Inside the Build: Apex by Boundary Belfast
In 2020, Dave Adams, owner of Boundary CrossFit in Belfast, partnered with BLK BOX to launch a premium warehouse facility that set the benchmark for CrossFit in the city.
The space was designed to host classes of up to 22 members, offering a high-quality training environment where athletes could push their limits and achieve measurable results.
By 2025, a new trend in high-performance fitness was emerging. Competitions like HYROX were reshaping what members expected from their training, with more people turning to hybrid-style training that blended strength, endurance and conditioning into one performance-focused approach. Today’s athletes want versatility, endurance, agility, and continuous challenge in a single, results-driven package.
Recognising this shift, Dave approached BLK BOX with a vision to integrate HYROX-style training into the existing gym without compromising the CrossFit experience.
The Process
We worked closely with Dave to design the gym layout, creating a floor plan that improved the member experience while maintaining brand consistency. Using black, red and stainless-steel accents in line with Boundary’s visual identity, the new mezzanine feels like a premium addition that still reflects the gym’s original ethos.
The Solution
The solution was a 9m x 17m mezzanine above the gym floor, creating a dedicated functional fitness area. This new space lets members experience HYROX-style training, all while preserving the CrossFit setup below. It gives everyone the versatility and challenge they are looking for.
The space is purpose-built for HYROX-style training, featuring a 13m by 2.4m Agility Turf created for three sled lanes with 1m pull boxes built to replicate race-day standards. Key equipment includes 1 Series Compact Racks with integrated storage, 1 Series Half Racks and a mix of cardio equipment including Concept2 Rowers, SkiErgs, Bike Ergs and two Assault Runners.
This selection supports varied programming to meet the full-body demands of competition racing while remaining compatible with CrossFit’s methodology, allowing members to transition seamlessly between both styles of training.
With CrossFit classes continuing on the main floor and HYROX sessions running above, the dual-level setup enables simultaneous programming that caters to different training goals within one facility.
The Result
The outcome is a space that’s evolved alongside its community. Boundary CrossFit has grown from offering traditional CrossFit to now incorporating both CrossFit and HYROX, creating a more inclusive and versatile training environment.
CrossFit sessions focus on skill development and progressive strength work, while HYROX introduces accessible, functional movements that can be scaled to any fitness level. Together, they create the perfect balance of skill, strength and accessibility, giving every member the opportunity to train hard, learn, and progress, all under one roof.
