MPower Yoga « Jason Neal

MPower Yoga

A complete renovation on the ground floor of Baltimore’s Natty Boh Tower located in Canton, Baltimore, Mpower Yoga has been a game changing challenge and real privilege to work through. A close working relationship with the client lent towards a fast track design-build process yielding a high level of quality, customization, and coordination of comprehensive mechanical systems to best meet the needs of a hot yoga studio. The end product included two hot studio classrooms, fully equipped locker rooms, lounge and retail space, as well as back of house administrative functionality and storage. Despite the challenges of working within the constraints of an existing, and smaller than hoped for space, we were able to wrap the project up from schematic design to complete construction within a year’s time.

Key features of the design include tediously curated lighting and materials throughout the space, to make the most of a packed program with limited square footage, while still being conscious of time and budget. The main studio includes a fully integrated design system which coordinates radiant heating units, dimmable lighting, and acoustic systems/buffering for optimized comfort during full classes. Special consideration was taken as to the layout and materials of the studio to incorporate the client’s intent to have live music during classes. The main entrance with reception and retail was also carefully planned to utilize a custom fabricated steel retail display system affording flexibility of display.

The material palette for the space was kept conscientiously simple so as to respect and not overcrowd the existing space. Feature materials include, thoughtfully exposed brick, cork flooring in the studio, fantoni panel systems in both studios, exposed structural CLTs, and custom fabricated steel.