A tiny garden gym designed to slot in
A 7sqm gym built into a basement courtyard in Tunbridge Wells, its walls craned in with 50mm to spare against the old brickwork.
Some projects push the boundaries of what’s possible with garden rooms, and this compact garden gym in Tunbridge Wells, by Ark Design Build is a perfect example. Designed to fit within a small basement courtyard below street level, this bespoke building maximises every millimetre of available space while offering a high-spec workout environment.
At a glance
- Size: 7sqm, 3m tall outside.
- Built for: Free weights, a bench and a bike, beside a basement cinema room.
- Construction: Pre-built, clad wall panels lifted into place with a 50mm clearance from the existing walls.
- Finishes: Black Thermowood and a sedum roof outside; plaster, rubber flooring, air conditioning and ceiling speakers inside.
- Company: Ark Design Build, who connected the electrics as part of their turnkey service.
Maximising space in a basement garden
This compact garden gym measures just 7sqm, making the most of every available inch of space.
The client’s home is spread across multiple levels, with a basement cinema room opening onto a small courtyard garden linked to the car park area. Wanting to make the most of this underutilised space, they sought a solution that would allow for a fully equipped gym while maintaining a clean, stylish aesthetic.
The challenge was the confined nature of the courtyard, surrounded by existing walls. To work within this space, the walls of the garden gym were pre-built, fully cladded, and lifted into position with just a 50mm clearance from the original brickwork. This precise installation ensured that the client could make full use of the available footprint while maintaining a seamless connection with the surrounding architecture.
Window arrangement and natural light
A key consideration in the design was maintaining natural light in all areas, particularly around the bay window. A long, angled window was installed parallel to the bay window section, ensuring that light continued to flow into the space. This thoughtful window placement prevents the gym from feeling enclosed while complementing the existing architecture of the house.
Additionally, a roof window was included to bring even more natural light into the gym, enhancing the sense of openness despite the compact footprint. This helps to prevent the space from feeling too enclosed.
Positioned high on one of the walls, an opening letterbox window allows for controlled ventilation, helping to regulate airflow and maintain a comfortable workout environment. This feature is particularly useful in a space designed for gym use, as it prevents the room from becoming stuffy.
Collectively, these glazing choices create a wonderfully light and inviting space that feels much larger than its actual footprint.
Ark Design Build works closely with each client to tailor the glazing layout to work for them, rather than be confined to a set configuration.
Interior finishes, storage, and electrics
Inside, the gym features a sleek plastered and decorated finish. The rubber gym flooring is both durable and supportive, making it ideal for weight training and high-impact workouts. A built-in cupboard provides dedicated storage for gym equipment, helping to keep the space tidy and organised.
The gym’s 3m external height contributes to the sense of space within the compact footprint.
The lighting scheme includes LED downlights recessed into the ceiling around the skylight and LED strip lighting integrated into the skirting and ceiling, creating a contemporary, ambient feel. A Bluetooth ceiling speaker system has been incorporated, allowing the client to enjoy music or guided workouts. The gym is also equipped with air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable environment for workouts year-round. Ark Design Build handled the electrical connection to the mains as part of their turnkey service, ensuring the room was ready to use as they completed the job.
Exterior finishes
Externally, the gym is clad in black Thermowood, creating a striking yet understated aesthetic that blends with the surrounding brickwork. The building is topped with a sedum roof, enhancing biodiversity and improving insulation. From street level, the green roof softens the room’s appearance, making it a natural extension of the courtyard space.
Versatile home gym
Originally, the client considered installing a cage rack for strength training but later opted for a combination of free weights, a bench, and a bike to suit the space. The flexibility of the design ensures that they can continue to adapt the gym as their fitness needs evolve. The design ensures that as the client’s fitness routine changes, the space remains just as effective for different types of workouts.
This project is a great example of how even the most compact and awkward spaces can be transformed into a high-quality, functional garden room. By carefully considering every detail, from construction techniques to interior specification, the result is a stylish, practical gym that enhances the client’s lifestyle while making the most of an otherwise unused basement garden area.
Learn more about Ark Design Build
To learn more about creating a garden gym building in Kent, chat with the Ark Design Build team on 07896 196 718 or by emailing contact@arkdesignbuild.co.uk. Explore more of their work at www.arkdesignbuild.co.uk
