By Breathe
Reload Physio embodies two simple actions, to rest and to reload. It is about taking a moment to rest and breathe, before starting the journey of rebuilding strength and wellbeing.
The physio is divided into two distinct spaces. A space to rest and unwind and a space that encourages movement and confidence. From Sydney Road, Reload is identified by simple hand-painted signage by a local sign-writer, a gentle nod to Brunswick's past. Upon entry, lush greenery welcomes patients into a light-filled reception, where they are encouraged to take a seat, take off their shoes and unwind before beginning treatment. After moving through reception, the gym is protected from the street, encouraging careful strength and confidence. Treatment rooms are warm and soft, fostering a sense of calm and a space to build trust between physiotherapists and patients.
Completed by a local builder within 10 days, the material palette is simple, sustainable and unembellished, celebrating the structure and generous height of the original warehouse. Coir matting demarcates the entry into the greenery-filled reception area. Original concrete floors are lightly polished and softened by the recycled timber reception desk, recycled timber seating and whitewashed plywood dividing walls. Lush greenery climbs up a series of white mesh screens which act as a green buffer between reception and the treatment spaces beyond. The transition into the gym is marked by black recycled rubber flooring made from old tyres, with dividing black stained plywood storage with planters above. Treatment rooms are finished with sisal flooring, locally sourced plants and photographs of the Victorian landscape, by a local artist.
Reload Physio is a part of the Brunswick community, welcoming a variety of clients from the hustle and bustle of Sydney Road. It is a simple, robust and sustainable space to rest and reload.
Photography by Tom Ross
We are proud to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which Reload Physio stands. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.
Australia’s most awarded sustainable design firm, and its most dependable.
Our Approach
Breathe undertakes meaningful projects we can be proud of — those that align with our purpose and values.
Since we focus on maximising positive impact, many of our projects don’t fit the common definition of ‘architecture’.
We work to understand who we’re designing for. We strive to inspire, engage and support our clients and the broader communities we serve.
We prioritise social, environmental and economic sustainability in every project. We question the status quo to pursue outcomes that are informed by, and seek to better, those that came before.
Above all, we prioritise ethics along with aesthetics, and design without ego, to create the best outcomes for our clients and their communities.