Concrete underground studio??

[MiXit-G]

When i build my next house i want to build an underground studio with Gunite (sprayed concrete like a swimming pool)
I figure that sound proofing wont be hard at all but what about my music? will this structure affect acoustic sounds in a negative way?

I can always veneer the sufaces,but im concerned about the...well...solidness of the structure.

I figure the nieghbours wont bug me

[Todzilla]

You'd better do an extremely thorough job on waterproofing and drainage. I had a studio that was below grade and I can tell you that water problems in a studio are just about the worst form of hell one can encounter. The shell idea may have some merit, but my experience is that good waterproofing is a combination of grading, water shedding, french drains, sealant and generally giving the water a place to go. If the water has no place to go, IT WILL FIND A WAY INTO YOUR STUDIO.

Good Luck!

[MiXit-G]

I know what you're sayin tod this is one of my problems.

I was thinking of some sort of sump drain with a submersible pump.

I build pools like this and the shell will be completely waterproof, the other problem is movement from external water, the boat effect.

My dad has a cellar like this and seems to work fine.

[Dan Merrill]

Check out this link for some proven ideas and products for basement drainage:

http://www.jlcnet.com/banner/basep1.html


http://199.202.236.133/canada/drainboard.asp

If you go with the shell idea, could you post some pics for us?

[ausrock]

MiXit,

I would be checking out whether local Councils will approve that kind of structure first. I have a mate at Warrandyte that has been put through the hoops by council, over his extentions.

BTW, I hear it's a "scorcher" down there today.

[MiXit-G]

Its a stinker!!!

thanks for the links Dan, the project wont be going ahead for awile but when i do it ill be posting all the juicy stuff.

I need all the help i can get with the planning( cant spend to much time planning)

As for the council ausrock im going to submit the plans for a 'cellar' *nudge* *nudge*

[nononsensetype]

I saw on t.v. the other day that contractors are now using the the same stuff sprayed on truckbeds for waterproofing to help prevent leaks in basements. Heard that it is expensive though.

[ausrock]

To be really effective, any waterproof membrane should be on the "outside" of masonary walls that are below ground level. Putting waterproofing on the inner surface is at best, risky, as moisture can still penetrate and build up in the masonary which will ultimately lead to a deterioration of both the waterproofing and the masonary.