Designing a Conservatory As a Music Studio


Musicians at all levels require a dedicated space for making music. This is why most, whether professional or hobby musicians, utilize home music studios. Music studios can be used for recording music, teaching music, and just playing music in general. Musicians often convert a spare bedroom, den, or basement into a studio; however, the studios are more efficient when they are specifically designed for making music. A conservatory with high ceilings and a large floor plan or a lean-to style addition can create the perfect environment for a home music studio.

A studio contains a great deal of high-end, expensive instruments and electronics, so some people may shy away from the idea of housing it in an entirely glass structure. When properly designed, however, a conservatory is a durable, highly efficient, and weather proof glass structure. Utilizing a durable and thermally enhanced material for the framework, such as aluminum, will ensure the structure will not rot, rust, warp, and deteriorate over time. Implementing the correct glazing options will provide both sound reduction and security for the equipment. When installed in combination with other alternatives, such as polycarbonate, an aesthetically pleasing and functional music studio can be created for residential applications. Polycarbonate is a sturdy alternative to glass that will also withstand severe impacts and help protect musicians’ equipment. Insulating the polycarbonate with Lumira® aerogel will aid in absorbing sound and help control the dynamics of the studio.

Controlling sound is important in a studio application and doing so in a conservatory is possible. Using Lumira® and other acoustically rated glazing options will help reduce noise transmission. Acoustical ratings are determined by a product’s Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Outdoor-indoor Transmission Class (OITC). STC describes how well a system can reduce airborne sound waves, while OITC indicates the rate at which sound is transferred between outdoor and indoor spaces. Absorbing sound is of equal importance in a music studio. Materials with a high noise reduction coefficient (NRC), such as foam padding, will help absorb sound and create a more efficient home music studio. Heavy drapes and velour fabric can be hung to ensure the entire studio has the highest sound absorbing properties.

The music studio can also include interior dividing partitions to create additional rooms for recording music. Folding, sliding, and stacking walls are ideal for creating temporary rooms within a structure. Units can be designed with glazed or solid panels with the addition of acoustic panels and bass traps to further maximize the studio’s acoustics. Using traditional flooring, such as tile, wood, and concrete, and designing the conservatory with a wood interior will create well-rounded acoustics.

Making music is more than just a hobby for many people. Building a home music studio allows musicians to record high-quality music any time they desire. A well-designed conservatory is the perfect structure to accommodate any sized music studio. Contact an experienced engineering and design team during the planning phase for additional options and assistance creating an efficient music studio within the framework of a conservatory.


Source by Melissa K. Reinhart