Club owners often aim to create facilities that are aesthetically pleasing, cutting edge and user friendly, spaces that stand out. At Ozwell Fitness in Carmel, Ind., that standout feature is its DynaDome, an architectural centerpiece that delivers a true “wow” factor.
This past winter, a light snowfall transformed the experience inside the dome, with members describing it as “working out in a snow globe.” It is exactly the kind of immersive, memorable environment DynaDome aims to bring to fitness facilities across the country. Ozwell Fitness offers group classes and recovery amenities similar to many other fitness facilities, but the dome is what sets it apart.
“It really helped,” says Gemi Ozdemir, owner of Ozwell Fitness. “When people are walking down the Monon Trail, it is very identifiable.”
That visibility, and the uniqueness of the structure, stem from a creative reuse of the building itself. Formerly an HVAC warehouse, the space presented an opportunity Ozdemir could not ignore.
“The old loading dock area had garage doors that could open up, and then there is 75 feet between the back of the building and the Monon trail,” says Ozdemir. “I was wondering if I could put turf here, put the dome right over it and open it up.”
DynaDome helped bring that vision to life. To construct the feature, the team installed beams to support the dome, then sealed the structure to both the exterior of the building and the ceiling, creating a seamless extension of the existing facility.
The result is a 96 by 26 foot dome covering an artificial turf space that overlooks Carmel’s popular recreational trail, a reimagined version of outdoor fitness that blends exposure to the elements with year round usability.
“When the dome is over a pool, it goes all the way from end to end, but this one looks like it's leaning against the building,” says Ozdemir. “It’s pretty unique to the property. It’s not just cool, it also serves a purpose.”
That purpose quickly translated into tangible results.
“It has really over-delivered in so many ways,” Ozdemir says. “I’m able to add 100 members because of it. I can increase class capacity by 10 people. I can extend my season to the full year versus six or seven months out of the year. There’s a lot of value in the dome in that regard. The return on investment is definitely there.”
Beyond the numbers, the dome creates a dynamic environment that adapts with the seasons. During colder months, heaters keep the space comfortable. In warmer weather, the structure can be opened to allow fresh air to circulate.
“You need to be in one of these climates where you can close it and still get the outside feeling, but not somewhere too hot,” explains Ozdemir.
What truly sets the experience apart, however, is the atmosphere inside the dome, one that continually captures members’ attention.
“If it snows during class, people get distracted because they’re just taking it in. It’s distinct,” he says. “It is not just the snow globe either, when it rains it is really cool in there as well. It hits the dome the glass making that sound. When you’re working out, it doesn’t get much better than listening to the rain. You’re inside, but you’re outside, but you’re inside.
“It is a one of one.”
The success of the DynaDome at Ozwell Fitness has already sparked ideas for future locations. More importantly, it serves as a compelling example for other operators, showing how a thoughtfully designed feature can transform both the look of a facility and the experience it delivers.