Diagrid Recording Studio | A-Zero Architects

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Commenced
Completed

Diagrid Recording Studio

TEAM

Architects: A-Zero Architects

Giles Bruce

Structural Design: Simple Works, Studio Allen

Acoustic Engineer: Kahle acoustics

Contractor: DB Contractors

Photographs: Agnese Sanvito

London, UK

The new recording studio is designed as exemplar acoustic environment. Built like an onion, the construction is a series of layers of different materiality and density, each separated with resilient connections. The inner most layer is structural, with a glulam diagrid organised around the axis of acoustic symmetry which sets out the plan. During construction a WWII bomb shelter was unexpectedly uncovered, part of which is integrated into the recording studio.

We worked closely with the client and Kahle acoustics to define a material palette comprising principally natural materials, including sheep’s wool, wood wool, and recycled denim insulation. The glulam structural frame, is completely decoupled from the ground for acoustic reasons, sits on a series of rubber resilient pads. The frame was prefabricated off-site and installed over 3 days by a small team.

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