Third Space, The Whiteley, UK

The Third Space gym and spa within the historic Whiteley Building has been conceived as a contemporary, performance-led wellbeing environment integrated into a Grade II listed setting. As the UK’s leading luxury health club, Third Space brings a brand identity rooted in excellence, precision, and immersion. This project reinterprets that identity through a design that respects the building’s architectural heritage while introducing advanced, human-centric lighting technology.

Lighting is central to the project and is treated as both a technical requirement and an experiential driver. A fully integrated, flicker-free tuneable lighting system is employed throughout the gym and spa to support visual comfort, wellbeing, and circadian health. The elimination of flicker was a key requirement, particularly within high-performance training areas, helping to reduce eye strain, fatigue, and distraction while supporting focused physical performance.

The lighting is calibrated to respond to both time of day and spatial use. Colour temperature and intensity shift throughout the day to align with natural circadian rhythms. Cooler, brighter light levels are introduced during peak training periods to encourage alertness, focus, and energy. Warmer, lower light levels are used in the evenings and within spa and recovery spaces to promote relaxation and restoration. Each area is individually programmed so lighting conditions are precisely matched to the functional and emotional needs of the space.

A layered lighting strategy supports the complexity of the multi-level layout and varied zones. Ambient lighting provides even, low-glare illumination that respects the scale and proportions of the historic interiors. Task lighting is discreetly integrated to support training, treatment, and circulation. Accent lighting is used selectively to define zones, support wayfinding, and reveal architectural features without competing with the original fabric of the building.

Bespoke feature pendant lights were designed specifically for the project and developed in close collaboration with the design team. These sculptural elements form focal points within key spaces, reinforcing Third Space’s identity while being carefully scaled and positioned to sit comfortably within the Whiteley’s grand volumes.

The Casambi lighting systems is fully dimmable and centrally controlled, providing operational flexibility, consistency, and long-term adaptability. High-efficiency light sources were selected to minimise energy consumption while maintaining exceptional light quality.

The result is a luxury gym and spa where lighting is integral to the architectural language, supporting wellbeing, performance, and comfort, and creating a distinctive Third Space environment within one of London’s most significant historic buildings.