UAN - new Control Room build

Started by RJHollins on 11 September 2010. 454 replies, 2010–2021. In the Library under Build diaries. Key posts in this thread.

Originally posted at johnlsayers.com, topic 14794.

Hi Glenn, Just had a quick view ... and before I even ask a question ... can I say ... WOOOOooooowwww ! :shock: 8) Let me take just a little time to absorb what you've created. I would like to transfer the basics of your drawing into SketchUP, this way, me and my contractor [my younger brother] can view this. Before I say more ... let me study this beauty! Sincerely, RJHollins
thanks! here's the raw SU - not much there but it might help to see the framing bits.
File not preserved: RJHollins Mastering Studio.skp
Hi Glenn, Thanks for the SU file ... ooowww I get to use my v8 :)
beef up the upper floor to seal it and add mass.
Ahh, the big dilemma ... what's inside those joist, and the floor above. :shock: :? There is a REAL hardwood floor above ... I don't know what kind of nails were used, but there are hundreds [if not thousands] of nails poking through to the underside. [and thats' just in the section above this new control room area]. :evil: I've attached a photo showing just a small segment to which I'm speaking of. I'm not at all certain how I can deal or work this. There are also cross supports in every joist straight down the center of 'this' half of the basement. So there are sections that I would not be able to get at. I understand there is no substitute for mass ... but I really don't see how I can solve this [without ripping the whole thing down ... which would then give me a 16' ceiling. Ya know ... kinda like the sound of that !!! but reality and practicality should have some place in all this. How to best deal with this [and several other issues] !!!
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in that case use a rigid foam (like blueboard, denser if you can find one) insulation over the nails and then add your mass layers.
gullfo wrote:
in that case use a rigid foam (like blueboard, denser if you can find one) insulation over the nails and then add your mass layers.
ok ... mentioned this procedure to the contractor. First ... it was the proverbial ... "deer in the headlights" gaze :shock: .... then followed the room, bursting into laughter. :roll: I took all the personal, slanderous 'you're crazy ... outa you're mind, comments in stride :lol: I think the dual layers of drywall is what brought them the most entertainment. So ... because I would never make it as a comedian ... I really need a concise plan of attack and, importantly, the materials and strategy to install. Big question ... which I probably know the answer to [after reading many of the experts' comments from other threads/builds ... is this: There are areas in the joist that may prove impossible to get to, or secure material into. I can see getting some type of 1" rigid foam material [much like you see for metal frame building insulation] that I can force into place and let the tight fit hold them in place. [if that is what you suggested ?] Now for the dual-layers of drywall ... what type of fit tolerance must we have??? [if that make sense]. Attaching the drywall in there is another question. I'd rather not speculate on this, and hope that my questions would be view in sincerity. Let me pause here so that expert comments can come in. Thank-you very much :) RJHollins
basically the insulation you wedge in tight, the drywall is held in place using 1x2 ledger strips - you can use a few screws to hold in place while those go in. then caulk thoroughly to seal - tolerances are covered by caulking... you guy may have to remove blocking and re-add as they go. you only need to do this over your room and when you add the fire stops, that will take care of the end-to-end coverage. this adds the needed mass to the ceiling above which when combined with the isolated drywall for your new ceiling will result in very good isolation between the upstairs and your mastering studio. yes, it's not something your contractor is used to but it does work. if you have not yet purchased Rod Gervais' "Build Like The Pros" book (2nd edition came out today - Amazon says my copy will arrive tomorrow...) then you need to buy it since it contains all the gory details needed including fire stops, this mass addition trick, sealing / building doors, windows, and many many more. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/143545717X/ if you need it sooner, Barnes & Noble etc should also carry it as well as Target, and many other stores.
gullfo wrote:
if you have not yet purchased Rod Gervais' "Build Like The Pros" book (2nd edition came out today - Amazon says my copy will arrive tomorrow...) then you need to buy it since it contains all the gory details needed including fire stops, this mass addition trick, sealing / building doors, windows, and many many more. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/143545717X/ if you need it sooner, Barnes & Noble etc should also carry it as well as Target, and many other stores.
I do have the book. I didn't know there is a new edition coming out. How 'out-of-date' would my copy be ?
for what we've discussed so far, it would be fine. Rod has a detailed section on adding mass to the floor and the fire stops so those are pretty relevant for your contractor.
gullfo wrote:
for what we've discussed so far, it would be fine. Rod has a detailed section on adding mass to the floor and the fire stops so those are pretty relevant for your contractor.
Thanks again Glenn, I'm looking at the diagram in Rod's book [p. 67]. Makes sense, and I have a better understanding on how to do this. Rod doesn't seem to mention the thickness of the drywall to add [or I've missed that]. I'm guessing it would be 2 layers of 5/8" drywall ? The ONLY specific questioned I'd have is with regards to the additional LOAD, and what would be acceptable. In the area of concern, I have 13 joist, 2x9" douglas fir. Down the middle of the room are the cross braces 1-1/2"x1-1/2". These joist rest on the outer wall sill on one side, and on the center load bearing beam, in the middle of the basement, on the other. The LBB consist of 4 - 2x7" df nailed together, and two 3" metal support poles. The age of the house is ~50 years. I have no idea where that puts us? I'm guessing I'd need the advice of a structural engineer ? Anyway ... I'm really liking the design you sent me. I guess that Stuart must be busy on something else [which I can understand]. This is fine ... and you have been most extremely helpful ... and if you can, I'd like to pursue the path you've laid out. If I may, I would like to ask about certain things in the design. Not to get to far ahead of myself ... one design question is about the wall structure. The initial design from Stuart was a 3 leaf wall. I would very much welcome your views on this. To be clear, the basement is located in, what is called, a split-level ranch. Five steps up the stairs is a family room that I would like to keep this control room design isolated from, as well as the upstairs living room. Anyway ... just to again express my sincere appreciation for your insights and guidance. to add ... the plumbers finally showed up and changed out that drain pipe, and also re-routed some of the hot water heating pipes to clear up the new ceiling lines. These guys also do electrical ... and are pricing me a natural gas automatic backup electrical system, AND, they also do the ductless A/C heating installs. He mentioned a half dozen different manufactures, and got me the name of the wholesale distributor here in town. I should have specifics in the next few days :) oh ... also got a number to a company in town that does dye-sub printing. I would like some artwork stretched across the acoustic panels. Alright ... off to go sit-in a few tunes with a good jazz group tonite !! :shot:
you should definitely have a structural engineer look things over before adding the mass to your ceiling.
As I eagerly await hearing back from Stuart
Still here! Just got lots on my plate right now. But Glenn and Andre and Brien are on your thread, so you don't need me too much!
Since this room will be closed off from any natural ventilation ...
You WILL still need to ventilate that space! It will have two totally airtight, hermetically sealed envelopes around it, and it will have people inside it. People need to breathe.... :) draw your conclusions: You have to have ventilation ducts. Two of them. One brings fresh air in, the other takes stale air out. They need to be lined inside with acoustic absorption, and isolated, or course, with silencers in-line, and a few extra 90° bends. But you do need them.
Although we don't usually get more than a few weeks of hot summer
You will also have a couple of rather thick layers of thermal insulation around that room, plus a large sealed air gap. And you will have equipment and people inside, both of which happen to generate heat... :) More conclusions: you need good cooling (in addition to the ventilation), and it needs to be dimensioned correctly for the size of the room and the amount of heat that will be going into it from people and equipment.
First ... it was the proverbial ... "deer in the headlights" gaze then followed the room, bursting into laughter. I took all the personal, slanderous 'you're crazy ... outa you're mind, comments in stride
Maybe I'm speaking out of turn here, but honestly, if that was the attitude of my contractor, I'd dump him on the spot and look for another one who DOES understand a bit about acoustics, or at least is prepared to learn! I don't think I'd be too keen on using a guy who does not get even the basics of what needs to be done...
I'm guessing I'd need the advice of a structural engineer ?
Yup! Most definitely. You'll be hanging many hundreds of pound of stuff above your head, and putting hundreds more standing up around you. It has to be done safely.
I guess that Stuart must be busy on something else
:) :!:
The initial design from Stuart was a 3 leaf wall.
:shock: :?: :shock: Nope! No three-leaf in there! Take a close look: It's two leaf all around. Some are inside out, some are normal, but they are all 2-leaf.
These guys also do electrical ...
Tell them that you need star grounding, with a single excellent grounding point, and separate circuits for lighting, HVAC, audio equipment sockets, and general sockets. Star grounding is important. they should know how to do that. They also need to be aware that they CANNOT make any holes in your walls! You are going to huge efforts to create a massive airtight barrier around you. They are not allowed to go punching holes in that! If they do, they destroy your isolation. All of your plugs, lights and wiring should be surface mount, if possible. Of course, there will have to be at least one hole somewhere, to bring power in to the room, and you might need to have a couple more for whatever reason, but those will have to be done carefully, and then sealed with putty packs, or some other system that replaces the lost mass and the lost hermetic seal... Hopefully, they will understand that this is not a normal type of electrical installation, and nor is it a normal type of HVAC installation: There are other things they "must" and "must not" do with the HVAC... They need to be aware of all this upfront, before they quote. - Stuart - (PS. I just noticed that others have already answered some of the other points already...)
AVare wrote:
And just for fun: ... IR-802 That should give you some reading material for the evening. :) Andre
A comment that isn't really pertinent to this thread, but I just noticed some interesting stuff on IR-802, Andre. Figure 7 and figures 18, 20, 23, 24, 25 and 30 ... :) :shock: If anyone ever needs proof why it is a BAD idea to float a floor without doing it right, there you have it! As much as 10 dB reduction in TR, across a broad range of lows and even mids! :shock: :!: Thanks, Andre! I hadn't seen IR-802 before, but it is very interesting. (Even more convinced than ever about floating...) - Stuart -
Hi Stuart ! GOOD to hear back from you ! I hope you're having a good 'busy' ! :) I can certainly understand how schedules & workload change. I was a little hesitant till now ... not wanting to have the 'too many chefs in the kitchen' syndrome. Of course, the group of Experts here already understand that ... I just needed to hear from you first, but please, don't be a stranger !!! I value your messages :D And then Glenn steps up, and knocks me out with a great plan ... along with renovation/mods to the current structure. This new CR is coming at a type of crossroad for me. After some 30 years working professionally as an engineer & producer, I stepped away to ad-junc at a University [teaching Analogue/Digital Rec Tech]. Without boring everyone on the details, the music scene changed and the digital rev was on. I'm NOT one of those 'digital' haters ... but I much prefer the workhorse analogue hardware. I've had several DAW systems over the years, and have purchased alot of 'high-end' digital plug-ins ... but I was not satisfied with the final sounds [when push came to shove ... I heard this 'plastic' type sound :? Well, some new things have developed software wise that has re-sparked my Love ... and since I HAD to tear out my old room anyways ... I want to put a new room in my house, if anything, but just for my own work and enjoyment. There are no plans to do any recording. I will focus solely on mastering, restoration and the possible DAW mixing. Doing this without disturbing the rest of the household, in an accurate room [given limitations] is what you guys have been guiding me toward. I also refer to Rod's invaluable hymnal 'Build It Like the Pros'. ahhh ... probably bored everyone to tears. My apologies. Got my contractor coming ... would like to ask some questions after! BTW ... my description of the contractors initial response was more to add a little humor to the thread [thus my short-lived career as a comedian]. :shock: Thank-you
Back again. First ... Thank-you Stuart for correcting my 'leaf' claim. I messed up on the terminology in a big way! Thanks for spotting and correcting. More on this at the appropriate time. What I've been focused on is the current structure ceiling [floor above]. I've put together a few images, and have gather structure data to give to the structual engineer. I'd like to post that data here so that it can be available. --- The Control room area is approx. 14' x 17' Floor Joist: 1-1/2" x 9" across a 14' span. [13 pieces] 16"oc. Center Load Bearing Beam: 4 - 1-1/2" x 7-1/4" = 6-1/2" x 7-1/4" 2 3" metal support poles. Cross beams 1-1/2" x 2" in the middle half of this room Upstairs flooring - 3/4" hardwood Sub-floor - 1/2" plywood ??? [according to the house plans] ------------------------------------------------------- Based on initial design specs: [*** All drywall spec'd @ 5/8" thickness to start] The 1st layer of drywall inserts would require 9 sheets of 4'x8' - 5/8" 2nd layer - 9 sheets. The new main ceiling [2-layers] [8 sheets/layer] = 16 sheets ceiling drywall Total = 34 sheets 1" rigid foam inlay = 9 sheets 4x8 1x3 furring strips caulking Green Glue *** note *** All sheet calc are estimates. Have NOT accounted for wasted pieces. What other info do we need for structure engineer? ------------------------------------ I've attached some pics of what the 1st treatment might be according to what has been talked about. Does this look correct? Thanks :) great ... the SU file is too big :roll: let me see what I can do to attach that.
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Was not able to get the SU file posted here :( So I just labeled the image for now. Here's a question ... if we $ DONATE $, are any other options available [like larger file uploads] ??? just wondering. I sent current area build info for structure analysis. Maybe I'm being overly cautious, but from my early calculations, it looks as if 34 sheets of 5/8" drywall would be hanging above my head. According to United States Gypsum (http://www.usg.com), "4' x 8' x 5/8" thick sheet weighs about 70 lbs." That = 2,380 lbs being added ... NOT including additional lumber, etc. Sure this is spread over a 14' x 17' area ... so ... I don't know if that's crazy, or should I be going with 1/2" drywall instead. Also, should I use GREEN GLUE between those double layers in the joist ? The carpenter that stopped in to look at the job mentioned that using something 'heavier' than 1x3" furring strips would add to the joist strength [maybe 2x4 ???]. In Rods' book, I don't see mention of what type of caulking to use up there. Is it regular painters caulk ?, or silicon caulk ?, or should I be using the acoustic sealant from that GreenGlue company? Sorry for all the 'stupid' questions... just thinking about where I have to get materials from, how much, and what type. Oh ... the rigid foam. At Home Depot I saw 'R-4 FOAMULAR 250 - 3/4" ', or ''R-4 FOAMULAR 250 - 1" '. The nails stick thru about 1/2" ... they CAN be bent back flatter. Was wondering if this is the type of material I should be using first up there [without causing other issues]? Or would something be better? Hope to hear back soon regarding structure load capability ... and, again, THANK-YOU for your patients and understanding/guidance on this 1st critical treatment. I only have one shot to get this right :)
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On your first set of drawings I'm curious as to why you decided to go with hat channel and RSIC clips, instead of with interleaving new joists between the old joists, as suggested originally. You will lose a bit of height like that, as well as some isolation. And in any event, as far as I know the channel should run perpendicular to the joists, not parallel to them.
or should I be going with 1/2" drywall instead.
Bad idea! The isolation properties of 1/2" drywall are nowhere near as good as for 5/8". Worst case, just use larger joists for your inner leaf. (assuming that you decide to abandon the hat-channel idea, and go back to the original interleaved-joists solution).
Also, should I use GREEN GLUE between those double layers in the joist ?
If you can afford it, then absolutely! It will improve the low-end isolation quite a bit. And low end is the hardest to deal with anyway: any help you can get is worth it, provided it doesn't blow your budget.
The carpenter that stopped in to look at the job mentioned that using something 'heavier' than 1x3" furring strips would add to the joist strength [maybe 2x4 ???].
Technically, those are cleats, not furring strips. And you'd have to check with your structural engineer to see if their contribution is worth anything. Generally, cleats are much smaller than what you show: they only have to hold small pieces of drywall in place up against the sub-floor above. AFAIK they aren't' really meant to provide an structural support to the joists. Maybe Brien can comment on that. - stuart -
"Here's a question ... if we $ DONATE $, are any other options available [like larger file uploads] ??? just wondering." You get the continued unrestricted use of Mr. Sayers forum, often his help but always his talented Mods assistance....and page upon page of technically correct information. Your clips and hat track should run perpendicular to the joists and not installed directly to one individual joist per run. What was that worth? ;)
xSpace wrote:
"Here's a question ... if we $ DONATE $, are any other options available [like larger file uploads] ??? just wondering." You get the continued unrestricted use of Mr. Sayers forum, often his help but always his talented Mods assistance....and page upon page of technically correct information. Your clips and hat track should run perpendicular to the joists and not installed directly to one individual joist per run. What was that worth? ;)
The advice, guidance, and KINDNESS has been priceless ! :mrgreen: I made my '1st install' donation 8) [still putting my build budget together, and this forum will be included]. sincere thanks! Hi Stuart !! Thanks for the RED FLAG ! regarding those clips. I think I was just getting carried away with SketchUP. I was attempting to diagram out for a carpenter a scenario. I absolutely concur that the clips as shown would lower the ceiling way to much. [these were the only clips I found in the SU library. :shock: Importantly, I need to consolidate into a single overall design. Primarily the 'shell'. Just in observation [and in NO WAY a criticism], Glenn's design [with the symmetrically boxed in back wall] looks great and very do-able. His initial drawing showed a single wall, whereas you're design had 2 walls. I see where you placed the new ceiling beam, resting on TOP of the inner wall, straddled between the current joist above. Using THAT concept takes half of the material weight OFF the structure joist and moves it to the new build. [As Martha would say, 'this seems a good thang'.] Construction-wise, I think I could build this easier. Glenn, please correct me if I'm wrong ... I'm thinking that you placed a single wall to 'example' the design. I'm having to compare back/forth between v7 & v8 drawings. I see that a second outer wall could/should be added [?]. And according to Glenns' design, we'd have an interior room size of: 12' 1/2" x 15' 4-1/2" with a ceiling height up to the bottom of the 7' high joist, with 2 layers of 5/8" drywall suspended across NEW ceiling joist, interleaved between the old joist, and resting on the top of the inner wall sill. That would put the CR ceiling at just around 6' 10". Are these room ratios still good? Again, please be assured there is NO negative in my comments above. I looking to consolidate the final design so that I can begin a 'materials needed' list to get the budget into better focus. Things like walls being 2x4 24"oc is what I see in Glenns' design, the new ceiling rafters width and span is also to be determined. :) I can really appreciate the comment that 90% of this effort is where we're at now. :wink: Once again ... big THANKS for hand-holding me through this, and slapping me around when I go astray :D Sincerely, RJHollins
in my design, the new inner walls are isolation walls. you already have existing walls on 2 sides and only need to add interior walls to hide the backs of the new walls on the window and door sides. the ceiling is isolated from the existing floor joists using isolation brackets and hat channel. no new ceiling joists the new isolation ceiling is supported by the existing floor joists. no attaching the new walls to the beam either. basically l left about 2 inches around the new isolation walls which gives you about 6.5" of air gap on the outer walls and 9" between the interior walls. the isolation walls are supported by isolation mounts (like Mason Industry WIC or RISC mounts) to keep them stable and decoupled. effectively the main flanking path should then only be your basement floor.
Hi Glenn, Say ... I think I need to post a SketchUP file that will better identify the house layout. Due to the file size restriction, I think some pertinent concerns will be better identified, I just could not fit them in to show what I have to deal with. We've been mostly focused on the area above the CR, but I also have issues outside this room ... [probably like most in-house builds. Let me put together something and post it to be clear ... 'cause, Lord knows, my brain has been scattered dealing with doctors & hospitals for Ma. With the 'shingles', she went in Friday morning for double knee replacement :shock: So this has been a stressful time, and my posts here have been scatter-brained at best :? Back as soon as I can. thx
Back from a productive meeting with my financial coordinator and my contractor. [also a great dinner] :) I also tried to do a SketchUP of the house layout. Man, do I need work on SU skills ! This is a difficult to describe layout, and a challenge for an SU newbie. It is referred to as a 'split-level ranch' design. Down here in the basement, the ambient noise is easily 65 dB [mostly due to dehumidifier]. But I also have washer/dryer, hot water heater, gas furnace and a sump pump. When all these bad boys are working, its' like being in a factory! :cen: In a quiet time, I'm reading 47 dB. Up the short stairs from the basement is the family room, were people could be reading/studying, or blasting the tv. We've already talk about the upstairs, which has the LV,kitchen, dining room all directly above the basement. Above the family room is the bedroom area. Quite the layout. But as may be more apparent ... this CR is in a hostile area :shock: Not only do I need to minimize CR sounds getting out and bothering Family room and upstairs ... I have a jungle of sounds right outside the CR. This be the reason I thought double walls would be the minimum. The current 'lack of isolation' clearly allows the dehumidifier to be heard in the kitchen [something I want to correct by first throwing this brand new unit off the top of a building] :idea: Just wanted to put this out there. Tomorrow I may hear from the struct-eng. [time for me to get back to read Rod ............ :)
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as far as i can tell we're all in agreement in needing the isolation... 8)
RJHollins wrote:
Down here in the basement, the ambient noise is easily 65 dB [mostly due to dehumidifier]. But I also have washer/dryer, hot water heater, gas furnace and a sump pump. When all these bad boys are working, its' like being in a factory! :cen: In a quiet time, I'm reading 47 dB. Up the short stairs from the basement is the family room, were people could be reading/studying, or blasting the tv. We've already talk about the upstairs, which has the LV,kitchen, dining room all directly above the basement. Above the family room is the bedroom area. Quite the layout. But as may be more apparent ... this CR is in a hostile area :shock: Not only do I need to minimize CR sounds getting out and bothering Family room and upstairs ... I have a jungle of sounds right outside the CR. This be the reason I thought double walls would be the minimum. The current 'lack of isolation' clearly allows the dehumidifier to be heard in the kitchen [something I want to correct by first throwing this brand new unit off the top of a building] :idea: Just wanted to put this out there.
Often in a hostile environment, folks that do this type of thing will consider the parts that are creating the noise and make adjustments to these appliances or what-have-you in order to reduce the impact that can otherwise reduce the overall effectiveness of the proposed isolation requirements. Some considerations might be: A vented room/boundary wall around the washing machine/dryer area. This would include the ceiling that seems to be currently exposed. A lot of focus can be placed on the overall environment in an attempt to reduce, when an ad hoc process may better suit the case. Creating a decoupled base for the washer/dryer can reduce the impact of both and wouldn't be that difficult to achieve. Then there are solid doors and seals for any access doorway leading into the basement proper. Assuming that required ventilation will not be affected by the installation of these, even still, ventilation can be achieved in other ways. Directly to your overhead concerns. If you are going to use clips/hat track then you can have your installation guys remove the current diagonal bracing in one bay at a time. Install the 3/4 inch exterior foam sheathing/mass and cleats/caulk, etc. etc. The easiest way, again, if you are using clips and track (Versus a separate framed ceiling) will be to reinstall blocking, you have 2X10 Douglas fir existing, 2X8 may be an almost exact fit, after everything is said and done. To over stress the importance of the blocking could only be done to someone that understands why it is there to begin with. It has a two-fold purpose one being to spread the flexing ability across all the joists rather than having each individual joist try to depend on the overhead nailing/plywood. Secondly, and most importantly, to reduce the potential for roll over of the joists under impact or even day to day dead loading. Diagonal bracing is difficult to re-install in a joist system, blocking is easier, nailing is important, staggered blocks are easier to install than one straight line/pattern.
Thank-you Brien for your insights and explanation. It really helps ! I've had some experience with building, but I'm not a professional in that field, so even some of the terminology requires me to 'look things up', and/or ask those with the knowledge. Wednesday the structural engineer is coming over to evaluate what I have, and what plans are in the works. He is very knowledgeable. He was involved with structure eval on both of my brothers' behemoth homes. Not sure that the original architect's designs might have been 'weak', but the changes he brought have been flawless. Anyway, he's been with my youngest brother [contractor] for years. I look forward to seeing him on this project. Then I'll know what design to proceed with. There are things I really like in both plans sent from Stuart and Glenn. Stuart got me a slightly bigger room [although he said a slightly better one would reduce the size]. His dual 2x4 walls on the side and front of the room was in-line from the articles and Rods' book, and resting the new ceiling on top of the inner wall sill coincided with my early thoughts, so I was like 'oh, cool" that was a good idea. Especially since the floor above me squeak and cracks when people walk, and when the kids come over, running around, the pounding shakes the basement. So I'm wanting to lean toward Stuarts concept. Then, Glenn steps up with his great design, creating symmetry in the back of the room, allowing for corner chunky traps, and basically a sensible design and build back there that meets approval ! [that is huge]. I'm still am not quite understanding why the single wall design all the way around. I now see, from reading, that we want to avoid the 'triple-leaf' with the concrete walls ... but for the 2 other walls, having a drywall finish to closing them up, especially where the sump pump is, that a dual wall with air gap, insulation, and 2 layers 5/8" on the inside of the room, a 1 layer on the far outside wall would have been recommended. Be able to enclose the 2 metal support poles would have been a nice, cosmetic touch. So as of right now, I must be missing an important point :shock: The layout for the door and the acoustic treatment is invaluable. However, the planned 'window' is still being mulled over ... maybe a type of surveillance camera/monitor would be a better idea, both construction-wise and cost. Without stepping on toes, or coming across as an ingrate ... maybe a blending of the designs would be ok ? Don't know yet ... BUT ... I'm gonna know more tomorrow on the 1st step of operation 'Ceiling Beef-UP'. :)