New Studio - Metal vs Woodframe Building

  • Thread starter Thread starter DigitalDon
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DigitalDon

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Looks like my studio is going to happen (at last). It will be 30' x 40' on a concrete slab behind my house. I'm currently getting quotes on both a metal (commercial steel) and stickbuilt (wood) building. So far it looks like the metal will fit my budget better than the stickbuilt. Does anyone have experience with a studio in a metal building? I know I'll have to attach 2x4's (horizontally) to the vertical beams to attach the sheetrock. I think these beams are 10' apart. Also, the beams are 8 inches thick so I can really get a lot of insulation in there. Where would I hit the point of diminishing returns on thickness of insulation? A suspended ceiling would be too expensive (haven't priced but pretty sure) so I would have to attach 2x4's to the room beams also for sheetrock. This would also allow me to take advantage of the "cathedral" ceiling instead of a flat 8' ceiling. Of course I'll check with the builder about the additional weight of the sheetrock on the roof beams.

I've started a "novel" of everything I need to consider such as electrical, heating/cooling, cable routing, lighting, etc. Man, I didn't do this much research when I had my house built! Thank goodness I live in a rural area and don't have to have everything approved/inspected etc.

Everyone keeps telling me to have windows put in for ventilation when the weather cooperates. Everthing I have read says avoid windows unless absolutely necessary. Comments anyone?

The interior will have a bathroom, vocal booth (5'x6'), control room (23'x13') and live room (29'x26'). The live room will also be used by my sons band for practice. I'll post a drawing as soon as I can put it in a format that everyone can see.

Anyhow, for starters, my slab/foundation will be $3200. I'll post as decisions are made (with your help).

DD
 
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If you live in a remote area out in the country I see no acoustic reason why you shouldn't have a couple of windows.

I mean unless you have cows wondering up to the side of the building mooing and looking in.

Think how beautiful it would be to record on a nice crisp autumn day looking out of a medium or larger window.

Are there any potential conflicts with a window where you are building? Is there a railroad near? Are you under an approach or departure path within 15 miles of a major airport? Big highway near?
 
Thanks for the response. No we have no noise at all out here. I really wasn't concerned about sound getting out. I was concerned about any effects of having windows in a room where I would be recording. Reflections off the windows, etc. Maybe I'm over analyzing this (my wife reminds me of this often). I guess I could build shutters inside with seals. I saw a discussion a month or so ago about inside shutters over windows. Looks like I'll be looking at (oops - analyzing) the window issue again.

DD
 
Searching for great spot

Hello everyone, and digital dan, I'm embarking on a trip tomorrow for five days. I'm traveling 500 miles to find my new house in the southwestern part of Oregon. By the ocean in a little town called Coos Bay or nearby. This is where I'm going to live the rest of my life, and build my final incarnation of 30 yrs. studio idea building. I have most everything except some of the digital side of things. But now its the studion/control room that I am going to build. It may be in a metal building out in the country, or an old commercial concrete building , or I may build it from the ground up. I don't know yet. But you can bet your sweet bippy this one is going to happen. I have to look at 55 pcs. of property and homes in 5 days. Taking my trailer, my guitar, camera, tape measure and a whole lotta dreams. I'll be posting this whole project and documenting everything. And most of all, questions, questions and more questions! I've got a pretty good idea of what I want. Just got to find the right situation. Anyway, good luck with your own projects and KEEP THE PICTURES coming!!!!.:D
fitz
 
Depending upon the orientation of the window hang blinds.

For long narrow floor to ceiling windows go with vertical blinds.

For horizontal windows, go with horizontal blinds.

When partially or fully opened they will act as diffusers on the sound bouncing off of the glass.

I would hate to have a studio out in the remote countyside and not have a window to look out of. Who wants to be cooped up in a studio all day and not be able to see the beautiful countryside if there is an alternative?

OK, so I'm a romantic. Sue me.:D
 
Hey Rick,
You're really showing your age with "bet your sweet bippy". Haven't heard that one since about 1970.
Sorry.
 
AusRock,
Beautiful studio. I would love to have large windows like that but all I'll be able to afford is standard windows. I also want to be able to open them (weather permitting) for ventilation in the fall time. This is the only time of the year when the temperature is nice (about 78 F) and humidity drops from our summer sauna (70 - 80 %) to about 20%. Nice fall breeze too.

Senn
Unfortunately Southwest Georgia is not very scenic so the view would not be breathtaking to say the least. Still, it would keep you from feeling cooped up for hours at a time.

DD
 
Your son's band is to rehearse in the 29' X 26' live room?

Does he have any idea how lucky he is?

Any kid who can rehearse without parents, siblings, neighbors screaming and calling the cops is doing great!

...kids these days!
 
Yeah he's a lucky kid and a good kid. They've been practicing in our kitchen (14"x30') but all the pictures, plates etc have to come off the walls or the drums/bass will rattle them off. It's time for him to have a better room to practice in and for me to have a more controlled environment to record in. Still he's not thrilled that the jet ski will be sold to pay for the heating/cooling system.


Best quote for the concrete foundation/slab is now $3000. Looks like that price is ....... set in concrete.... Sorry but I had to do that
:D

DD
 
Decision made. The building will be metal. The vertical "I" beams are 8" thick. Plenty room for cables and lots of insulation. The walls will be 10' tall and the peak in the middle about 14 or 15'. The roof will have a thick, fiber reinforced, insulation blanket. You'd be surprised how much it quieted things down. I looked at a 30' x 40' that was just expanded into a 60' x 40'. Half had the insulation while the other half didn't. Major difference with handclaps and spoken words. I'll sheetrock the walls using resilient channel. The windows are out. They pushed my meager budget too hard.

Man, I gotta get that jetski sold. I can build the building now but this sale would give me a more comfortable buffer. Guess I better get some drawings on here for feedback.

DD
 
Digital don,
what is the cost difference between the wood and metal for your studio. and also what was the total cost minus the studio equipment itself that you have put towards this. include as much as you can. Thank you!!!!
and good luck with the studio sounds like tremendous fun :)
-DAN
 
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