Behind the Scenes at The WORKshop
Every builder needs a test project – something to try new products, push limits, and make mistakes on our own dime before doing it for a client. For us, that project was The WORKshop: a detached backyard studio that functions as both a gym and a creative space.
It’s where we design, film, train, and fine-tune everything that eventually makes its way into our clients’ homes.
Step One: Fix What You’ve Got
We started with a cracked, uneven concrete pad that looked like it had survived multiple earthquakes. Instead of repouring, we ground, patched, and leveled the slab, then trenched a new rear drain to fix standing water issues.
Once that was dialed, we rolled out Grasstex turf across the pad to expand the usable training space. It instantly shifted the vibe from “abandoned driveway” to “outdoor training zone.”
Meanwhile, we overhauled the garage interior, which now holds tools, storage, and a Peak Saunas infrared sauna – because recovery deserves its own square footage.
The Shed Saga (a.k.a. Why We Don’t Trust “Included Installation”)
In a rare moment of optimism, we ordered a prefab shed that came with installation. Big mistake.
The crew showed up short on materials, couldn’t finish, and left us with more work than they started with. Let’s just say we took the project back quickly – reframed sections, corrected errors, and built it to the standard we expect on client projects.
Lesson learned: if it says “easy install,” assume the opposite. Elite Finishing Solutions came to the rescue on this part and tackled everything from slinging siding, to installing the metal roof.
Building It Right: Structure, Systems & Moisture Control
Before insulation went in, we added extra blocking and framing everywhere we could – a small step that makes mounting future equipment simple.
Underfoot, we used AdvanTech subflooring by Huber Wood for strength and stability, and ZIP System roof sheathing for a weather-tight top layer.
For the exterior envelope, we leaned on Henry Building Products:
- BlueSkin housewrap for the moisture barrier
- BlueSkin flashing tape around all windows and doors
- BlueSkin membrane on the skids themselves — an experiment to protect the pressure-treated 4×4 framing and see how it holds up long-term
- Sealed with Sashco Lexel and Big Stretch where needed
It’s probably more waterproof than some people’s primary homes, but that’s kind of the point.
Power, Climate & Light
Our friends at All Thingz Electric wired the studio from a subpanel in the new garage, which also powers the sauna’s dedicated 20-amp circuit.
Inside, we added:
- LG mini-split for climate control
- LED linear lighting inside and out
- Plenty of outlets for training gear and media equipment
Quiet, cool, and bright — exactly how a home gym should feel. OUr friends at FirstGen Air installed our mini split and condenser ticked away on the side of the building to keep any possibility of it being an eyesore to a minimum.
Finishes & Flow
We insulated with Rockwool comfort batt for temperature control, then layered in:
- Thermowood ceiling for warmth, texture and visual appeal
- Ecore performance flooring in colorway Steel Appeal for durability and comfort. We wanted to get away from the traditional black rubber flooring that you see everywhere.
- Sherwin Williams Greek Villa paint on the interior for that bright, airy feel, and Sea Serpent on the Exterior for that oceanfront vibe.
The goal was to extend our home’s coastal vibe outdoors — relaxed but refined. Now the whole backyard functions as a wellness loop: turf for movement, studio for strength, sauna for recovery.
The Equipment Line-Up
We wanted a setup that could handle serious training without overwhelming the space. Every single piece had to be intentional- literally down to the last inch because the studio dimensions. Here’s what made the cut:
- REP Fitness Wall-Mounted Athena Rack – Low-profile and modular, with integrated cables and weight stacks for maximum versatility.
- REP Modular Storage – Clean, efficient storage for plates, kettlebells, and med balls.
- REP x Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells (to 120 lbs) – Built like tanks. No plastic gimmicks, just heavy steel for real lifters.
- Ancore Pro Cable Trainer – Perfect for explosive and rotational movements in a compact, and easy to use footprint.
- Matrix CXC Spin Bike – Smooth, quiet, and great for warm-ups or conditioning.
- Peak Saunas “Shasta” 1-Person Infrared Sauna – Complete with red-light therapy, recovery built right into the program.
- Mobile Accessory Cart – Holds all the odd-shaped, often-forgotten gear that makes training flow.
Every piece was chosen for performance and longevity — no filler, no clutter.
Lessons Learned
Even after years of building for others, doing it for yourself still teaches you things. Prefab timelines lie. Waterproofing saves lives (and investments). BlueSkin sticks to everything (including you).
But it also reminded us why we do what we do – because when a space functions this well, it genuinely changes how you show up every day.
The Final Result
The WORKshop is now our training space, design lab, and content studio – the hub where Beachside ideas turn into real projects. It’s proof that a small footprint can still deliver big-gym energy when it’s designed with intention. We are running a fun little 30 day challenge as we speak where founder Kali, (that’s me!), is stepping foot every single day for 30 days straight in the WORKshop – no excuses. We’re calling it the Home Gym Effect. Because when you start your day in your home gym, everything in your life fall into place. Don’t believe us? We dare you to try 😎
Ready to Build Your Own?
Whether you’re dreaming of a detached gym, guest suite conversion, or backyard wellness suite, we can help you design and build it the right way – no prefab drama required.
📩 Book a Consultation to start your own version of The WORKshop.
