Lush vegetation for an exclusive private gymnasium

In the middle of the Abu Dhabi desert, a unique and exclusive building was constructed: the private gymnasium for a member of the royal family. Sandrini’s task was to devise an attractive, yet relaxing environment that could be enjoyed from the gymnasium’s floor-to-ceiling windows, but also experienced between physical activity and relaxation.

The absolutely desert-like surroundings and the high walls built to provide privacy and security almost naturally direct the design choices toward creating an extremely lush environment: trees with leafy foliage to produce shade and improve the microclimate of the garden, rich vegetation along all the walls together flowering creepers. A very careful botanical choice as well as the materials used, including Botticino marble from Italy and Istrian stone.

A simple but elegant water feature, centrally located within the garden, creates a pleasant attraction that promotes climatic improvement and the pleasantness of experiencing this space.