DOTY 2026 Best Commercial Design (Leisure & Wellness – Gold): MOM Designer House – Level Up Fitness @ Gaya Street

This Kota Kinabalu, Sabah branch of East Malaysia’s largest fitness chain designed by MOM Designer House was first featured in Commercial Concept Volume 13.

METAMORPHIC PERSEVERANCE

Industrial athleticism intertwines with urban heritage influences at this modern fitness space that was once a heritage bank building, championing the positive message of resilience above all else.

Fusing the raw spirit and sheer strength of industrial athleticism with the resilient charm and cherished culture of urban heritage influences, Level Up Fitness @ Gaya Street surpasses the expectations of a conventional gym; it’s a reinvention of space, history and the concept of physical transformation. Built within the bones of a heritage bank building, this unique fitness facility pays tribute to the past while pushing firmly into the future by leaning heavily into the metaphorical and literal themes of transformation and resilience; it mirrors the strength required to pursue physical goals and the endurance that historic structures represent.

A wise decision indeed, one definitive way of keeping a close tether to the glory days of the past is by preserving the building’s industrial-grade steel beams and high ceilings that once defined the bank’s formidable structure; better yet, these are kept exposed. Rather than conceal the building’s age through means that would not only require far more effort but surely stretch the cost of the assigned budget, the design team heartily embraced it, allowing its weathered look to become a visual anchor for the entire fitness experience.

In contrast to the tough and sturdy character of the retained skeletal framework is the series of custom geometric LED light fixtures installed. Apart from functioning as necessary equipment, these bright, multi-coloured lights inject a layer of energy and movement to the space. By simulating kinetic energy through sharp angles, dynamic patterns and even guided or inspirational phrases, users are given the sensation of motion even when still. Whether pulsing over treadmills or guiding a lifter’s gaze in the weight zone, the lighting conveys a futuristic counterpoint to the building’s historical texture.

Taking the enormous space graciously allocated to the gym into consideration, the spatial layout incorporates careful, functional zoning all throughout. Cardio and strength areas are made recognisable through the use of both tonal contrast in high-quality materials and strategic use of natural lighting gently filtering through the many windows. While most of the gym relies on warm white light and daylight to instil a sense of openness and vitality, certain designated zones like the ladies workout area and virtual studio leans into darker, moodier tones in order to invoke focus, intensity and raw power. Tying them all together and further grounding the gym in its industrial-athletic concept is, of course, the anti-slip gym flooring chosen to enhance safety and performance.

It may or may not be perceived as underrated but the perfect amalgamation of the old and the new takes place in the washrooms. Translucent glass blocks, different shades of terracotta-coloured tiles, tartan patterned curtains, metal wall fans and lights as well as freestanding sinks with exposed pipes make up the plethora of vintage components here, standing out amidst the light cream colour palette and warm, medium-toned wood often favoured by today’s crowd.

More than just a safe place to train and get fit, Level Up Fitness @ Gaya Street is a haven to transform, echoing the very process that shaped its walls. From structural to decorative, every element serves a dual purpose—form and function, history and future, and not to mention resilience and renewal. By blending strength-focused design with cultural reverence, it stands as a modern tribute to endurance, adaptability and the power of reinvention.

About the Designer of the Year Awards and Best Commercial Design

The Designer of the Year Award (DOTY) aspires to discover and honour the exceptional works of talented designers from Malaysia and beyond. It sets the benchmark of excellence in design and is committed to championing them in architecture and interior.

The theme of DOTY 2026, “Celebrating Design Intelligence”, highlights how design has evolved beyond mere aesthetics to encompass functionality and sustainability, where user experience, environmentally-friendly materials and technology integration are essential to well-being and efficiency.

Best Commercial Design recognises designers who have crafted phenomenal commercial spaces with brand identity, productivity and well-being in mind. Their projects, which come under various categories, are featured in Commercial Concept.

Visit doty.com.my for more information.