most cost effective way to get a sound-proof space in london?

GDB2222

You can probably sound-proof any building, but it's going to cost a fair bit. Think in terms of building a free-standing room within the existing room, with its own floor, walls and ceiling.

matt99b

PasturesNew wrote: »

What have you got against looking for something outside of the area?

You could even share costs with 2-3 others who have the same dream.

Go to auction and buy something a bit secluded.

You've not given us much to work with for ideas really... but you've managed all these years without so you can't have a need, you've got a want - and wants come with more specific criteria than needs.

Quite the contrary, it's a need, but I prefer to keep myself private, sorry. Not quite sure why you need to know more info: I need a sound proof space with ground floor access.

matt99b

sooz wrote: »

I was going to suggest somewhere with a basement, but you said ground floor only. There are plenty of places to either buy or rent in London that have small unconverted original basements. Not all of them are near tube lines, & most only have a couple of air bricks & and old blocked up coal hole. Would none of them do?

Yes, that might do the trick.. where abouts and how much do you think?

Thanks

matt99b

Gingernutmeg wrote: »

OH used to run a studio from the 'basement' of his flat in North London (the basement was actually the living space but he used it as a studio). However, he didn't do much actual recording there but it was more the composing/mastering side of it. If he needed 'live' musicians then he tended to rent somewhere by the day as tbh, you're going to struggle to get anywhere that's perfect and silent in London - we've tried renting places in 'quiet locations' and they're generally worse than the ordinary places! One of the reasons we moved out of London was OH's music - he simply couldn't get the space and quiet he needed (and I couldn't live with the thought that we might be being 'bad' neighbours lol). Where we are now (Wilts) isn't brilliant in terms of noise but it's a lot better - easy travel into London too, so it's not put any of OH's clients off, in fact they like coming to the 'country'.

Also, road noise doesn't necessaily have to be an issue, OH often records his piano at home, it's in our living room that's on a busy-ish road, and with good microphones and a bit of judicious mastering you really can't tell there's a road there - one of his clients thought he'd recorded it at a well-known studio lol Obviously that's not the idea solution for bands, but I think in London you're going to have to be flexible.

Hear everything you're saying, but I do need silence. Yes, if you're recording a track you can close-mic a piano with omnis and it will cut out most road noise but this isn't what I'm doing all the time. I will be needing to sound proof if necessary. I can't say any more than that I'm afraid.

theartfullodger

Err... any reason you didn't try "Google" and search on "Soundproof your building" in UK???

Gets 12,000 hits... including

http://www.taylorsgardenbuildings.co.uk/support/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=13

& http://www.whatprice.co.uk/household/soundproofing.html

Just a thought...

Cheers!

Artful

matt99b

theartfullodger wrote: »

Err... any reason you didn't try "Google" and search on "Soundproof your building" in UK???

Gets 12,000 hits... including

http://www.taylorsgardenbuildings.co.uk/support/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=13

& http://www.whatprice.co.uk/household/soundproofing.html

Just a thought...

Cheers!

Artful

Err... there is indeed a reason. As I said, I'm renting. You need to own a building to sound proof first I have googled UK sound proofing, and no I'm not sure it's wise to spend £thousands sound proofing a rented flat, against the landlord's consent.

m_13

Are there studios nearby where you can hire space at good rates 24/7? I believe there are such facilities in community centres where the studios have been developed but are rarely used. This might be worthwhile whilst you investigate options. I've seen public toilets go for lots of money in London in the recent past if they are big enough to convert so a garage would be even more valuable.

I think it might be worth your while looking at the auctions at commercial buildings that would be easier to soundproof, ie have less windows, but that on a ground level. An old toilet block would probably be good and solid.

I've recently been reading about a new form of plaster that has chipped up tyres in it. It's called Rubbercrete and can be used for acoustic insulation. Good for the environment too!

What about renting a live/work unit? There are spaces designed for artists which tend to be quite open plan and you could then build a studio inside touching no walls.

Zelie

I work for London Underground. I'll take you down to a bit of disused tunnel and brick you in. It will be utterly quiet. (There will be a fee for my services).

GDB2222

matt99b wrote: »

Err... there is indeed a reason. As I said, I'm renting. You need to own a building to sound proof first I have googled UK sound proofing, and no I'm not sure it's wise to spend £thousands sound proofing a rented flat, against the landlord's consent.

You're clearly not being realistic, are you? It's out of the question to expect to rent somewhere that meets your spec. No wonder you're getting frustrated about it.

sooz

matt99b wrote: »

Yes, that might do the trick.. where abouts and how much do you think?

Thanks

It rather depends on location & size of the flat or house.
Try searching here rather than rightmove, it allows you to put in a keyword. If you put 'cellar' it has 184 places to rent in London with cellars, from £220 to £15000 per week.