Burn Hybrid Training was conceived to transform an old street-facing commercial unit into a space capable of expressing the energy and intensity of hybrid training through architecture. The project completely reimagines the existing building, combining functionality, brand identity and bioclimatic strategies within a contemporary architectural language.
The material palette is intentionally restrained, featuring exposed concrete, exposed concrete blocks and neutral tones, contrasted by accents of orange inspired by the brand's visual identity. The result is an industrial yet welcoming environment, where architecture reinforces the dynamic character of the workouts while providing comfort and spatial quality.
The project's most significant intervention takes place on the façade. The former metal gates were replaced with large glass panels, creating a stronger visual connection between the interior and the surrounding streetscape. A large concrete cobogó screen was then introduced as a second architectural skin, completely redefining the building's identity.
Beyond creating a striking urban presence, the screen also performs important environmental functions. It promotes natural cross ventilation, filters direct sunlight, provides diffused natural lighting and ensures privacy for users during training sessions. Throughout the day, light passes through the openings of the screen, casting a dynamic interplay of light and shadow across the interior floor, enriching the architecture.
More than an aesthetic feature, the cobogó pays tribute to one of Brazil's most iconic architectural elements. Created in Recife in 1929 by engineers Amadeu Coimbra, Ernesto Boeckmann and Antônio Góis—whose surnames combined to form its name—the cobogó was inspired by traditional Arabic mashrabiya screens and became a hallmark of Brazilian modernist architecture thanks to its passive response to tropical climates. In this project, the use of concrete cobogós also offered practical construction advantages, eliminating the need for plastering and painting while reducing construction time and costs.
Inside, the spatial reconfiguration was fundamental to accommodate the new program. The original mezzanine, whose structure was no longer suitable, was completely removed to create a generous double-height functional training area with eight well-distributed workout stations. The entire space received new finishes, lighting and a layout designed to balance operational efficiency with architectural quality.
The new program also includes two fully equipped locker rooms—one for women and one for men—created by renovating an underused outdoor area, along with a pantry and a service area. Above these new facilities, a new mezzanine was built to accommodate a lounge where members can wait, relax and socialize without compromising the openness of the main training floor.
To maximize the available space, the original staircase was replaced by a staircase inspired by the Santos Dumont model. Originally designed by Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos Dumont for his home in Petrópolis, this alternating tread staircase allows for a steeper incline while significantly reducing the floor area required for vertical circulation. Commonly used in lofts, mezzanines and compact spaces, the concept was reinterpreted in this project to incorporate integrated storage niches beneath the steps, further optimizing the available area.
The layout was carefully planned to ensure seamless circulation between the reception area, training space, locker rooms and lounge, creating an intuitive and efficient experience for both members and staff.
More than simply housing fitness equipment, Burn Hybrid Training proposes an environment where architecture, movement and well-being naturally intersect. The project demonstrates how an existing building can be completely reimagined through precise architectural interventions that strengthen its relationship with the city, optimize resources and create a strong identity for the brand.
By transforming an ordinary commercial building into a contemporary, permeable and vibrant training environment, the project demonstrates that architecture can simultaneously enhance performance, user experience and urban presence.
