Engine room

The challenge here was to create the atmosphere of a vibrant, fast-paced studio fitness and rowing studio within a Grade II listed church, where the walls of the building could not be changed in any significant way. Bergman Interiors’ ingenious solution was to suspend the equipment from on high or attach it to panels, rather than alter the fabric of the church. The result is an inspiring space where design, music and expertise come together in an energetic way. Naturally, the church’s original stained glass windows were retained and lend a spiritual air to the café, with pews repainted in a serene blue that links with a more intense Yves Klein-like blue in other areas. The redesign extended to the smallest bespoke details, such as embossed door handles, and has helped to establish London’s first boutique rowing studio as a leader in its field, backed by double World Champion Matthew Tarrant.