Waterloo Gym is Adams + Collingwood Architects’ third successful project for Soho Gyms. Here, the challenge was to maximize the impact of the powerful spaces within a series of fine 19th century railway arches.

The showers are centrally placed. Enclosed by elegant glass cubes and capped by stretched membrane canopies, they contrast dramatically with the curving forms and raw industrial textures of the brick vaults. The waterproofing of the vaults was solved elegantly and innovatively: Instead of attempting to line the whole interior as usual, it was noted that the water penetration was limited to specific locations. Here, slim curving bands of bright coated steel were introduced. These minimal and cost effective interventions articulate the form of the vaults and leave most of the fine brickwork visible.


"At Waterloo Gym, the power of the spaces, the gleaming rows of equipment and the energy of the bodies working out, transform an everyday routine into an uplifting experience"