Studio Design

[Rochey]

hey guys...

Someone's asked me to do some basic designs for them. They want to convert a farm biulding into a small studio. The idea is to provide the working space. People can then bring their own equipment or rent it. Once I'm home on a more permanent basis (I work away from home) I might begin equiping the studio.

Anyway, enough of that. The owners gave me a basic shape of the building. 30ft x 20ft and 10ft high.

I've done 2 basic designs, you can view them here:

http://shoebox.tendolla.com/design/s...%20explain.jpg

http://shoebox.tendolla.com/design/s...%20explain.jpg

They are based on the work by John Sayers. (thanks john!) But actual acoustic treatment of the WALLS may not be possible. I've looked on Johns site, and there's a lot of stuff on things like basstraps etc that can be mounted on the wall.


Any opinions you have i'd be eternally gratefull. All the units described can be found on johns website. Especially the stuff on wall units!!!!

Cheers 'n Beers,

d

[atomictoyz]

I like the 1st one best. It doesnt have any parallel walls and it just looks more comfy. Wish I had space like that...


Peace,
Dennis

[CMiller]

Yeah, I agree, the first design seems to make better sense. I like the layout better.

[Rochey]

okay, a small redesign later, having found out that there is a staricase on the property, and also having found out that the door is smack in the middle.

Here is the new design:
http://shoebox.tendolla.com/design/studiod3.jpg

opinions please. My main concern is if the space is enough.

d

[Rochey]

okay, just come off the phone to one of the guys who owns the property.

Some more info -- it's an old house. The ground floor is completely clear, apart from stairs at the back right of the building.

The studio will go into construction as soon as a government grant comes through (we all know how long that'll take!)

Anyway, at the moment, the ceiling still has beams showing. What would be the best thing to do? Fill the gaps between the beams with rockwool, and then stick plasterboard to the ceiling?

This is more of an acoustic design issue, rather than a sound proofing. The building is on a farm (in the middle of nowhere).

any feedback is appreciated as always.


d

[atomictoyz]

I think it looks fine so far, I would made provisions for heavy curtains to cover the sliding doors since glass panels that size and quantity are pretty reflective, that way you can open and close them to alter the rooms characteristics.

Where can I get a governemt grant to build a recording studio?


Peace,
Dennis

[Garak]

If its noise is not an issue, why sound proof all 3 rooms with double walls?

Soundproof the booth and the control room, leave the main room walls alone and just treat them for sound.

[Rochey]

okay guys, i've started a website documenting the design of the studio, and my basic thoughts on how it's going to be build, and what considerations i need to make.

www.shoeboxstudios.co.uk

go to the 'plans' page.

My design considerations are being written as i go along. I am currently on Air Conditioning. The funds really aren't available for air conditioning, so I need to do it on as small a budget as possible, meaning, windows and doors for fresh air!
What about heating though? Wouldn't a radiator or a gas heater create moisture in the air? An electric fan system would also be too noisy and expensive to run.

Also, wouldn't a radiator create resonances?

I need some *cheap* ideas to present to the owner.


Thanks again guys.

[DigitalDon]

I have a 30' x 30' concrete pad behind my house which I intend to build a studio on. Ceilings will be standard approx 8'. There will be a single door and no windows. I figure I'll have a drum room, main studio and small vocal booth. And of course control room. Sounds something like what you are doing. Suggestions?

I might be mistaken but doesn't a heat source tend to dry the air while air conditioning adds moisture?

Here in the states (particularly in the southeast) we have a lot of mobile homes (trailers). The heating/cooling unit is typically self-contained outside and ducted in with large (24") flexible hoses. This does a good job of keeping the noise outside. I may be wrong but the flexible hoses don't seem to transmit vibration or resonent frequencies like rigid ductwork. Just an idea.

DD

[Rochey]

cool, thanks don, i'll mention it to the boss.
I've started writing my thoughts on design on my website. Maybe a few of you could go have a read and give me feedback???

To everyone else (including don!)

The building is in the country, the neighbours are at least a mile away, so sound leaving the building doesn't bother me.
My plan so far is to double wall all sides and float the floor for every single room in the design, but I started thinking... I don't mind sound escaping through the exterior walls.

Could I float floor and double wall only the interior walls?
Woould it be just as effective?

Thanks again guys.


d

[Rochey]

Depression --

he only wants it for a practice room.

Arghhhhhhhhhhh......

all that work.

F*ck. I hate it when things fall through.


Sh*t damn b*llock.


d