UK wellness interiors specialist Zynk Design has completed the design of Round House, a new martial arts academy in Makati, Metro Manila, created to offer a more premium and inclusive alternative to the traditional combat gym.
Located on the sixth floor of A and V Crystal Tower in Legazpi Village, the academy combines a large martial arts floor with strength and conditioning, private training, premium changing facilities and a dedicated recovery suite.
Round House was founded by Jonathan Fong, who drew on his experience of training overseas to create an academy where beginners and experienced martial artists can learn alongside one another through structured programming and high-quality coaching.
The name combines the precision of the roundhouse kick with the idea of the academy as a welcoming place to gather – a dual identity reflected in Zynk’s design.
Rather than relying on the red-and-black palette traditionally associated with combat sports, Zynk has anchored the training spaces in charcoal, grey and deep green, creating an environment that feels disciplined and athletic without becoming intimidating.
The main floor is wrapped in mirrors, broadening the sense of space and giving students continuous visual feedback as they train. Grey and green mats define the activity zones, while black structural elements, equipment and storage create a strong visual framework around the perimeter.
Overhead, a combination of angular white light panels and linear strips cuts across the dark ceiling. Their fragmented geometry picks up the faceted Round House brand mark and brings energy and movement to the interior, while delivering the even illumination needed for coaching and training.
The academy’s punching bags have been arranged around the edge of the floor, leaving the centre open and adaptable for classes, drills and sparring. Integrated timber storage provides a place for equipment, helping the academy maintain a more ordered appearance than the typically crowded combat gym.
The strength and conditioning zone continues the dark, industrial treatment, with black rubber flooring, exposed services and streamlined lighting. Perimeter windows bring daylight into the space, while a mirrored wall increases visibility and makes the compact training area feel larger.
Zynk has used a markedly softer palette in the changing rooms and recovery spaces. Timber locker fronts, matching benches and built-in vanity joinery introduce warmth, while concealed lighting and pale finishes create an atmosphere closer to a premium health club or spa.
The recovery suite includes a plunge pool and shower, set within a compact, softly illuminated room featuring stone-effect surfaces, timber detailing and recessed ceiling lighting. Its inclusion supports Round House’s positioning of martial arts as part of a wider wellness routine rather than simply a competitive sport.
“We don’t just see this as a gym,” said Jen Uyehara, vice president of operations. “It’s an academy that integrates world-class coaching, meaningful community, holistic recovery and premium facilities.”
Round House offers classes in kickboxing, Muay Thai and mixed martial arts disciplines and is affiliated with the Bas Rutten-inspired Bang Muay Thai system, which combines traditional Muay Thai with modern MMA techniques. Its philosophy – “precision over power” – is expressed through a structured curriculum intended to develop technique, confidence and long-term progression. Round House
The project builds on Zynk’s experience in the Philippines. In 2023, the company designed the 12,000sq ft gym at SMDC’s Rich Residences in Manila, creating a two-storey facility with a prominent boxing and MMA offer, strength and conditioning and multi-use sports spaces. Zynk Design
Round House officially opened in July 2026. Garage Philippines
The environment has been designed to feel disciplined and athletic without becoming intimidating / Zynk Design
The fragmented geometry of finishes pick up the faceted Round House brand marque / Zynk Design
