The Gentle Gym is a personal training studio located on the second storey of a conservation shophouse. Designed for flexibility, privacy, and comfort, the space supports solo sessions and small group workouts within a compact footprint. The client sought a gym that felt both functional and cozy—an environment that balances physical performance with a sense of calm.

The site presented several constraints: sandwiched between two floors, daylight only filters in from the front and rear. The design response was a light, reflective palette and fluted glass partitions that allow the space to be divided without blocking natural light. These movable walls provide privacy where needed, while keeping the interior visually open and adaptable.

A key material feature is Oriented Strand Board (OSB), used as wall cladding and to wrap the entry foyer. Chosen for its raw texture, affordability, and low environmental impact, OSB sets an honest, tactile tone. This is paired with soft curves, muted tones, and natural light to create a welcoming spatial rhythm. A green-stained veneer entry door with an oval peephole hints at activity within, while a brass wall lamp and subtle signage along the stair landing offer a quiet presence in the conservation setting.

In the changing and wash-up zones, green mosaic tiles define counters, walls, and floors—lending texture and contrast while maintaining a calm palette. To minimise waste, existing air-conditioning units were retained and integrated into the new layout.

Through deliberate restraint and gentle transitions, The Gentle Gym reimagines the fitness interior as more than just functional. It becomes a place of clarity and care—an environment that nurtures strength with softness, and offers users a space where movement and rest coexist with dignity