Fitness Studio in Salzburg by Masquespacio

In Salzburg, the interior designers from Spain’s Masquespacio office have designed a cool, fluorescent-lit fitness studio that alternates between a neo-noir atmosphere and a cyberpunk aesthetic. 

The King Kong Club offers four different workout concepts over 800 m². The studio is located in the Neue Mitte Lehen building project, whose glass-and-metal facade and dramatically jutting roof provide just the right architectural framework. For instance, the vertically mounted lighting on the outside hints at what awaits visitors within. 

The reception in the lobby consists of glass bricks that glow in light blue and call ice cubes to mind. Directly behind this are a bar and lounge; the lounge accentuates the technoid aesthetic of the King Kong Club with its furniture, which is made of cylindrical volumes comprising metal pipes otherwise used for air-conditioning systems. A glowing coffered ceiling above the space bathes the room in cool, white light and underscores the artificial character of the concept.

Staged building services

The floor above this is home to the actual workout area, which is accessed via a triple-run stairway at the rear of the club. The large glass facade offers ascending visitors a view to the outdoors before they enter the four workout rooms, which have been kept quite dark and are devoted to boxing, yoga and other disciplines.

The individual training areas are marked by neon lights in different colours. © David Johansson

The individual exercise areas are distinguished by fluorescent tubes in various colours. They drench both the fitness equipment and the ceiling-mounted building technical installations – which have been left exposed and painted black – in a shimmering glow that contributes to the futuristic atmosphere. As on the ground floor, a wall covering of lightweight wood-wool panelling creates a more subtle backdrop.

Bright and dark

The corridor and locker rooms are illuminated in white in keeping with the lighting concept on the ground floor. In the shower rooms, the interior designers have added the same light-blue fluorescent lighting that is used at the reception desk. It not only lends a refreshing touch to the staged tiled architecture in its superstudio aesthetic, but also presents a fitting conclusion to any workout.