Axiom is a 2-storey boutique gym that resides in a conservation shophouse in Singapore. The project comprises of an indoor cycling studio, an outdoor strength training zone on a sheltered roof terrace, changing rooms for men and ladies, an individual locker system and a members’ hangout lounge. Responding to the over-use of the ‘industrial’ style, common to many commercial gyms in Singapore, Axiom is a result of the experimentation of going against the grain. Functionality The space is subdivided into 3 activity zones, separated by key anchor walls on plan. The first is low-energy and personal, characterized by the changing rooms and toilets and the second is mid-energy and transitional, where the reception is located. The final zone contains the most energetic activity (i.e. the spin studio or strength training zone). The spin workouts are conceived as more than just exercise but rather akin to a rave party with syncopated movements taught by the instructors, accompanied by upbeat EDM music. As such, the studio was also designed to mimic such an environment; soundproof walls were painted black and the only light source was a series of LED ‘N-shaped’ light portals that modulate to the beat of each music track. Creativity To go against the grain of the typical ‘gym’ aesthetic and rethink some common banal elements of a gym, atypical colours were employed heavily in the space through the application on lockers and onto ceilings of changing rooms. The lockers donned the brand colour of yellow and their corresponding numbers were cleverly designed, using the brand logo in pixelated form. There was also an intent to embark on creative experimentation of materiality, questioning the effect of juxtaposing everyday banal construction materials with more finished cousins. Examples include the extensive use of natural and unfinished plywood, stacked with edges left exposed, to form carcasses for benches and the reception counter, while their top surfaces were finished with copper or coloured laminates. Copper metal inlays are inserted to behave both as expansion joints to prevent cracks on raw concrete flooring but also break up the banality of the material with a finished sheen. Innovation The biggest challenge that arose at the start of the project was a modest construction budget set aside for the built works. Plagued by high government levies and manpower taxes, construction cost in Singapore typically cost dearly, especially for projects that are bespoke and well-designed. As a result, the remaining budget to execute this project was limited. Innovative solutions that involved the use and detailing of everyday honest construction materials became the primary approach to designing for cost efficiency. Examples include custom light fixtures made out of the careful detailing of aluminium cable tray and exposed LED light tubes were used in place of store-bought light fittings (which typically cost more) and also the use of bespoke faucets with on/off valves that were sculpted from exposed copper pipes, replacing run-off-the-mill sanitary fittings. Sustainability Plywood material in Singapore mostly composed of recycled timber and was the perfect choice as one of the main materials in the design. On top of addressing concerns of a limited budget, it also is a sustainable approach to materiality. The use of everyday materials to customize fittings and fixtures also minimizes the carbon footprint compared to purchasing items from the store that were factory made.