Vertical Solutions
Climbing walls at Steep Rock East, Manhattan, NY
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Steep Rock East

Manhattan, NY

Located on the Upper East Side of New York City, this bouldering gym packs a lot into a small space. Steep Rock East features more than 2,000 square feet of climbing walls, using ARC designs for curved features throughout. The unique dimensions of the space required proper planning ahead of time to maximize the floor plan for climbing square footage, fall zones, ease of access, and one seriously steep cave design.

The front desk is positioned right next to a large mural that illustrates the melding of two opposite worlds: city and outdoors.
The front desk is positioned right next to a large mural that illustrates the melding of two opposite worlds: city and outdoors.
A view of the front entrance looking out towards the street. The small merchandise area provides supplementarity profit while not being obtrusive to customers wanting to head straight to climbing.
A view of the front entrance looking out towards the street. The small merchandise area provides supplementarity profit while not being obtrusive to customers wanting to head straight to climbing.
When you have limited area to work with, you can still have plenty of space to show off your own branded gear for sale. SRB is a perfect example of a gym that approaches this with constant freshness.
When you have limited area to work with, you can still have plenty of space to show off your own branded gear for sale. SRB is a perfect example of a gym that approaches this with constant freshness.
A street view of the entrance, showing full width of the facility and giving people an idea of whats in-store for them inside, despite the metropolitan facade.
A street view of the entrance, showing full width of the facility and giving people an idea of whats in-store for them inside, despite the metropolitan facade.
Outside, even the sandwich-board is on-brand and constructed of wood.
Outside, even the sandwich-board is on-brand and constructed of wood.
There was a heavy focus on climber engagement due to the space being small. Everything from the walls, to the seating areas, and floor layout were to get people not only climbing but also socializing.
There was a heavy focus on climber engagement due to the space being small. Everything from the walls, to the seating areas, and floor layout were to get people not only climbing but also socializing.
With not a ton of room for deep overhanging walls due to the thin nature of the floor plan, this super-steep cave was designed in the rear of the facility to give an extra challenge to those who were fit for it.
With not a ton of room for deep overhanging walls due to the thin nature of the floor plan, this super-steep cave was designed in the rear of the facility to give an extra challenge to those who were fit for it.
The facility has a surprising amount of light inside, which even during the day is supplemented by strategically placed ceiling lamps to create consistent lighting front to back.
The facility has a surprising amount of light inside, which even during the day is supplemented by strategically placed ceiling lamps to create consistent lighting front to back.
This view from about mid-way through the facility looking forward, shows not only how wavy and distinct the ARC walls are but also that there is plenty of room despite the traditionally small space.
This view from about mid-way through the facility looking forward, shows not only how wavy and distinct the ARC walls are but also that there is plenty of room despite the traditionally small space.
This view from mid-facility looking rearward, shows how much more wall space really exists in the deep floor-plan, including the rear section with steeper features.
This view from mid-facility looking rearward, shows how much more wall space really exists in the deep floor-plan, including the rear section with steeper features.
A small space like this in Manhattan, is plenty tall enough for challenging bouldering wall heights.
A small space like this in Manhattan, is plenty tall enough for challenging bouldering wall heights.
This wider angle shows how much more interesting you can make a climbing wall with ARC designs from Vertical Solutions. You can see the base of the wall closely following the floor-plan, while the top is varied a ton to create interesting and complex routes for climbers of all levels.
This wider angle shows how much more interesting you can make a climbing wall with ARC designs from Vertical Solutions. You can see the base of the wall closely following the floor-plan, while the top is varied a ton to create interesting and complex routes for climbers of all levels.
An up-close picture of how Vertical Solutions likes to tackle wall transitions between features. This hardwood treatment adds extra aesthetics and visual definition to the climbing wall design without being overstated.
An up-close picture of how Vertical Solutions likes to tackle wall transitions between features. This hardwood treatment adds extra aesthetics and visual definition to the climbing wall design without being overstated.
You can see how long and thin the layout is in this picture, which created an interesting challenge for climbing wall designers to create unique and challenging features without getting carried away with overhung angles.
You can see how long and thin the layout is in this picture, which created an interesting challenge for climbing wall designers to create unique and challenging features without getting carried away with overhung angles.
The flooring system throughout the facility is supplied by Habit Flooring systems, which can be ordered in a number of custom colors including this green seen here.
The flooring system throughout the facility is supplied by Habit Flooring systems, which can be ordered in a number of custom colors including this green seen here.
While unassuming from this picture, this ARC wall cave is not to be taken lightly, coming in at over 45 degrees throughout and seamlessly transitioning to the adjoining wall.
While unassuming from this picture, this ARC wall cave is not to be taken lightly, coming in at over 45 degrees throughout and seamlessly transitioning to the adjoining wall.
The curvy ARC walls designed for SRB still yield plenty of ability to add volumes and large holds for route complexity.
The curvy ARC walls designed for SRB still yield plenty of ability to add volumes and large holds for route complexity.
Another view of the challenging climbing cave in the rear of the facility which adjoins the main climbing wall that runs the length of the building.
Another view of the challenging climbing cave in the rear of the facility which adjoins the main climbing wall that runs the length of the building.
Every inch of this awesome facility was well thought-out, including the introduction of these useful benches that serve as a resting space as well as storage for client's belongings while they are on the wall.
Every inch of this awesome facility was well thought-out, including the introduction of these useful benches that serve as a resting space as well as storage for client's belongings while they are on the wall.
From top to bottom, Vertical Solutions worked with the owner of SRB to maximize wall space around existing building structure and supporting elements, to maintain safe fall zones throughout.
From top to bottom, Vertical Solutions worked with the owner of SRB to maximize wall space around existing building structure and supporting elements, to maintain safe fall zones throughout.
Hard to believe you are in the middle of Upper East Side Manhattan when you look out towards the street. Steep Rock Bouldering is where your love of outdoor recreation can get temporarily addressed in an urban jungle.
Hard to believe you are in the middle of Upper East Side Manhattan when you look out towards the street. Steep Rock Bouldering is where your love of outdoor recreation can get temporarily addressed in an urban jungle.
No matter the size of your space, Vertical Solutions can work with you to create walls and a layout that caters to all of your needs. This climbing gym example truly shows all that you can offer your customers without overcrowding.
No matter the size of your space, Vertical Solutions can work with you to create walls and a layout that caters to all of your needs. This climbing gym example truly shows all that you can offer your customers without overcrowding.

Related Reading

The sixth video to launch in our drone series videos of indoor climbing gyms, Steep Rock Bouldering West is an incredible facility inside and out. Check out the fly through video to see how the climbing walls were integrated delicately into the building's already impressive architecture.
Behind the Walls

STEEP ROCK BOULDERING WEST LOCATION OPENS: FIRST LOOK WITH IN-DEPTH FLY THOUGH VIDEO

October 2017