Bergman Design House unveils BXR City
London’s new leading fitness destination is the highest gym in the City of London – taking your fitness to new heights
Bergman Design House, the luxury design studio co-founded by dynamic husband-and-wife duo Marie Soliman and Albin Berglund, is thrilled to unveil its latest project, BXR City at 22 Bishopsgate, London. The third site for the capital’s leading fitness destination BXR London, BXR City is located at brand-new development and ‘vertical village’ 22 Bishopsgate and is the highest gym in the City of London. The new site spans 9,000 sq. ft, providing 360-degree views across London and features a members-only gym alongside the pay-to-train Sweat by BXR Bishopsgate studio concept.
Bergman Design House has an enviable portfolio of international projects and has been the trusted design partner of BXR since the fitness brand’s launch in Marylebone in 2017, having also designed pay-to-train concept studio Sweat by BXR in London’s Canary Wharf, Bishops Gate, Marylebone and Doha, Qatar. It was only fitting, therefore, that the duo should bring their magic touch to BXR’s most ambitious project to date.
Husband and wife power design duo discuss the design process and many challenges behind this sky-high luxury gym and what makes it so iconic:
“BXR is an award-winning boxing gym globally and in the UK, an established brand with a strong identity celebrating mind, body and soul. After the first BXR in Marylebone in 2017 we have designed the Sweat by BXR in Canary Wharf, Sweat by BXR in Doha and now the very fabulous BXR City at 22 Bishopsgate. There is a design red thread that goes through all BXR global properties. You know you are in a BXR, yet all of them have different elements that stand out. We find inspiration from their unique locations and architecture from existing buildings. This one on the 25th floor is a masterpiece and with the extraordinary views we had lots to play with - framing the gorgeous views was our design approach!” commented Bergman Design House Co-Founder Albin Berglund.
“At BXR City at 22 Bishopsgate, we’ve fused the signature aspects of the original Marylebone site with an industrial-chic aesthetic full of unexpected touches,” says Co-Founder Marie Soliman. “We’ve contrasted rough concrete panelling and exposed structures with energising neon lighting and a rich blend of backlit dark-tinted mirrors, bronze, and brass trim accents. Meanwhile, the gym floor features suspended architectural light with calculated lux so as not to create any reflection on the high glazed facade of 22 Bishopsgate, to breath-taking effect”.
“Here at Bergman we like to do things differently…”, adds Co-Founder Albin Berglund, “at BXR City, we’ve eschewed the materials usually found at fitness clubs in favour of an altogether more luxurious, sexier look that is elevated in every sense of the word”.
A nod to BXR’s boxing roots – the gym is backed by two-time heavyweight champion of the world Anthony Joshua – can be seen in the numerous murals that adorn the walls, with famous faces including Mohammed Ali and Floyd Mayweather.
A sprawling boxing training area sits alongside the gym’s focal piece, a 6-metre climbing wall. Sitting 125 metres above ground level and enjoying unparalleled views across the city, the climbing wall is the highest in all of London.
Design Challenges: BXR City at 22 Bishopsgate
The Bergman Design House team had a number of challenges to overcome in creating this luxurious wellness space including:
Having a triple height white box space felt overwhelming during the first site visit - even the most experienced designers can feel incredibly small in this space.
All the reflections of the cold glass façade and how best to light this space at night without disturbing reflections on the glass.
Carefully calculating the structural/architectural elements and considering what should be hidden vs exposed, introducing a rough look yet timeless and inviting decor. Most gyms could come across as either sterile or too industrial or intimidating to some.
Lighting design is a main key player in how we feel, and our team focused on this part. How to engage the senses in the right way in this sky high space. We designed BXR City at 22 Bishopsgate remembering the BXR ethos “train like a champion” which can be seen on the Ben Slow art piece between the two floors of the gym floors and the studios.
One of the other challenges were the vibrations and noise caused by dropped bouncing weights which was something that we had to consider very carefully.
“One of the design statements in BXR Bishopsgate location is the famous climbing glass wall. Truly iconic climbing on the glass façade embracing all the views of London and surroundings. Designing a “moody” yet energetic space and not sterile space on the 25th floor with floor to ceiling windows, how to design the lighting in a smart way as we have 360 views with wall-to-wall glazing, materials, natural and architectural light. It is the challenges that keep us engaged, motivated and taking the design to the next level. And the outcome of this one is absolutely stunning!” says Berglund.
The BXR “train like a champion” experience
A members-only gym floor features state-of-the-art equipment from Technogym, Wattbike, Eleiko and Hammer Strength, while Sweat by BXR Bishopsgate offers studio-based, instructor-led classes including its renowned Versaclimber full-body cardio workouts, Climb to the Beat and Performance HR. Other class concepts include a Crossfit-style Strength & Conditioning studio as well as a Pilates and Yoga studio, providing a holistic workout destination. A new Strength concept class by Master Trainer Faisal Abdalla is also now available at the new destination.
Alex Nicholl co-founded BXR London with his business partner Olia Sardarova and is behind introducing the first Versaclimber to Europe, which the club calls Climb to the Beat. Sweat by BXR’s infamous Versaclimber Cardio studio, located at all three London studios brings the most effective, full-body cardio workout with its signature group climbing classes, which can burn up to 800 calories in a 45-minute class.
“Most of our clients stay at BXR far longer than just their class. The exquisite design Bergman Design House has created for BXR motivates our clients throughout their workouts whilst also making them feel comfortable and relaxed whilst enjoying healthy food and juices in the café,” commented Alex Nicholl, MD of BXR London and Sweat by BXR.
One of the things Marie Soliman believes in and the Bergman Design House team designed BXR accordingly is the motto: “Go in a hero come out a superhero! That is the feeling you get after BXR – it is not just “a gym” remarks Berglund.
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