New Studio Construction Techniques | John Sayers’ Recording Studio Design Forum archive

I am planning a move from my in-home studio space to a newly constructed space. I live in a very wooded rural area, no exterior noise to speak of. I own the land. I want to do the majority of the work myself. My plan is a small studio (around 1200 square ft) (30x40) 10 foot ceilings all around with a small apartment/writing area included. A main room, control room, small equipment area, restroom/with shower shared between the apartment and studio. Because of the rural setting many artists want to stay in the area while recording. I primaily record acoustic singer/songwriters but do track string sections (4 to 6) and drums occasionally. The constrution will be on a concrete slab 4" with 12" beams around perimeter and along interior walls. The walls interior and exterior will be hadite (concrete block) 8x8x16 with the voids filled with sand. A freind is giving me sufficient block to do the building, so the wall materials are free except for labor. My question is how sound proof will 8 inch block walls be with sand filled voids? I can't seem to get any idea. One additional question is how different are the reflective properties of concrete floors as opposed to wood? I was hoping to paint or floors in one or more rooms and use stategically located rugs and or wood areas. Any suggestions apprectiated. Randy Brown PS> Great site and wonderful information here!!!