I just need some advice on how to achieve a good amount of isolation without looking too much space. I’m not that bothered about acoustics initially, I can figure out the acoustic treatment after.
The main objective is to play acoustic drums a few times a month, record vocalists without picking up the living room TV and use my guitar amp loud now and then.
I had the opportunity in 2013 to build my own bedroom/studio using heavy plasterboard, resilient channels, green glue, rockwool etc so I know how to do the installation… per se.
The unit is on the ground floor of an old victorian industrial building with concrete floors and thick brick columns.
I’m probable only going to be here for 3 years so I can’t go crazy but It needs to be ‘good enough’.
For the 3 stud walls I’m proposing a sort of double leaf assembly, where you’d take off the inner skin of plasterboard, leave an inch air gap, put up an inner 4”x2”stud frame, put rockwool in, then screw in 2 layers of 12.5mm SoundBloc via hat channels.
For the outside layer of the stud walls I’d leave the single skin of existing plasterboard.
The brick wall being such a funny shape, is tricky but I’d propose to attach one layer of heavy plasterboard using resilient channels. The ceiling would be a 4x2”inch stud frame with rock wool and resilient channels, or clips and hat channels, then a layer of Soundbloc. I’m assuming the existing ceiling is reinforced concrete.
Also. In order to bypass the complication of the white steel girders at the top of both the short stud walls, I was thinking of using 45 degree angled 4x2”s to connect with the ceiling timbers.
I’d uninstall the opening window, and fill the hole with rockwool.
I’m planning on swapping the hollow outer door for a fire door, and installing an inner fire door.
For the floor, I was going to try a floating frame, OSB layer etc but I think I’d create a resonating floor. I’m hoping instead, if I put down down heavy rubber matts that would prevent a bit of transmission though the concrete.
I’d always keep the drums and guitar amps between midday and 9/10pm
Please excuse the mess, I just took down the mezzanine and I haven’t organised a skip yet!
At the maximum points, the room is 4.0 metres high, 4.1m long and 3.4m wide for reference. The materials budget is £2000-2500 I’d say. I’ll hire a plasterboard lift and get some buddies to help me with the construction.
My main issue is working out whether to try to figure out a timber frame for the various right angles of the brick construction which would give better isolation or just rely on one layer of plasterboard with a resilient channel. Flanking from the brick wall in the studio connected to the other rooms in my unit and the neighbours is my my concern here though. Would it negate the work done to the ceiling and stud walls?
If anyone has some experience in this and can give me some constructive advice that would be amazing. Feel free to ask any questions, Thanks! Rob
ps. I'll try to find a way to upload the photos, thanks
