A modern, minimalist gym design that complements a Georgian-style hotel in the countryside.
Completed by Invisible Studio, Room in a Productive Garden is a new gym space designed for The Newt hotel in Somerset, UK. The contemporary volume follows a “no building” architectural concept that aims to minimize the structure’s impact on the landscape as much as possible. As a result, the gym has a simple, understated design that sits naturally in the hotel’s garden.
The studio used stone sourced from the site to build the external walls of the new building, ensuring that it looks at home alongside original stone structures. At the same time, the rammed stone walls create a modern contrast with the traditional brick-style volumes nearby. One of the world’s largest glass panels, the window that measures 15 meters in width is the design’s highlight. On one hand, it allows the volume to blend into the setting. On the other, it ensures that guests have great views of the garden while they’re working out. Finally, the building also references classic greenhouses, providing a contemporary take on 19th-century designs.
Keeping in line with the minimalist exterior, the interior features only beech wood and no superfluous details. The slats conceal the ventilation and lighting for a clean look. A built-in bench by the bay window offers a cozy place to rest and admire the surroundings. Photographs© Jim Stephenson.
