Ashland, MA – Ebbrell Architecture + Design has completed the design of Core Cove, a new fitness and wellness studio in Ashland.
Located within a new mixed-use development at 12 Pond Street, the project was designed to transform a raw commercial shell into a functional, welcoming studio that supports multiple wellness uses while adding to the neighborhood’s growing mix of small businesses, services, and amenities. Core Cove owner Belsy Gonzalez wanted to create a studio that felt approachable to a broad range of clients.
Lauren Foley, NCIDQ, LEED GA, interior designer at Ebbrell Architecture + Design, said Gonzalez “has a strong sense of her brand and therefore made quick decisions. It was a really fun collaboration to take her vision and translate it into something literal.”
The project required making a compact footprint work hard without feeling crowded or overly programmed. Foley developed a layout that supports a clear arrival sequence, efficient movement between spaces, and privacy for wellness and changing areas. She also helped Gonzalez think through the client experience in practical terms, from where members would remove coats and boots in the winter without bottlenecking to how the check-in, retail, fitness, and recovery areas would relate to one another.
Lighting was also a major focus of the design. “Lighting has a huge impact on how people perceive and experience a space,” said Foley. “For Core Cove, it was important that the lighting feel balanced and consistent, and that every detail work together to create a calm, and soothing environment.”
The design also uses warm materials and softened edges, such as arch-top mirrors, to create an interior that feels upscale and luxurious without relying on overly expensive materials. The studio takes advantage of three operable garage doors that add a lot of natural light and will allow for open-air classes while the privacy film creates a “jewel box effect” from the street.
“Core Cove is a strong example of how design supports business strategy,” said Miika Ebbrell, AIA, LEED AP, principal of Ebbrell Architecture + Design. “Belsy had a clear vision for the client experience, and Lauren translated that into a space that is efficient, buildable, welcoming, and prepared to serve the business well for years to come.”
