When brothers Patrick and Kevin first approached BLK BOX, they had a vision and an unusual space.
Beneath a building in Embrach, Switzerland, sat an underground facility with huge potential. What it needed was the right layout, the right equipment, and a partner who understood functional fitness. Coming from CrossFit and Hyrox backgrounds themselves, Patrick and Kevin knew exactly what they wanted to create: a facility that would bring people together through training, competition, and community.
Today, that vision is Ironbound.
The Space
With CrossFit affiliation forming a core part of their offering, the facility needed to support everything from daily classes and strength training to Hyrox preparation and competitive functional fitness.
BLK BOX and Ironbound worked closely to design a layout that maximised every square metre of the underground facility while creating dedicated zones for lifting, conditioning, storage, and group training.
At the heart of the gym sits a custom BLK BOX 3 Series Rig, providing multiple training stations for classes and individual workouts. Surrounding the rig is a complete ecosystem of functional fitness equipment designed to support athletes of all abilities.
The strength area features Hybrid Barbells, Technique Barbells, Competition Change Plates, Utility Bumper Plates, Adjustable Benches, and a Rubber Hex Dumbbell range extending from 2.5kg to 50kg.
For conditioning and Hyrox-specific training, Ironbound incorporates Competition Kettlebells, Wall Balls, Competition Sandbags, Competition Sleds, Climbing Ropes and Agility Turf, allowing members to train using the same modalities they encounter in competition.
To keep the facility organised and efficient, a custom Basecamp Storage System was integrated throughout the space, ensuring equipment remains accessible while maintaining a clean training environment.
The Result
What started as an empty underground space has become a thriving functional fitness facility serving the Embrach community.
By combining professional sporting experience, expert coaching, and a carefully designed equipment package, Patrick and Kevin have created a gym that reflects their values and supports the next generation of athletes.
Ironbound stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a clear vision is matched with the right partnership, the right equipment, and a commitment to building something that lasts.
Darren Ross, Business Development Executive who played a key role in the project, said:
“From the first conversation, it was clear that Patrick and Kevin had a strong vision for Ironbound and the training environment they wanted to create. BLK BOX helped bring that vision to life through tailored facility design and equipment solutions that support both CrossFit and HYROX training.
Drawing on extensive experience in CrossFit coaching, competition, and facility design, I developed a tailored floorplan that maximised every square metre, optimised training flow, and reflected the culture and energy Patrick and Kevin wanted to create.
At BLK BOX, the focus goes beyond equipment, with a collaborative approach to creating spaces that support performance, community, and long-term growth. The result is a thriving facility that reflects Ironbound's vision and the community built around it.”
