Top-10 Ukraine: Architectural Masterpieces and Construction Innovations in Fitness 2026: In-Depth Analysis of Infrastructure Transformations

Introduction: Architectural Paradigm of Ukraine’s Modern Wellness Industry

Ukraine’s architectural landscape of the last decade is characterized by a fundamental rethinking of functional spaces, where the sports and wellness real estate sector serves as one of the main drivers of innovation. If in the early 2000s, the fitness industry mostly adapted existing, often basement or unsuitable premises, then as of 2025, we observe an era of specialized design and construction based on complex engineering calculations, psychology of spatial perception, and energy efficiency. A modern sports club in Ukraine is not just a utilitarian place for physical exercise, but a complex ecosystem where architecture serves as a tool for marketing, client retention, and brand identity formation.

The importance of modern design for the financial success of fitness establishments is confirmed by market statistics, which indicate a direct correlation between the quality of the architectural environment and visitor loyalty. In conditions of high competition and increasing consumer demands, developers are forced to invest in creating unique visual and tactile experiences. This stimulates demand for advanced building materials such as composite facade systems, acoustic panels, translucent structures, and high-strength metal alloys that ensure durability under intensive load conditions.

The role of innovative construction solutions in this context becomes critical. Integration of complex climate systems, ensuring vibration isolation in multifunctional complexes, creating rooftop pools on skyscrapers—all these tasks require high professionalism and creativity from Ukrainian architects and engineers. The partner of this study, the “Mehbud” factory, demonstrates how a national manufacturer can meet these challenges by offering architectural solutions (fences, facades, ceilings) that combine aesthetics with uncompromising resistance to corrosion and mechanical damage, which is a mandatory condition for high-traffic facilities with aggressive environments (humidity, chemical cleaning agents).

This report presents a detailed analysis of ten leading fitness chains and individual clubs in Ukraine that shape the architectural face of the industry. Each case is examined through the prism of technologies used, design concepts, and engineering complexity, allowing us to form an objective picture of the state and prospects for the development of the country’s sports infrastructure.

Rating of Architectural Excellence in Ukraine’s Fitness Industry

#1 – Sport Life: Standard of Urban Scale and Engineering Systematics

Company Name: Sport Life

Headquarters: Kyiv, Ukraine

Architectural Profile: “City Within a City” Strategy

The Sport Life network, being the undisputed market leader in terms of square meters of sports infrastructure, implements an architectural strategy that can be characterized as “functional monumentalism.” The network’s flagship facilities, particularly the club in Respublika Park shopping center and individual complexes in Teremky or Troieshchyna, demonstrate an approach where a sports facility becomes an urban dominant of the district. The architectural concept is based on principles of volume clarity, maximum use of natural lighting through large-scale panoramic glazing, and clear zoning of vast interior spaces.

Exterior solutions often use ventilated facade systems, which allow ensuring energy efficiency of large-area buildings. The interior is dominated by “clean tech” aesthetics—clean lines, industrial-grade wear-resistant materials, and open but visually organized engineering communications. A distinctive feature of Sport Life architecture is the unification of design codes, allowing visitors to feel a familiar atmosphere in any club of the network, regardless of the city.

Construction Achievements and Technologies

Sport Life’s construction strategy is characterized by a high level of complexity in implemented projects.

1. Aqua-engineering: The company is a leader in building private Olympic pools (50m and 25m). Implementation of such facilities as the Teremky pool with 15 lanes and diving towers requires the use of special grades of hydrotechnical concrete, complex waterproofing systems for basins, and powerful air dehumidification systems to prevent corrosion of the building’s load-bearing structures.
2. Squash centers: Construction of Ukraine’s largest squash centers involves creating specific “floating” floors with cushioning and walls with special plaster that withstands constant ball impacts, which is a non-trivial task for builders.
3. Renovation: The company successfully transforms former industrial workshops and retail spaces, reinforcing floors with carbon fiber or additional metal structures to accommodate heavy strength equipment.

Engineering Systems: Climate and Safety

A key aspect of engineering is ventilation and heat recovery systems. Given the enormous volume of premises (atriums, high ceilings in pool areas), ensuring uniform temperature without drafts requires precise aerodynamic calculation of air ducts. Building management systems (BMS) are used, allowing savings of up to 30% of energy resources for heating and air conditioning.

Mehbud Conceptual Design for Sport Life

Concept: “Technological Aesthetics and Durability.” Given the extremely high visitor traffic in Sport Life clubs, the priority is vandal resistance and hygiene.

Solution: The “Mehbud” factory proposes integration of cube-shaped metal ceilings in entrance groups and corridors. Using slats with “light oak” or “metallic” texture will allow concealing main communications while maintaining easy access for maintenance and visually “warming” large spaces.

For facades of standalone buildings, cassette systems “Original” with reinforced anti-corrosion coating (galvanizing + polymer) are proposed. This solution will ensure preservation of the building’s aesthetic appearance for decades even in aggressive urban environments (exhaust gases, precipitation). In pool areas, aluminum ceiling systems, absolutely inert to chlorine and moisture, are recommended.

#2 – Smartass: Architecture of Emotions and Light Design

Company Name: Smartass

Location: Kyiv (Zhylianska, Obolon), Lviv, Kharkiv

Architectural Profile: Boutique Atmosphere

Smartass revolutionized the concept of fitness space in Ukraine by abandoning the “bright gym” concept in favor of nightclub and loft aesthetics. Architectural solutions, developed in close collaboration with renowned studios (notably Balbek Bureau in early stages and its own design team later), focus on creating an immersive environment.

Club interiors (for example, Smartass Gym & Soul) are characterized by the use of “honest” materials: exposed concrete, vintage brick, copper, and natural wood. Architects deliberately preserve structural elements of buildings, transforming flaws (columns, beams) into interior accents. Space zoning is achieved not so much through physical partitions as through light and changes in floor textures.

Interior Design Features

1. Light architecture: The main tool for zoning and mood creation is programmable RGB lighting. In cycling or boxing halls, lighting scenarios synchronize with musical rhythm, creating an effect of complete isolation from the outside world. This requires complex electrical project preparation and use of specialized controllers.
2. Materiality: Locker rooms often use cabinets made of galvanized steel with copper elements, emphasizing industrial chic while ensuring high wear resistance.
3. Social hubs: Unlike traditional gyms, Smartass architecture includes large socialization zones (reception, bar, restaurant) that are integrated into the training space without clear visual barriers.

Construction Achievements: Reconstruction and Acoustics

Implementation of Smartass projects often occurs in existing buildings (residential complexes or historic buildings), creating serious challenges for soundproofing.

1. Acoustic comfort: To prevent transmission of vibrations and noise from powerful audio systems to adjacent premises, “box in a box” technology is used (room within a room), floating floors on vibration supports, and multi-layer sound-absorbing panels on walls and ceilings.
2. Ventilation: In “dark” halls without windows, forced ventilation systems with CO2 sensors are critically important, ensuring fresh air even at peak group loads.

Mehbud Conceptual Design for Smartass

Concept: “Industrial Chic and Dynamics.” Design should support the club atmosphere and be maximally tactile.

Solution: “Mehbud” proposes using exclusive perforated metal panels for wall finishing and ceilings in training halls. Perforation allows placing acoustic mats and RGB backlighting behind panels, creating an effect of depth and “living” space.

For space zoning in lounge and cafe areas, decorative partitions from “Rancho” slats in “matte graphite” or “copper” color are ideal. They will zone the space without visually blocking it and emphasize the industrial loft aesthetic. Also, using metal slatted ceilings in shower areas will ensure hygiene and easy access to communications.

#3 – Tsarsky City Resort: Futuristic Luxury and Engineering Exclusivity

Company Name: Tsarsky City Resort (Taryan Group)

Location: Kyiv, Pechersk

Architectural Profile: Bionics and Hi-tech

Tsarsky City Resort embodies the concept of “lifestyle resort” in the heart of the metropolis. The complex’s architecture, which is part of the Taryan Group ecosystem, is distinguished by futuristic forms, use of complex geometric volumes, and expensive facade solutions. The building’s exterior with dynamic glazing and broken lines resembles a faceted crystal, emphasizing the facility’s status.

Interior space is organized on the principle of zone flow: from fitness to SPA and restaurant. Use of natural stone, exotic wood species, and chrome-plated metal in interiors creates an atmosphere more reminiscent of a five-star hotel than a gym.

Construction and Engineering Innovations

The Tsarsky project is saturated with engineering solutions unique to Ukraine:

1. Transformed pool space: The main attraction is a 20-meter pool with jacuzzi that can be combined with open space in warm seasons. This required structural engineers to develop complex sliding glazing systems that ensure tightness in winter and openness in summer.
2. Climbing wall in atrium: Integration of a 26-foot (about 8 meters) climbing wall directly into the fitness zone interior required reinforcement of load-bearing structures and special load calculations.
3. Shooting complex: Presence of an underground shooting range (Fire Club) requires the highest level of safety: use of ballistic concrete, armored partitions, and autonomous ventilation system capable of instantly removing powder gases.

Environmental Standards

The complex uses advanced water purification systems (oxygen filtration without chlorine) and energy-efficient glass facades that block ultraviolet rays, reducing load on the air conditioning system.

Mehbud Conceptual Design for Tsarsky

Concept: “Premium Shine and Privacy.” Materials must match Luxury status and complement futuristic design.

Solution: For exterior and summer terrace fencing, “Mehbud” proposes designer “Horizont” fences with mirror polishing or coating imitating polished stainless steel. This will create a privacy effect for VIP clients without disrupting visual lightness.

In SPA zone and pool interiors, metal ceilings with “liquid metal” effect (chrome, gold) are recommended. Such ceilings are not only resistant to 100% humidity but also create an incredible play of light, reflecting water glimmers and enhancing the sense of luxury. For technical zones and parking—anti-vandal slats with increased fire resistance.

#4 – 5 Element: Landscape Architecture and Horizontal Integration

Company Name: Healthy Pleasures Club “5 Element”

Location: Kyiv, Rybalsky Island

Architectural Profile: Eco-Integration

Unlike vertical urban clubs, “5 Element” uses the advantages of its location on Rybalsky Island, implementing the concept of horizontal space deployment. The complex’s architecture resembles a suburban residence with a large adjacent territory. Complex buildings have a restrained, functional design with emphasis on interaction with surrounding landscape and water features.

Construction Features and Engineering

1. Hydrotechnical construction: Location on alluvial soils near the Dnipro required complex foundation work (pile fields) and reinforced waterproofing of underground levels.
2. Outdoor pools: The complex is known for its all-season outdoor pools and hydromassage zones. The engineering system for heating basins and water is designed to ensure comfortable temperature even at subzero air temperatures, which requires significant energy consumption and effective thermal insulation.
3. Tennis infrastructure: Construction of professional clay and hard courts requires ideal drainage system planning to avoid water stagnation after rains, as well as specialized shadow-free lighting on high masts.

Mehbud Conceptual Design for 5 Element

Concept: “Harmony with Nature and Protection.” Given large open spaces near water, materials must be resistant to wind and moisture.

Solution: For territory zoning and protection of tennis courts from wind, “Mehbud” proposes “Blinds” type fences. Thanks to the slanted placement of slats, they provide air circulation, reduce wind load (“sail effect”), but reliably hide the territory from prying eyes.

For facades of auxiliary structures and technical buildings, “Block-house” metal siding with dark wood texture is ideal. This will allow integrating technical structures into the natural landscape of the club’s park zone, while ensuring fire safety and zero maintenance costs (unlike natural wood).

#5 – Tetris Hall Gym: Vertical Integration and Panoramic Solutions

Company Name: Fitness at Tetris Hall (KAN Development)

Location: Kyiv, center

Architectural Profile: Part of Ecosystem

The fitness center in Tetris Hall residential complex is a bright example of the trend toward integrating premium sports into residential space. The architecture of the complex itself, developed by “A. Pashenko Architects” bureau, is distinguished by pixelated facade and futuristic lighting. The fitness zone is not separate but organically integrated into the building structure, continuing its style.

Design and Construction Solutions

1. Glazing and views: The main architectural technique—use of continuous panoramic glazing from floor to ceiling. This visually expands the relatively compact gym space and integrates the urban landscape into the interior.
2. Roof as asset: A unique engineering structure is the exploited roof with pool and glass bridge connecting the complex towers. This required extremely complex calculations of wind loads and vibrations at a height of over 20 floors. The gym has direct logistical connection to this zone.
3. Engineering: Application of centralized building climate control system with individual zone settings for the gym.

Mehbud Conceptual Design for Tetris Hall

Concept: “Geometry and Technologicality.” Design should echo the building facade.

Solution: In gym interior and halls, use of cube-shaped slatted ceiling with different profile heights and spacing (parametric design) is proposed. This will create a “volumetric Tetris” effect on the ceiling, supporting the overall residential complex concept.

Possible use of mirror inserts between slats for visual increase of room height. For areas near the rooftop pool—pergolas and canopies from aluminum slats that provide shading but allow diffused light, resistant to strong wind loads at height.

#6 – FIZMAT: Brutalism Aesthetics and Functional Design

Company Name: FIZMAT Sports Hub

Location: Kyiv (Gogolivska, Vozdvyzhenka)

Architectural Profile: Smart Loft

FIZMAT professes the philosophy of “smart sport,” reflected in ascetic but thoughtful design. Interiors are executed in modern brutalism and loft style: exposed concrete slabs, minimal decor, emphasis on functionality.

Construction Technologies and Materials

1. Fast reconstruction: The Gogolivska project (700 sq. m) was implemented in a record 60 days thanks to “dry” construction methods and modular solutions.
2. HPL panels: Wide use of HPL panels (Fundermax) for wall cladding, furniture, and reception areas. This material is extremely resistant to impacts, moisture, and scratches, ideal for fitness environments using “free weights” (kettlebells, dumbbells).
3. Light design: Use of linear LED fixtures forming geometric patterns on dark ceilings, creating dynamics in static interior.

Mehbud Conceptual Design for FIZMAT

Concept: “Minimalism and Structure.” Complementing loft style with reliable metal textures.

Solution: For the main hall, “Mehbud” proposes using “Grigliato” ceiling system in matte black color. This classic solution for lofts allows concealing above-ceiling space (communications) while maintaining a sense of volume and “air.”

For space zoning (separating TRX or yoga zones), lightweight partitions from “Pyramid” metal slats are proposed. They are light-permeable, don’t clutter the space, but clearly delineate functional zones.

#7 – Grand Prix Open Air: Historical Context and Modern Comfort

Company Name: “Grand Prix” Fitness Club

Location: Kyiv, Volodymyrska St. (Historic center)

Architectural Profile: Classics and Sports

Grand Prix’s uniqueness lies in its location in Kyiv’s historic area. Complex architecture combines classic facade solutions harmonizing with surrounding buildings and modern filling. The main highlight is the large Open Air zone in the inner courtyard.

Design Solutions

Club interiors tend toward neoclassicism and art deco style, using marble, wood, and warm colors. This creates the atmosphere of a private members’ club.

Construction Challenges

1. Landscape design: Arranging an outdoor training area in the city center required creating an effective drainage system for stormwater runoff and using special sports surfaces resistant to ultraviolet rays and temperature fluctuations.
2. Noise insulation: Protection of the inner courtyard from the noise of active Volodymyrska Street implemented through a system of screens and green plantings.

Mehbud Conceptual Design for Grand Prix

Concept: “Acoustic Comfort and Privacy.” Creating an oasis of silence in the city center.

Solution: Installation of noise-absorbing fences “Mehbud” (“BlindsExclusive” series) around the perimeter of the outdoor area. Special slat geometry effectively reflects and disperses street noise. Color solution—”dark graphite” or “anthracite,” which will emphasize the establishment’s status.

For updating facades of utility buildings in the courtyard, metal facade panels in restrained tones are proposed, which are easy to clean and don’t require repairs, unlike plaster facades.

#8 – Sky Fitness: Engineering at Height

Company Name: Sky Fitness

Location: Kyiv, Gulliver shopping center (10th floor)

Architectural Profile: Panoramic Hi-tech

The club occupies an entire floor of a skyscraper, dictating its architecture. The main asset—view of Kyiv. Layout is designed so that all cardio equipment and pool area are oriented toward panoramic windows.

Engineering Innovations

1. Pool at height: Building a full pool on the 10th floor of an operating shopping center is an engineering feat. Lightweight stainless steel basins are used (reducing load on floors) and multi-circuit waterproofing system for protecting lower floors.
2. Vibration isolation: To prevent the running of dozens of people on treadmills from creating resonance in the skyscraper structure, special damper platforms are used under the free weight and cardio zones.

Mehbud Conceptual Design for Sky Fitness

Concept: “Weightlessness and Reflection.” Amplifying the height effect.

Solution: Use of mirror slatted ceilings in the pool area. This visually doubles the room height and creates an impressive visual array, reflecting water and city panorama beyond the window. Aluminum is a lightweight material, which is critically important for reducing load on high-rise building floors.

#9 – EnerGym: Industrial Scale and Zoning

Company Name: EnerGym

Location: Kyiv, Left Bank (Sobornosti Ave.)

Architectural Profile: Gigantism

EnerGym is one of the largest clubs on Kyiv’s Left Bank. Located in a shopping center building, it occupies a huge area, requiring competent zoning to avoid the feeling of a “hangar.”

Design Solutions

Design (developed by Harchenko Design and implemented with Roomio furniture) combines minimalism with “natural” elements—warm wood textures, living greenery. This allows softening the industrial scale of the premises.

Construction Features

Emphasis is placed on creating multi-level training zones, including a fight club with professional ring. Use of wear-resistant flooring and powerful industrial ventilation is key for such volumes.

Mehbud Conceptual Design for EnerGym

Concept: “Space Structuring.”

Solution: Use of suspended ceiling islands from cube-shaped slats above individual equipment zones. This allows visually lowering the ceiling in necessary places, creating coziness, and leaving communications open in passages. Wood-imitation slats will support the interior’s eco-style while being completely fire-safe (non-combustible class NG).

#10 – Erix / Boutique Studios: Micro-formats and Personalization

Company Name: Erix (and similar personal training studios)

Location: Kyiv, Odesa

Architectural Profile: Intimacy

2025 trend—growing popularity of small studios (up to 300 sq. m) focused on personal training. Architecture of such establishments resembles private apartments or hotel lobbies.

Design Solutions

Emphasis on details: expensive plumbing, designer furniture, absence of turnstiles at entrance. Use of mirrors for visual space expansion.

Mehbud Conceptual Design for Boutique Studios

Concept: “Exclusivity in Details.”

Solution: Use of decorative metal panels with laser cutting (individual pattern) on facade or interior. This allows branding the space. For ceilings—designer slats with micro-perforation for improving acoustics in small premises, preventing “echo” effect.

Part 3: Statistics and Analytics of Construction Industry in Sports Sector (2024-2025)

Based on analyzed data, the following key indicators of sector development in Ukraine can be identified:

Conclusion: Future of Ukrainian Sports Architecture

The 2025 architectural review demonstrates that the Ukrainian fitness services market has reached maturity, where space quality is as important a product as sports equipment. Key development vectors are technologicality (complex engineering systems, light design), adaptability (reconstruction of old buildings, modularity), and aestheticization (transformation of gyms into art objects).

Companies such as Sport Life, Smartass, and Tsarsky set high standards, integrating world-class solutions into their facilities—from Olympic pools to biodynamic lighting. Successful implementation of such ambitious projects is impossible without reliable partners in the construction sphere.

Mehbud’s Role:

Ukrainian manufacturer “Mehbud” occupies a strategically important niche in this process. The factory’s products (metal ceilings, facade systems, fences) ideally meet the demands of modern sports architecture, offering:

1. Functionality: Resistance to aggressive pool and shower environments (anti-corrosion protection).
2. Design: Ability to implement complex geometric forms (cube-shaped slats, parametric ceilings) and imitate natural materials.
3. Safety: Compliance with highest fire safety standards, which is critical for public buildings.

Thus, the synergy of bold architectural ideas and quality domestic materials allows creating facilities in Ukraine that are not inferior to the best world analogues.