Project name: stretching studio Pace
Interior design: 1820.st.
Client: Alsu Mikhalenko, Ivan Lukin
Location: Kazan, Tatarstan
Photo: Alexander Plyaskin
Area: 130 sq. ft.
Year: 2024
Project description from design firms 1820.st
The 130-square-meter space is located in Kazan on the ground floor of one of the apartment buildings in a new residential complex on Shalyapin Street. The stretching studio for women fits seamlessly into the newly emerging creative cluster in this area, which includes modern coffee shops, a concept store for intellectual fashion, a men’s grooming salon, and a number of other interesting projects.
We were fortunate that the clients put a lot of thought into choosing the location for the future space, as the original premises had several advantages, including: no existing finishes, a concrete base, ceilings up to six meters high, and panoramic windows. When we first saw the space, we immediately had a clear vision of the optimal layout and placement of the studio’s functional zones. So, from the very beginning, our primary goal was to soften the rawness of the concrete and create an chamber, modern space for self-care.
The space was divided into two height zones: 6 meters and 3 meters. The first zone houses the entrance area, a comfortable waiting lounge, and two small workout studios; the second zone features a cozy changing room with a shower.
The main goal of the project was to create an organic, bright space without excessive ornamentation—a place of strength and rejuvenation for women. The studio’s name, “pace,” speaks for itself: take a step. And taking a step toward consistent training is easier in a comfortable, inviting environment.
Since the budget was fairly tight, most of the furniture—such as the reception desk, the bench by the entrance, and the seating in the waiting area—was custom-made by local craftsmen. The transom on the wall separating the lounge area from the workout studio was crafted from polycarbonate and wooden beams, which we personally picked out at a hardware store. Our construction team then painted them white to maintain the clean aesthetic of the interior.
When designing the space, we focused heavily on the architecture—adding elements like soft perimeter lighting, a curved corner behind the reception desk, and clean, harmonious shapes. All that was left was to complement these features with striking finishes in the furniture and details.
