Beyond Fitness Studio by MAG.DESIGN + DRAA — A Sustainable, Immersive Wellness Space in Berlin’s Kreuzberg

 Architects: DRAA + MAG.DESIGN 

A Boutique Fitness Studio with an Unexpected Entrance

Beyond Fitness Studio is the third collaboration between MAG.DESIGN, DRAA, and Gundula Cöllen, the visionary founder of boutique gym brand BECYCLE. Located on Reichenberger Straße in Kreuzberg — one of Berlin’s most dynamic and trend-driven neighborhoods — the studio is discreetly tucked away behind industrial buildings.

The journey begins with a hidden industrial door along a narrow passageway, far from the typical high-street storefront. Stepping through feels like entering a different realm — an intentional design decision by the architects, who wanted guests to experience a “rabbit hole” transition into an entirely new world dedicated to movement, wellness, and mindfulness.

Design Challenge — Merging Two Contrasting Structures

The studio extends between two very different buildings: an old industrial structure and a residential apartment block. One of the main architectural challenges was harmonizing their divergent identities while preserving their historic character.

The design solution was a modular architectural “parasite” — a unifying structural intervention that ties the spaces together while maintaining the integrity of the original brickwork and industrial heritage.

Cross-Laminated Timber as the Interior’s Core

In place of conventional drywall, the architects employed prefabricated cross-laminated timber (CLT) modules. This structural system is self-supporting, highlighting its tactile and visual presence rather than concealing it. The result is an interior that feels authentic, grounded, and far from artificially manufactured.

The CLT not only reinforces the space’s character but also opens a conversation about mechanized wood in interior architecture — a material rarely explored for its sensory qualities.

Sustainability at the Heart of the Studio

Sustainability was a non-negotiable principle in the design process. By using modular spruce wood partitions, the studio reduced drywall usage by over 90% compared to earlier BECYCLE studios. Drywall is only applied in wet areas where necessary, significantly minimizing construction waste.

For contrast, Mont Blanc quartzite — cold, dense, and textured — was chosen for the reception desk and makeup counters, balancing the warmth of the timber with a robust, grounding presence.

A Multi-Sensory Wellness Experience

Beyond Fitness Studio offers a range of classes — from meditative yoga and reformer pilates to high-intensity interval training (HIIT). To support such diverse activities, the architects collaborated with lighting designer Marco Riedel to create adaptable lighting moods.

• Warm, soft chandelier lighting sets the tone for mindfulness and relaxation.
• Dynamic, club-like illumination transforms the space into an energetic environment for cardio and strength sessions.

This flexibility ensures that every session feels immersive, intentional, and tuned to the body’s rhythm.

 Redefining the Boutique Gym Experience

Beyond Fitness Studio is more than a place to work out — it is a sustainable, thoughtfully designed sanctuary for both the body and mind. By merging architectural experimentation, sustainable material strategies, and sensory design, MAG.DESIGN and DRAA have created a space that challenges the norms of fitness interiors while staying rooted in Berlin’s urban character.

All photographs are works of  Waldemar Saleskki