HEKATE FITNESS CLUB

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Metaxourgeio, Athens

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120 SQM

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Completed - 2024

The transformation of a former warehouse in Metaxourgeio into a wellness space was guided by the architectural intention of disconnecting from the urban fabric. Through the use of natural materials, clean geometries, and light as a primary design tool, the project creates a calm, protective environment that fosters physical and spiritual connection with nature.

gym equipment on hekate fitness club - architecture studio Maneo
custom separator details - architecture studio Maneo

A former warehouse in Metaxourgeio has been transformed into a bright and refreshing wellness space. Although the owner comes from the world of sports, her vision was to create a place distinctly different from a conventional gym. Our intention was to design a space that primarily conveys a sense of personal safety and respect for each visitor’s identity. At the same time, we aimed to offer a space that provides a moment of detachment - a “breath” - from the intensity and sensory overload of the urban environment in the city center. The goal was for the visitor to feel a deeper connection not only with nature, but also with their own inner nature, both physically and spiritually.

artwork on the wall - architecture studio Maneo
hekate fitness club stairs and ground floor

The design of a tranquil interior was achieved through the use of natural materials such as wood cladding, terracotta accents, and earthy tones, all working together to create a calming environment defined by a natural interplay of light and shadow. The building’s facade, adorned with translucent milky glass, strikes a balance between light diffusion and soft opacity, establishing a unique and secure environment for movement and exercise. The interior unfolds across two levels. The ground floor hosts the main functional areas - reception and workout zones - while the upper mezzanine contains support functions such as changing rooms and washrooms. The design employs a “box in a box” concept to delineate spaces clearly, while clean lines and the thoughtful integration of natural elements bring a sense of warmth. The martial arts and pilates area is defined by wooden paneling that envelops the walls, reinforcing the volumetric perception of a space nested within another.

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gym equipment and hidden lights - architecture studio Maneo

Two key architectural elements relating to the lighting design are the linear skylights and the central staircase that connect to the secondary level. The skylights introduce soft, diffused daylight into the interior, dynamically transforming the atmosphere throughout the day. The staircase is flanked by a tall, freestanding wall that serves as a spatial filter between primary and secondary uses. A vertical slit within the wall, fitted with clostra panels, creates a visual rhythm of light and shadow, transparency and solidity - an ever-changing composition throughout the day. The clostra detail also appears on the wooden reception structure - shaped as a “box” - which visually connects to the martial arts and pilates space at the rear.

As visitors move through the interior, they encounter integrated indoor planting beds constructed as built-in elements. This gesture acts as a transitional filter, offering a sense of decompression both upon entering from the intensity of the urban setting and when leaving after physical exertion, enhancing the overall wellness experience.

hekate ceiling - architecture studio Maneo
concrete walls and wooden cabinets on hekate fitness club - architecture studio Maneo
alters and mirror
minimal gym space - architecture studio Maneo

Location: Metaxourgeio, Athens

Size: 120 SQM

Use: Commercial

Status: Completed - 2024

Study Team: Adrian Nowicki

Photography: Adrian Nowicki, Stefanos Knapp