The opening comes as more Australians seek intentional time offline, gravitating toward spaces that encourage presence, shared experience and real-world connection, as people move away from screen-based socialising and transactional encounters.

Designed by Woodward Architects, the venue takes its cues from Miami’s Art Deco architecture, featuring sculptural curves, soft pastel hues, arched entryways and abundant natural light, evoking more Palm Springs retreat than traditional fitness studio.

Inside, the space unfolds like a modern wellness sanctuary, with multiple purpose-built studios complemented by contrast therapy facilities (including ice baths and a sauna) and sound-insulated wellness rooms.

Architecture & Design: Can you describe the initial vision for this project and how it evolved over time?

Woodward Architects: Create a brand new wellness space in Balgowlah that significantly contributes to the urban regeneration of a post-industrial precinct. Our client dreamed of creating an inclusive space where all community members could participate in regenerative practices such as fitness, mobility, yoga, breathwork, treatments and nutrition.

The new building replaced a previous printing and stationery warehouse, embedding the wellness business's inclusive, regenerative and sensory values of the wellness business in the architecture and design.

What were the biggest challenges you faced during the design and construction phases, and how did you overcome them?

Because it was a new building, we had to raise the existing ground level 1m above the street to meet the maximum probable floodplain. This created design challenges for facilitating off-street vehicle parking and equitable access. We kept the main entry to the atrium at street level for ease of access to the central courtyard. A platform lift is installed to raise people up to the required ground level.

An existing sewer main traverses the length of the site. This created particular challenges for the building's foundations as they had to be installed outside the sewer main's zone of influence. Over 100 concrete piles were installed, extending approximately 12m into the ground to reach the required bearing capacity.

As the site was bordered by existing buildings on 3 sides, built right up to the boundary, the project required installing concrete walls to achieve fire separation. The foundations for these walls required the ground level slab to cantilever at the boundaries to avoid impacting the neighbouring properties' footings. Needless to say, getting the project out of the ground with the ground level floor plate establised, proved to be the greatest challenge onsite.

How did you ensure that the project met the client’s needs and expectations?

We worked closely with our client who attended design workshops and project control group meetings with the project team. She was actively engaged in the design process providing clear feedback on the material selections presented to meet the requirements for her new business marketing strategy and vision. The green tiles and powder coat colour had to match her specific branding color, created to evoke a positive vibe and regenerative feeling.

The business invites the community in and 'gives back' through its generous and permeable street frontage and a publicly accessible juice bar.

Were there any unique or innovative techniques or materials used in this project?

Despite being completely enclosed by neighbouring brick and concrete buildings built hard against the boundary, Positive Energy is filled with natural light and ventilation through the strategic insertion of an internal courtyard, double height spaces, mezzanine and lightwells.

The space is set up for flexible reconfiguration enabling its use as an event / exhibition space.

How does this project fit into your broader portfolio and design philosophy?

As our first significant commercial project, we applied our high-end residential experience and bespoke sensibility to achieve a high level of construction detailing. Warm and tactile material selections create a heightened sense of welcome and engagement in this normally utilitarian building typology.

It strongly integrates nature, outlook and landscape, which we strive to achieve in all our work, regardless of scale or location.

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