Elite Health & Performance

When Elite Health & Performance founders Braden Burgess and Briana Zylstra set out to establish their new physiotherapy clinic in Coorparoo, their vision was to create more than a traditional treatment space. They wanted a modern performance and recovery environment—one that brought together physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and strength training under a single cohesive design.

The result is a 119.9m² commercial fitout delivered by Dan Hailwood and the team at Total Fitouts Brisbane South, transforming a previously vacant tenancy into a high-performance healthcare clinic built around relief, recovery, and results.

Originally occupied by Westpac and later Jenny Craig, the site presented as a stripped-back shell. No clinical infrastructure existed, and the space required a complete internal transformation to meet healthcare operational standards, integrate gym functionality, and deliver a refined patient experience.

From Empty Shell to Clinical Performance Space

The project began with a blank canvas: exposed structure, no healthcare-grade services, and no internal zoning suitable for clinical use.

The scope delivered by Total Fitouts Brisbane South included a full commercial interior fitout comprising:

Acoustic and moisture-resistant partition systems

Mixed flooring installation including carpet, gym rubber, and polished concrete

Custom reception desk and staff room joinery

Hydraulic and essential services integration

Specialist lighting design and installation

Full space planning for clinical, gym, and support areas

The final layout includes a gym zone, three private consultation rooms, a waiting lounge, reception area, staff room, and storage facilities—carefully arranged to support efficient clinical workflows and patient comfort.

A key challenge from the outset was integrating a fully functional rehabilitation gym within a clinical physiotherapy environment, requiring careful zoning, durable materials, and strict acoustic separation.

Relief, Recovery, Results

The design intent was defined as “On Brand” for Elite Health & Performance, focusing on a calm yet high-performance environment that supports both physical recovery and emotional wellbeing.

Rather than a sterile medical aesthetic, the goal was to create a space that feels:

Professional yet welcoming. Clean but not clinical. High-end but approachable. Functional while still visually calming

This balance was achieved through a considered palette and layered material approach.

The branded colour system anchors the design:

Lexicon Quarter (white) – used across walls to maximise light and openness. Flooded Gum (soft grey) – applied to doors for subtle contrast and continuity. Domino (charcoal) – used in exposed ceilings to ground the space visually

Together, these tones establish a crisp, modern clinical base softened by natural warmth and texture.

Key Design Features

Biophilic Integration

A defining feature of the clinic is the feature green wall, paired with vertical timber battens. This biophilic installation introduces natural texture and visual calm into the reception and waiting area.

Beyond aesthetics, it enhances the patient experience by reducing clinical tension and reinforcing a recovery-focused mindset from the moment clients enter the space.

Material Selection and Finishes

Materiality was carefully selected to balance durability, performance, and warmth in a high-use healthcare environment.

Key finishes include:

Florentine Walnut timber joinery in reception and seating zones

Polished concrete flooring in high-traffic areas for durability and ease of maintenance

Carpeted consultation rooms for acoustic comfort and softness underfoot

Black exposed ceiling services to create contrast and a contemporary industrial edge

High-performance vinyl upholstery (“Mountain” finish) for seating durability and comfort

This layered material palette ensures the space is both robust and refined, suitable for daily clinical use while maintaining a premium aesthetic.

Integrated Gym and Rehabilitation Space

A standout component of the project is the dedicated gym and rehabilitation zone, designed to support active recovery and performance training.

This space includes:

Commercial-grade Regupol flooring for shock absorption and safety

Wall-mounted squat racks for functional strength training

Open-plan layout for flexibility in movement-based rehabilitation

Unlike traditional physiotherapy clinics, this integrated approach allows clinicians to transition patients seamlessly between treatment and exercise, improving rehabilitation outcomes and enhancing the overall patient journey.

Custom Reception and Joinery

The reception area acts as a central architectural feature, setting the tone for the entire clinic.

A curved custom reception desk forms the focal point of the entry experience. Its soft geometry contrasts with the linear architectural shell, creating a welcoming and organic arrival point.

This is complemented by bespoke bench seating that integrates timber detailing with durable upholstery, ensuring both visual warmth and practical longevity in a high-traffic zone.

Acoustic Performance and Privacy

Given the clinical nature of the space, acoustic control was a critical requirement.

To ensure patient confidentiality and comfort, the design incorporates:

13mm Sound Check plasterboard systems

Acoustic insulation within all consultation room partitions

Sealed wall and door systems to minimise sound transfer

These measures ensure each consultation room provides a private, quiet environment suitable for sensitive patient discussions and treatment sessions.

Lighting Design – Functional and Atmospheric

Lighting was designed as a layered system to support both clinical precision and spatial comfort.

The solution includes:

1) Flat-panel LED lighting in treatment and consultation rooms for clean, even illumination.

2) Linear pendant lighting across gym and circulation spaces to introduce rhythm and visual interest.

3) Carefully positioned fittings to reduce glare and enhance clinical accuracy.

This approach ensures the space feels bright and functional while avoiding the harsh, clinical lighting often associated with healthcare environments.

Delivery Challenges – Precision in a Complex Fitout

As with many healthcare and hybrid-use fitouts, the project required careful coordination across multiple disciplines and systems.

Key challenges included:

1) Integrating gym infrastructure within a clinical-grade tenancy.

2) Managing acoustic requirements alongside open-plan gym zoning.

3) Coordinating multiple flooring types across defined functional areas.

4) Aligning lighting, services, and joinery installation sequencing.

5) Working within the constraints of an existing commercial shell.

The Total Fitouts Brisbane South team worked closely with the clients throughout the build to ensure each challenge was addressed without compromising design intent.

Careful programming, trade coordination, and proactive communication were critical in maintaining momentum and ensuring the project delivered as a cohesive whole.

The Outcome – A Modern Clinic Built for Performance

The completed Elite Health & Performance clinic is a strong example of how considered commercial design can elevate healthcare delivery.

The final space achieves:The final space delivers a calm, professional patient experience from entry through to treatment, supported by a fully integrated rehabilitation and training environment. It strongly aligns with the Elite Health & Performance brand, while using durable, clinical-grade finishes designed for long-term use. Overall, it creates a welcoming atmosphere that balances clinical professionalism with warmth.

More than a physiotherapy clinic, it functions as a performance and recovery hub—supporting patients across all stages of their rehabilitation journey.

Build Your Next Commercial Space with Total Fitouts

From a vacant shell to a fully operational physiotherapy and performance clinic, Elite Health & Performance now stands as a premium healthcare destination in Coorparoo.

If you’re a Brisbane-based business looking to transform your commercial space into something functional, considered, and built for long-term success, Total Fitouts Brisbane South can help bring your vision to life.

Explore more at Total Fitouts or get in touch with our team to discuss your next project.