When designing the MT TITLIS Club in Foshan, the Matrix Design team focused on the coexistence of humans and nature and say they let their imagination go along the lines of “serenity, colours and forms”. The 1,000-square metre fitness and wellness club has a series of nature-inspired free-flowing yet clean-cut spaces that create silence with simplicity and voids.

From the outside, Matrix Design’s structure appears squat and solid next to a serene swimming pool and carefully positioned green foliage. Vertical columns, windows and a grand staircase break up the vast block of sandy stone.

But, when viewed from afar, the building appears a large single mass. “The space has its order, though seemingly disordered,” the designers say.

Matrix Design wanted to convey the idea of humans living harmoniously side-by-side with nature – a fundamental part of health and wellbeing for the professionals using the club. 

Light plays off the water and the trees onto the stone, bringing the elements of earth, wood and water into play on the building’s exterior. The carefully positioned water and shade from the trees, aligned with the site’s prevailing winds, provide the club with its own cooling microclimate. The design deconstructs the boundaries between outside and inside with large openings on each side.

On one side, a large open staircase leads to the second floor, where large exercise spaces are flooded with natural light from a skylight and large windows. On the other side of the building, a two-story open-air atrium leads to the first-floor spa area and state-of-the-art gym.

The vast walls of sandy stone also continue into the interiors, creating continuity with the serene forecourt. Aside from the pervasive light stone walls, Matrix Design also chose delicately textured finishes throughout. 

The palette is of wood, stone, glass and touches of steel. The interior layout is cheeky, with hidden corners and discreet corridors, the designers explain, meaning you may chance upon fellow members at unexpected places.

Gaps, openings, and windows tease those within with views of the lush courtyard and inviting water outside. “The interior design is harmonious and consistent with the architectural form, making the outdoor environment and interior spaces an integrated whole, which perfectly combines functions and unifies spatial tonality,” say the designers.

Photography by Shenzhen Shi Xiang Wan He Cultural Communication Co., Ltd

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Times Group · MT TITLIS Club

Finishing Design: Matrix Design
Decoration Design/Execution: Juzhen Mingcui
Project area: 1,000sqm
Main Materials: travertine, marble, wood veneer, wood-grained aluminum panel, black brushed stainless steel