Design
Up Your Fitness Inspiration with Penafiel's Sculpted Sanctuary: stu.dere’s Design for Modern Wellness

In Penafiel, Portugal, the Level Private Gym, offers a refreshing take on the modern fitness space, moving beyond the purely utilitarian to embrace design-led, personalized wellness

Tasked with revitalizing an existing 178 m² training area, architecture office stu.dere, led by main architect Ulisses Costa, aimed to create an environment that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, aligning with contemporary user demands for increasingly sophisticated training spaces.

The architectural overhaul centered on optimizing the gym's use through a thoughtful reorganization of the layout. The redesign intelligently separates the space into dedicated zones for individual training and group classes without relying on physical barriers. This non-physical division is achieved through the strategic application of different wall and flooring materials, specifically selected to withstand high-intensity workouts.

Natural light is a defining feature, flooding the interior through large glass windows. This inspired the choice of a vibrant color palette to define distinct training niches, anchored by a rich terracotta hue. This specific color was chosen to evoke a sense of vitality, energy, and harmony within the 178 m2 space. Further contributing to the environment's feeling of dynamism, the design incorporates curved lines and decorative arches that introduce greater fluidity to the space.

Functionality is elegantly integrated: a wall fashioned from birch plywood provides a warm aesthetic feature while simultaneously serving as a highly practical support system for training equipment, keeping it easily accessible for users. By rejuvenating the space with this meticulous attention to detail and architectural flow, the Level Private Gym successfully transforms into a modern, attractive environment that not only meets user expectations but also adapts to new trends in the fitness industry.

Words: Sphere Editorial
Photos: Ivo Tavares Studio
Published on April 29, 2026