And to create a natural atmosphere during the day that would be very different from evenings at the gym, skylight openings were added to the northern walls of the gym for natural light.
All images courtesy of Lab100