A number of months ago I posted regarding a space that I thought we would be buying but it unfortunately fell through. As luck would have it though, it lead to a bigger and hopefully better place. The morgage is set to come through any day now, so I wanted to ask some questions before I signed of on the studio renovation plans...
I have looked through much of the information mentioned in the stickies above, and found some good designs as well as tips on building. However, because I am in Japan, I want to make sure I am completely clear on what I need and how things should proceed so that I can properly explain what I want to the builder. It can be very challenging to walk into a building shop and ask them if they have Rockwool only to be asked "huh...". After investigating and asking around here I was able to explain better and found out they do have it...
A contractor will do the majority of the work, but I will need to explain to him what I want done.
So first off...
I am wanting to build a small recording studio on the bottom floor of the house. I will work with mainly Indie rock/pop/punk bands (loud). I would like to also use the space to practice with my own 4 peice band. Recording drums is important.
As this is Japan things are tight, crowded, small, and expensive, so I don't have much space to build in but imagine it will be very expensive.
A couple comments and a few questions.
Rooms A and B are storage spaces. They have sliding wooden doors, concrete floors, and wooden walls. I won't use these spaces for the studio except for storing boxes, materials, etc. Soundproofing this won't be needed.
Room C has a double pane window on the west wall, and a 2mx2m unfinished opening for a window on the south wall. There is also an opening on the east wall that leads to room D. The floor is currently wood on concrete with wooden walls and ceiling. I had originally considered using this as the control room where I would mix. We will fill the window opening, as well as block the existing window.
Room D is similar to C in that it has an unfinished 2mX2m opening on the south wall and opens into both C and E with a door leading to H. The floors, walls, and ceiling are the same as C. I had thought this would make a good vocal and guitar amp room when needed. Again the window opening will be finished with a wall, and the opening to room E will be closed with a wall and a door will be put in.
E is a large room, but has a very wide sliding glass door on the north wall as well as a door that leads to F. I am considering using this for a "lounge room". As such I don't plan on doing any soundproofing (unless the playstation gets too loud
F is a washroom with a sink, toilet, and urinal. There is a door leading to outside on the North wall, and a door on the South wall leading to Room G. Again, plan on leaving this as is.
Room G has a door and window on the east wall and a door to H on the South wall. This room also has a higher ceiling than the others. Although I would like to use this space I think it is best used as accomidation if bands want to crash or miss their trains...Although I will probably convert it to more studio space. Undecided on this one.
Room H has two doors, a window, and also has a higher ceiling than. I had planned on using this for the drum room as it has the highest ceiling.
Recently though I have wondered if I shouldn't put the drums in room C and have the mixing space in room H. Any thoughts on this?
Now my biggest concern is the soundproofing. I have a house about 2m away from the West wall, and a house will be built soon on the lot to the East of the house, but I am not sure how close they will be. The front of the house (north) has the road and then a large concrete wall. South is a concrete wall about 1m away with parking on the other side of this wall.
We will live on the 2nd and 3rd floors, with a rental suite above rooms A,B, and C. At this point I think I will be renting to drummer in my band, so she probably won't mind the noise, but there is no promise she will be there for years and years, so soundproofing is important.
The contractor has said that because the house is build of 2X4 that walls can not be removed. Most houses aren't built this way in Japan, so it is rare, and the contractor seems a bit unsure. Most houses overseas are built this way (I think) and many of the plans are based on frames, etc. Becaseu the bottom walls are holding up the other two floors all room and current walls have to remain...
So a few questions. I think I will go with a room in room, but with only leaf rather than 2 as the existing wall would turn that into a 3 leaf system. If I leave the current wall, add a layer of Rockwool, and then build a staggered stud room with a resilient channel will this provide proper soundproofing?
I think I will use the design offered on the SEA website...
If I built this design in room H as well as Room C and D would it create 3 leaves when I built on oposing walls or would this be a 2 leaf system?
Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
My apologies if I haven't given enough info. I will get pictures and more info once I get into the building again (early next week?).
Any help before than I will thank you for in advance.