Fitness Area Planning

Hello dear community,

I am new here and hope that this post has landed in the right subforum.

We have bought a plot of land (2000 sqm building land, 1000 sqm green space) and are now in the planning phase. We agree that it should be a prefabricated house in timber frame construction. We are only allowed to build single-story, so it will come down to a 1.5-story house with a gable roof. Currently, we have requested offers from Bien-Zenker and Okal Haus... but we are not 100% convinced yet.

Now to my concern today:
I have been working on the floor plan for several weeks and keep facing the question of how and where to best accommodate our fitness area. We are both passionate "hobby strength athletes" and finally want to realize the dream of our own small fitness area. We estimate needing about 30 sqm of space.
A basement (1 large room finished as a living basement, the rest as utility basement) was rather discouraged by the construction companies and an architect. Currently, the fitness area is planned as an extension (costs 30,000 euros), which is accessed through the utility room. I actually find a basement much better, since we could also accommodate the technology and utility room there, which would mean that the overall footprint of the house would be smaller.
With the extension, the house currently has a size of 195 sqm.

Do you have other ideas/suggestions? Or have you planned a fitness area in your house yourself?

I look forward to your feedback!

I have been working on the floor plan for several weeks now and keep facing the question of how and where to best accommodate our fitness area. [...] With the extension, the house currently has a size of 195 sqm.

I don't see anything. If you don't show the unsuccessful approaches, we can't improve them either.

Why were you advised against the basement? From my point of view, the basement has the disadvantage that there is no view. If you train often, I think having a view is quite nice. The other issue with the basement is often the ceiling height. What ceiling height do you need?

We had a somewhat longer discussion here a long time ago. If I remember correctly, a gable roof was extended down on one side and the room was placed in that side area. The required ceiling height was also available there. I would properly separate the training room from the rest of the living space, because I think you want it a bit cooler. If everything is within one thermal envelope, then it won’t make a big difference, but you notice every degree. I am not a strength athlete, but I like to sit on my training bike, and I think it will be similar.

Just post your floor plan ideas, then we can evaluate them.

I would personally prefer the basement. I also see no reasons not to build it. Then you don’t need so much space above ground.

Alternatively - with the monster plot - I would build a nice garden shed (provided it is legally feasible). Add the sauna inside and the pool in front. A dream for every athlete.

A detailed discussion of loud thinking in all directions on the topic of fitness room can be found here: or perhaps you might also browse here:

Basements are way too expensive. You could go to the best gym for 30 years with that.