SFIDI, a workplace health and performance precinct co-founded by Lorenz and Manola Grollo (of Grollo Co.) and Ian Tuckey (co-founder of Virgin Active Australia) opened recently at Melbourne's Rialto towers.

Designed by Technē Architecture + Interior Design, the facility adheres to the premise that the health of the people inside a building is the most important investment a workplace can make.

“From the outset, the ambition was to create more than a gym and wellness facility,” says Tess Carpenter, Associate (Interior Design) at Technē.

“We wanted to design a holistic wellbeing ecosystem that integrated training, recovery, and daily rituals into a single, cohesive experience.”

According to Carpenter, as the project evolved, the idea of resilience became a central design driver. Rather than concealing the existing fabric of the Rialto, the designers chose to reveal and celebrate its concrete structure, allowing the architecture to express a sense of strength and honesty.

Reflecting the balance that sits at the heart of SFIDI's philosophy, materiality, lighting and spatial sequencing were used to create a journey that moves between high performance and restoration.

“It was important that each space maintained its own identity while contributing to a broader narrative of movement, recovery and wellbeing,” notes Carpenter.

A defining aspect of the project is the juxtaposition of refined and raw materials. Durable stainless-steel joinery introduces a sleek, almost monolithic quality while reflecting light and movement throughout the gym.

“These elements are contrasted against exposed concrete, textured stone, and blackened steel to create depth and character,” notes Carpenter.

Collaboration with local makers was also an important part of the design process. Working with Melbourne metalworker Simone Tops, Technē developed bespoke blackened steel benches and incorporated locally sourced stone from a Port Fairy quarry.

“These crafted interventions bring a sense of authenticity and connection to place, while celebrating the skill and material knowledge of local makers,” says Carpenter.

According to its founders, the facility is just a starting point for SFIDI. Plans to expand to further office buildings across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane have already begun.

66.png

55.png

44.png

33.png

22.png

11.png

Let's Connect!

Let’s connect!