Regaining a sense of belonging
Native Studio
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'Native Studio' is a concept designed to provide a local solution to a global problem: lack of space for artists to work, escape the chaos of everyday life and immerse themselves in both their craft and nature. Converting the loft of an old Sawmill in the woods into a dedicated studio for electronic music producers, with ample living facilities. Indoors, artists will benefit from having access to the necessary tools to indulge in their discipline. Outdoors they have the opportunity to recharge.
Ireland
Local
Borris, Carlow, Ireland
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Prototype level
No
No
As an individual
Project Summary: Converting a Loft of a 200-Year-Old Sawmill into an Electronic Music Studio
Aim:The primary objective of this project is to transform an underutilised loft space into a fully functional electronic music studio. This conversion aims to provide a dedicated environment for music production, recording, and mixing, thereby enhancing the quality and efficiency of the creative process. The loft's natural setting will play a key role in fostering inspiration and creativity, with the surrounding forest and history of the sawmill influencing the work produced within.
Target Group(s)
This project is designed for electronic music producers, sound engineers, and musicians seeking a personalised and acoustically optimised space in a rural environment. It caters to both professionals and enthusiasts who require a controlled environment to produce high-quality music while drawing inspiration from nature.
Specific Objective(s)
Acoustic Optimisation: Implement soundproofing measures to prevent noise leakage and external disturbances while using the natural acoustics of the space to enhance sound design.
Production Equipment: Provide a desktop, headphones, soundcard, speakers, and access to a digital audio workspace for music production.
Lighting Setup: Install adjustable lighting to create a dynamic and inspiring atmosphere, incorporating natural light from the surrounding environment.
Interior Design and Furnishing: Design the interior layout to accommodate studio furniture and equipment efficiently. Sustainability Opportunities: Utilize a hydro-power system, taking advantage of the mill’s existing infrastructure, to create an off-grid, sustainable, and eco-friendly environment.Achieved Outcomes:Enhanced Functionality: The loft is successfully transformed into a versatile electronic music studio, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and acoustically treated spaces.Improved Sound Quality: Implementing quality soundproofing and create a reputable studio.
Aim:The primary objective of this project is to transform an underutilised loft space into a fully functional electronic music studio. This conversion aims to provide a dedicated environment for music production, recording, and mixing, thereby enhancing the quality and efficiency of the creative process. The loft's natural setting will play a key role in fostering inspiration and creativity, with the surrounding forest and history of the sawmill influencing the work produced within.
Target Group(s)
This project is designed for electronic music producers, sound engineers, and musicians seeking a personalised and acoustically optimised space in a rural environment. It caters to both professionals and enthusiasts who require a controlled environment to produce high-quality music while drawing inspiration from nature.
Specific Objective(s)
Acoustic Optimisation: Implement soundproofing measures to prevent noise leakage and external disturbances while using the natural acoustics of the space to enhance sound design.
Production Equipment: Provide a desktop, headphones, soundcard, speakers, and access to a digital audio workspace for music production.
Lighting Setup: Install adjustable lighting to create a dynamic and inspiring atmosphere, incorporating natural light from the surrounding environment.
Interior Design and Furnishing: Design the interior layout to accommodate studio furniture and equipment efficiently. Sustainability Opportunities: Utilize a hydro-power system, taking advantage of the mill’s existing infrastructure, to create an off-grid, sustainable, and eco-friendly environment.Achieved Outcomes:Enhanced Functionality: The loft is successfully transformed into a versatile electronic music studio, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and acoustically treated spaces.Improved Sound Quality: Implementing quality soundproofing and create a reputable studio.
Nature
Artist in residence
Creative Process
Affordability
Sustainability
Native Studio will be designed with sustainability as a core principle, integrating environmentally conscious decisions throughout its planning, design, and execution.
The design can prioritise the use of reclaimed or locally sourced materials, reducing the carbon footprint associated with production and transportation. Recycled/ reusing furniture and equipment will be incorporated wherever possible, maintaining both aesthetic value and reducing waste.
This project serves as an exemplary model for sustainability in the creative industry. It demonstrates how an environmentally responsible approach can successfully integrate into an artistic, high-performance space, encouraging others to adopt sustainable practices in both home and professional studios.
By transforming the loft of this 200-year-old sawmill into an electronic music studio, this project not only preserves a piece of local history but also prevents the structure from being demolished in favor of new development. Originally slated for replacement by two residential properties, the sawmill's conversion gives it a new life, blending its rich historical character with modern sustainability.
The adaptive reuse of the sawmill embraces its unique heritage while creating a vibrant, functional space that supports electronic music production. The restoration preserves the building’s originality and rustic charm, while incorporating eco-friendly technologies. The use of a hydro-power system, harnessing the energy from the mill’s water source, allows the studio to function off-grid and sustainably, further aligning with modern values of environmental stewardship.
In saving the sawmill, the project not only protects an important local landmark but also demonstrates how repurposing old structures can be both a sustainable and creative solution, preventing unnecessary urban sprawl while contributing positively to the surrounding ecosystem.
The design can prioritise the use of reclaimed or locally sourced materials, reducing the carbon footprint associated with production and transportation. Recycled/ reusing furniture and equipment will be incorporated wherever possible, maintaining both aesthetic value and reducing waste.
This project serves as an exemplary model for sustainability in the creative industry. It demonstrates how an environmentally responsible approach can successfully integrate into an artistic, high-performance space, encouraging others to adopt sustainable practices in both home and professional studios.
By transforming the loft of this 200-year-old sawmill into an electronic music studio, this project not only preserves a piece of local history but also prevents the structure from being demolished in favor of new development. Originally slated for replacement by two residential properties, the sawmill's conversion gives it a new life, blending its rich historical character with modern sustainability.
The adaptive reuse of the sawmill embraces its unique heritage while creating a vibrant, functional space that supports electronic music production. The restoration preserves the building’s originality and rustic charm, while incorporating eco-friendly technologies. The use of a hydro-power system, harnessing the energy from the mill’s water source, allows the studio to function off-grid and sustainably, further aligning with modern values of environmental stewardship.
In saving the sawmill, the project not only protects an important local landmark but also demonstrates how repurposing old structures can be both a sustainable and creative solution, preventing unnecessary urban sprawl while contributing positively to the surrounding ecosystem.
In terms of aesthetics, Native Studio aims to create a visually stimulating environment that fosters creativity and enhances the user experience.
The design is centered around a minimalist, modern aesthetic that reflects the essence of electronic music while ensuring the space remains functional and adaptable for artistic endeavors.
Acoustic treatments, including soundproofing materials can be integrated into the design, ensuring the space is not only acoustically optimised but also visually appealing.
This project will exemplify how the design of a music studio can enrich the creative process through aesthetic choices and an exceptional quality of experience. By blending visual elements with functional design, the project sets a standard for creating environments that not only serve practical purposes but also enhance the emotional and cultural connection to the space, boosting both creativity and well-being.
The design is centered around a minimalist, modern aesthetic that reflects the essence of electronic music while ensuring the space remains functional and adaptable for artistic endeavors.
Acoustic treatments, including soundproofing materials can be integrated into the design, ensuring the space is not only acoustically optimised but also visually appealing.
This project will exemplify how the design of a music studio can enrich the creative process through aesthetic choices and an exceptional quality of experience. By blending visual elements with functional design, the project sets a standard for creating environments that not only serve practical purposes but also enhance the emotional and cultural connection to the space, boosting both creativity and well-being.
Native Studio will be built with inclusivity in mind, aiming to provide a space that is accessible, affordable, and welcoming to a diverse range of users.
The project also aims to make music production more accessible by providing a functional and affordable space that eliminates the need for musicians and producers to rent expensive commercial studios.
This affordability model is particularly important for emerging artists who may have limited resources, but require a high-quality space for their craft. The design and equipment choices focus on affordability without compromising on the quality of sound production or technological capability.
This project is exemplary in terms of inclusion because it creates a space that not only accommodates a wide range of people, but addresses societal needs for affordable, accessible, and high-quality creative spaces, reinforcing the importance of inclusion within the music industry.
The project also aims to make music production more accessible by providing a functional and affordable space that eliminates the need for musicians and producers to rent expensive commercial studios.
This affordability model is particularly important for emerging artists who may have limited resources, but require a high-quality space for their craft. The design and equipment choices focus on affordability without compromising on the quality of sound production or technological capability.
This project is exemplary in terms of inclusion because it creates a space that not only accommodates a wide range of people, but addresses societal needs for affordable, accessible, and high-quality creative spaces, reinforcing the importance of inclusion within the music industry.
Local artists will play a significant role in ensuring that the design is both sustainable and relevant to the needs of future users.
The involvement process includes consultations with local electronic musicians, artists, and sound engineers to gain insight into the specific needs of the electronic music studio.
This will help create a space tailored for optimal music production, offering not only high-quality acoustic design.
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The involvement process includes consultations with local electronic musicians, artists, and sound engineers to gain insight into the specific needs of the electronic music studio.
This will help create a space tailored for optimal music production, offering not only high-quality acoustic design.
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The design and implementation of Native Studio involves collaboration with stakeholders at local levels:
On a local level, key stakeholders included sound engineers, who worked to integrate soundproofing techniques.
Their role is vital in ensuring the space functions optimally as both a creative hub and a residential area, without disturbing the surrounding environment.
On a local level, key stakeholders included sound engineers, who worked to integrate soundproofing techniques.
Their role is vital in ensuring the space functions optimally as both a creative hub and a residential area, without disturbing the surrounding environment.
The design and implementation of Native Studio into an electronic music studio will heavily involve the expertise of sound engineers.
Sound engineering is the cornerstone of the project, ensuring that the space is optimised for high-quality audio production.
The sound engineer will play a critical role in every stage, from the initial concept design to the final build, focusing on acoustics, noise isolation, and overall sound quality.
The added value of having a dedicated sound engineer involved in every stage of the process is that the final result is a space that not only meets the practical and technical needs of electronic music production but also enhances the artist’s creative experience.
The collaboration ensures that the studio isn't just a room for recording, but a place that provides the ideal environment for producing high-quality sound.
Sound engineering is the cornerstone of the project, ensuring that the space is optimised for high-quality audio production.
The sound engineer will play a critical role in every stage, from the initial concept design to the final build, focusing on acoustics, noise isolation, and overall sound quality.
The added value of having a dedicated sound engineer involved in every stage of the process is that the final result is a space that not only meets the practical and technical needs of electronic music production but also enhances the artist’s creative experience.
The collaboration ensures that the studio isn't just a room for recording, but a place that provides the ideal environment for producing high-quality sound.
Compared to mainstream practices in loft conversion and studio design, Native Studio stands out through its emphasis on sound engineering, and the use of cutting-edge technology.
Moreover, the innovative use of modular, adaptable furniture allows the space to be reconfigured based on the changing needs of the artists and the music production process. This contrasts with traditional static studio spaces, which often limit creative flexibility.
Moreover, the innovative use of modular, adaptable furniture allows the space to be reconfigured based on the changing needs of the artists and the music production process. This contrasts with traditional static studio spaces, which often limit creative flexibility.
1. Preliminary Research and Planning (Month 1)
The project will begin with an assessment of the sawmill's structural integrity, identifying areas needing restoration or reinforcement. Architects and acoustic engineers will collaborate to design the space, ensuring it’s acoustically optimized for music production. Sustainable features like the hydro-power system will be integrated to make the studio off-grid. A detailed budget and timeline will be established.
2. Building and Renovation (Month 2-5)
Renovation will begin by restoring the sawmill’s core structure, preserving historical elements while modernizing the space for studio use. Acoustic treatments (soundproofing) will be installed to ensure optimal sound quality. The hydro-power system will be implemented to provide sustainable energy. Necessary studio equipment, including computers and sound systems, will be set up.
3. Marketing and Outreach (Month 5-7)
Social media campagins will be developed to showcase the studio’s features. Branding will highlight its unique mix of historical preservation and modern acoustics. Outreach to local electronic music schools, influencers, and artists will help spread awareness. A launch event will be organized, offering tours and live demonstrations of the space.
4. Engagement and Promotion (Month 7-10)
Efforts will focus on attracting local musicians and producers to use the studio. Introductory rates will be offered to incentivise initial bookings. Collaborative events (recording sessions, live performances) will be organised to foster community engagement. Social media and email marketing will keep the studio visible and continue to attract clients.
5. Workshops and Community Development (Month 10-12)
Partnerships with electronic music schools will be have already been formed and they will be hosting workshops and masterclasses for students and professionals. These will cover topics like sound design, mixing, and production techniques.
The project will begin with an assessment of the sawmill's structural integrity, identifying areas needing restoration or reinforcement. Architects and acoustic engineers will collaborate to design the space, ensuring it’s acoustically optimized for music production. Sustainable features like the hydro-power system will be integrated to make the studio off-grid. A detailed budget and timeline will be established.
2. Building and Renovation (Month 2-5)
Renovation will begin by restoring the sawmill’s core structure, preserving historical elements while modernizing the space for studio use. Acoustic treatments (soundproofing) will be installed to ensure optimal sound quality. The hydro-power system will be implemented to provide sustainable energy. Necessary studio equipment, including computers and sound systems, will be set up.
3. Marketing and Outreach (Month 5-7)
Social media campagins will be developed to showcase the studio’s features. Branding will highlight its unique mix of historical preservation and modern acoustics. Outreach to local electronic music schools, influencers, and artists will help spread awareness. A launch event will be organized, offering tours and live demonstrations of the space.
4. Engagement and Promotion (Month 7-10)
Efforts will focus on attracting local musicians and producers to use the studio. Introductory rates will be offered to incentivise initial bookings. Collaborative events (recording sessions, live performances) will be organised to foster community engagement. Social media and email marketing will keep the studio visible and continue to attract clients.
5. Workshops and Community Development (Month 10-12)
Partnerships with electronic music schools will be have already been formed and they will be hosting workshops and masterclasses for students and professionals. These will cover topics like sound design, mixing, and production techniques.
The key elements of the Native Studio, particularly the approach to integrating sustainability with creative studio design, could be replicated in various other contexts.
The methodology used, which focuses on , soundproofing, and modular, adaptable space solutions, is easily adaptable for both residential and professional spaces in different locations.
This project could serve as a model for other cities or regions looking to repurpose existing buildings into creative workspaces for the music or arts industries.
The knowledge gained from this project could also inform similar projects in residential conversions, where energy efficiency and noise control are critical factors.
The methodology used, which focuses on , soundproofing, and modular, adaptable space solutions, is easily adaptable for both residential and professional spaces in different locations.
This project could serve as a model for other cities or regions looking to repurpose existing buildings into creative workspaces for the music or arts industries.
The knowledge gained from this project could also inform similar projects in residential conversions, where energy efficiency and noise control are critical factors.
The project addresses global challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, and the need for sustainable urban development by offering a local solution.
By transforming an underutilised loft into a fully sustainable, high-performance music studio, the project demonstrates how a space can be repurposed to meet both environmental and cultural needs.
This model of transformation offers a scalable solution that could be replicated in cities worldwide to promote urban developments while also supporting local artistic and cultural communities.
By transforming an underutilised loft into a fully sustainable, high-performance music studio, the project demonstrates how a space can be repurposed to meet both environmental and cultural needs.
This model of transformation offers a scalable solution that could be replicated in cities worldwide to promote urban developments while also supporting local artistic and cultural communities.
In the year following the application, the project aims to refine and promote its concept by showcasing Natives studio as a model sustainable, creative space.
The first step will be promoting the studio through our extensive network of electronic music artists, teachers and lecturers that provide education to electronic music artists.
This will develop into hosting workshops and events to help the studio engage the local creative community and highlight its sustainable features. Efforts will also focus on gathering feedback from users to continue refining the design and functionality of the space.
As part of the commitment to promoting the concept, the project will also explore partnerships with local authorities and cultural institutions to further integrate the studio into the local creative ecosystem.
These efforts will ensure that the concept not only thrives in its current location but also serves as a model for future projects aiming to merge sustainability with artistic innovation.
The first step will be promoting the studio through our extensive network of electronic music artists, teachers and lecturers that provide education to electronic music artists.
This will develop into hosting workshops and events to help the studio engage the local creative community and highlight its sustainable features. Efforts will also focus on gathering feedback from users to continue refining the design and functionality of the space.
As part of the commitment to promoting the concept, the project will also explore partnerships with local authorities and cultural institutions to further integrate the studio into the local creative ecosystem.
These efforts will ensure that the concept not only thrives in its current location but also serves as a model for future projects aiming to merge sustainability with artistic innovation.
