In a subterranean, bunker-like space in Ponsonby, Mode Studio offers a unique taste of fitness and wellbeing. Founder Samantha Bluemel doesn’t market the space as a gym, but rather as an ‘essential well-being’ studio, where fitness and recovery sit under one roof.
There are very few windows in this space, little reminders of the outside world. Here, the design of the studio encourages guests to be present in their workouts, leaving all distractions at the door.
Samantha brought on Wonder Group for the design of the space. Specialising in retail and hospitality, Wonder Group hadn’t undergone a fitness space before, but, in retrospect, it’s not too different. Mode Studio needed to be a place people would want to return to again and again, where a community would thrive.
The restore suites (infrared sauna and contrast therapy rooms) are cacoon-like: think curved timber interior walls and warm concrete floors. The use of natural materials brings biophilic elements to the space.
The group classes are held in a state-of-the-art, immersive studio that combines dim lighting and epic music, with floor-to-ceiling mirrors on both ends. It may sound like a nightclub, but the treadmills and stacks of weights propose a different experience. The tonal aspects of this space are what sets Mode apart from other gyms.
We spoke to Samantha Bluemel and Wonder Group director Buster Caldwell on the design of Mode Studio.
Tell us about the original brief. What did you initially have in mind for the space?
Samantha Bluemel: Working with Wonder Group made the whole design process incredibly fun and inspiring. From the beginning, the brief was for a space that elevated a typical fitness environment into something that offered a touch of luxury, all while retaining a sense of groundedness.
It was always important to me that the entrance and reception area felt open and welcoming, setting clients up for a positive experience from the moment they stepped through the door. But I also wanted a contrast between the group training studio and the restore suites that mirrored the intense work and utter relaxation that each space is designed for.
As for the details like materials and lighting, I admit that’s not my forte. Working with Buster and his team at Wonder Group was crucial for achieving the result I was after. They took my brief and turned it into exactly what I was after.
There’s a juxtaposition between the workout and restore spaces, yet they don’t feel separate. Did you have specific design ideas to marry the two?
Buster Caldwell: We worked on this idea of contrast from the very beginning of a guest’s journey into the studio. The vision was for a seamless transition from the bright, chaotic outside world into a focused environment of escape, privacy and restoration. The material palette evolved through the space. The entrance strikes a balance of softness and strength with tobacco-stained timber, bathhouse tiling and rugged concrete, but as guests move deeper, the finishes become more rugged and immersive. Darker tones of charred paint, hidden lighting, washed cement and structured compositions signal this shift.
The recovery suits soften with natural finishes to promote restoration, while the gym is designed with sharp lines and linear detailing to speak to the focused effort. Divided by a central spine of timber on one side and concrete on the other, the spaces clearly define the choice between sanctuary or sweat.
Did you have an idea of how you wanted people to feel in this space? How does it make you feel?
SB: From Mode’s conception, I’ve reminded myself that fitness and wellbeing spaces can often feel intimidating. My north star was to ensure every guest feels welcome, uplifted and supported on their fitness and wellbeing journey. This message is reflected in the design – warm, grounded and functional in its ability to elevate training and recovery spaces – and through our values as a team, which drive our friendly and genuine approach to building relationships with our community.
I still feel in awe when I’m in the studio. We’ve been open for four months and I still get those ‘pinch me’ moments when I realise what we’ve accomplished in such a short space of time. I feel the proudest when clients tell me they’ve achieved a fitness goal or feel empowered from their time in the studio, which is really what drives everything we do here at Mode.
What’s next for Mode Studio?
SB: Our current focus is to continue building our community to the point where the studio is at capacity. We have a limited number of memberships available now under our new All-In Unlimited Membership, which gives members unlimited access to both classes and our luxury Restore Suites. I want our members to feel at home here, to make connections with others, and to feel confident that they can get exactly what they need out of the studio on any given day – exercise, recovery or self-care.
Long term, I envision Mode as the leading fitness and wellbeing brand in New Zealand, with an equal focus on intelligent fitness and essential recovery practices. International trends show our industry moving into the longevity space, helping people live for longer with a high quality of life. I’m fascinated by the subject and see us following the same path.