In the heart of Bordeaux, a new space dedicated to the body has opened its doors. Named Athletic & Bath Club, this new establishment, a hybrid of gym and spa, was designed by the Uchronia studio. The result? A delightful blend of styles, where Ralph Lauren seems to have met the elegant pop of the 1960s.
A very serious façade of a Bordeaux townhouse is presented to us. Framed by two Ionic columns, the heavy door is topped with a canopy in English green fabric bearing the inscription "Athletic & Bath Club".
Formerly a nightclub and travel agency, the space now welcomes athletes and aesthetes seeking beauty and new social venues. At the helm of this new setting is the architecture studio Uchronia. Their mission? "To create a sports venue that isn't a typical gym, but a true social club," summarizes Julien Sebban, who adds: "The idea was that people would come to the Athletic & Bath Club as much to train as to meet up, connect, and take care of themselves. We wanted to reinvigorate the traditional fitness experience and create an intimate, comfortable, and deeply personal space."
The design features American walnut, banquettes, lockers, and plush carpeting, easily evoking an Anglo-Saxon atmosphere: "We drew inspiration from 1960s polo clubs, private sports clubs, and the Ralph Lauren universe. What interested us was the idea of an elegant, social, almost ritualistic sport. To this, we added a more contemporary interpretation linked to my seven years of experience in London and England."
For the occasion, a custom tartan pattern was even designed. A true "graphic signature," it "flows through the spaces via the carpeting and immediately creates a club-like atmosphere." The founder of Uchronia observes: "It's a pattern that's both classic and graphic, giving the place a strong identity, almost like a coat of arms, a touch of color that defined the entire color scheme of the space." But make no mistake, there was no question of creating a retro and dusty ambiance, as Sebban emphasizes: "The goal wasn't to create a nostalgic decor, but to create a warm, elegant, and vibrant club."
Thus, in addition to these classically styled elements, there is a bar with a red-striped enameled lava counter, above which opens a skylight. "This is the focal point of the place. It's the heart of the club, the place where you understand that sport is also a pretext for meeting. I like its contrast with the hushed atmosphere of the wood, tartan, and carpet ," the designer continues.
Finally, in a final spa-focused sequence, the Athletic & Bath Club offers a different atmosphere with travertine arches and mineral tiles from Ceramica Appiani: "This ensemble creates a calming, almost meditative setting dedicated to recovery. Everywhere, the intention is the same: to bring warmth and a touch of humanity."
Athletic & Bath Club
28, rue Mably, Bordeaux
