Natural Fit Maidstone is the third wellness centre project Kent Structures has delivered for Natural Fit Gyms.
The new Maidstone wellness centre adds another high-end facility to Natural Fit’s growing portfolio. The concept combines premium fitness and wellness facilities with a strong focus on physical and mental wellbeing.
Kent Structures was appointed to deliver a new-build extension incorporating a swimming pool, jacuzzi and modern changing facilities. Our scope also included comprehensive external works and full project management across the commissioned works.
The new extension has been constructed using a combination of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF).
As exponents of Modern Methods of Construction, Kent Structures was able to bring its experience in both construction systems to the project.
CLT provides a strong, lightweight structural system while offering significant benefits in terms of off-site manufacture, construction efficiency and material efficiency. Its natural appearance also allowed the main timber structure to remain exposed internally, creating a distinctive architectural feature within the finished building.
ICF combines structural concrete with continuous insulation within a single construction system. This provides a highly robust building envelope with excellent thermal performance, helping to support the energy efficiency of the finished facility.
Sustainability remained an important consideration throughout the project. The construction approach incorporated low-carbon materials, waste reduction measures and energy-efficient building design. The use of CLT also reduced reliance on more carbon-intensive structural materials, while its off-site manufacture helped to support efficient material use and minimise construction waste.
The project demonstrates how considered material selection and Modern Methods of Construction can contribute to both construction efficiency and longer-term building performance.
The project extended well beyond the construction of the new wellness facilities. Externally, the Kent Structures team delivered a comprehensive reconfiguration of the existing car park, increasing capacity to provide a total of 100 parking spaces.
Extensive groundworks were also required to prepare the site for a new padel court, adding another element to the leisure facilities available at the centre.
One of the key construction challenges was delivering an exposed CLT structure during the winter months. With the timber structure exposed during construction, careful consideration was required to protect the CLT from the elements while the building envelope was completed.
The low winter temperatures also presented challenges when applying external finishes. The Kent Structures team carefully managed the sequencing and delivery of the works to maintain progress while achieving the required quality standards.
The successful delivery of the exposed timber structure demonstrates the importance of detailed planning, site management and close coordination across the construction programme.
Natural Fit Maidstone is the third project Kent Structures has delivered for Natural Fit Gyms, following the successful completion of Natural Fit Hove and Natural Fit Tunbridge Wells. Both previous projects involved the sympathetic conversion of historic buildings.
Natural Fit Hove transformed a disused church into a high-end wellness centre, while Natural Fit Tunbridge Wells involved the conversion of a former listed bank building.
The Maidstone project presented a very different challenge, with Kent Structures delivering a substantial new-build extension alongside extensive external works and site development.
We are proud to have built on this established relationship and to have delivered another high-quality facility for a valued repeat client.
Natural Fit Maidstone places a strong emphasis on inclusivity within its membership. Accessibility was therefore an important consideration in the development, with all areas of the centre designed to welcome people with mobility challenges and disabilities.
As advocates of greater accessibility within commercial spaces, Kent Structures is particularly pleased to have contributed to the delivery of a wellness facility designed to be enjoyed by a wider range of users.
The James Villa House building was formerly occupied by a travel company and had stood vacant for almost 18 months before the redevelopment.
The project has transformed the previously unused site into a high-quality wellness facility, bringing new employment opportunities and additional fitness and leisure provision to the local area.
The completed centre is expected to provide employment for 16 full-time staff and up to 15 part-time employees.
The result is a significant investment in the site that combines a high-quality wellness destination with wider benefits for the local community.
“We are incredibly proud of the site team for bringing this fantastic project over the line to such a high standard. Kane, our Site Manager, deserves particular recognition for his work on the project. Delivering a build of this scale and quality in his first project in this role is a massive achievement and sets a fantastic benchmark for the future.” Justin Hazelden, Operations Director
Natural Fit Maidstone is now open and accepting new members. Full details can be found on the Natural Fit website >
