Studio Build Thread

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As some of you may know, Myself and another Member on here have finally embarked on a fully fledged studio project.

Okay 'project' may not be the right term for it...

Anyway, after much to-ing and fro-ing with solicitors and estate agents we have finally got the keys (5/3/12) to the building we had pretty much decided on from the start.

Shop front, not High Street but close to it and a main arterial route.

Studio Space, Industrial unit but not an industrial estate secure parking, lots of.

Maybe 4000 sqf total? Would have been 5 if we weren't taking the Mez Level out.

Neighbors, an old school printers a kitchen fitting place - Oh and as we discovered today, a Bridal shop directly next door! Must be fate.

Here are some before and some progress photos for our first day on site.

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Shop Front May or may not be the main entrance....
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View of the rear entrance from the Mez {will be down tomorrow}
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The builder {singular - We'll be laboring}
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The Bottom floor has been pretty much stripped out apart from the Mez, I only have an iphone pic of that though.
 
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Maybe if these had been delivered the last business might not have failed......Just saying..... 3 of these and still more catalogues to get shot of!
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Can I ask why you are taking out the mezzanine? Wouldn't it be a useful area? (Just wondering, not criticising).

This is going to be fascinating. Thanks for posting.
 
Thanks Russ, It Brings the celling level way down so wouldn't get good hight to the studios. Also it was very rickety, not far off a good shove and it'll be down...maybe!

We're thinking 3 Studios, depending on layout for sizes. Picture 2 shows the area directly under the from shop, a celling hight of 9.2 ft so 9 ft when the raised floor goes in - too low for a couple of studios? I'd like higher but a third studio could be built in the main space {maybe 6m x 8m ish} with a celling as high as you like!
 
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Day 2 - First things first, good Relations with the neighbors! There was a whole load of plinths, slatboard and racking on the walls which have been carefully removed and gifted to the bridal shop opening next door. Makes sense really.

After all that junk was out of the way it was time to bring the mez floor down which consisted of repeatedly hitting it with a hammer, very technical. I was hoping for the Mez to be down by the end of play but there was only 3 of us and I juked out for an hour! The mez will be down by lunchtime tomorrow and the real work will begin! We are being pretty gentle with the timbers as we will be reusing these.




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Subscribing to this thread to watch the progress.
And to wish you both the very best of luck in your new venture.
All the best,
Gary.
 
Yup can see why you want the upper level out the way. Noting like a bit of height and is that natural light coming for above?
Very jealous of the space.
 
Yeah, Some fiberglass, or something, panels in the roof. Will be covered. There is a fair amount of light from the french doors mind you. I would really like a massive window for natural light images but the building doesn't allow for it.

Will have some shots of the space totally gutted tomorrow, maybe dimensions if i remember.


Height for studios - yes the higher the better but what is a minimum working height for everyone?
 
Stevie- said:
Yeah, Some fiberglass, or something, panels in the roof. Will be covered. There is a fair amount of light from the french doors mind you. I would really like a massive window for natural light images but the building doesn't allow for it.

Will have some shots of the space totally gutted tomorrow, maybe dimensions if i remember.

Height for studios - yes the higher the better but what is a minimum working height for everyone?

Height wise, depends how you shoot but having the ability to put a soft box high is nice, so 8 foot?( allowing for a 6 foot person)
 
Well the back part is 9.2 so {there is a beam of sorts midway-ish}

Yesh matt, Higher is better, I'd like 14 feet, 6 Meters wide.
 
May I ask what are you doing with all the floor joists and floor supports?

Good luck with the venture. (no pun)
 
Great space. But we're missing something fundamental here - how much is it?
 
I finally managed to get into the space today, I work away from home so this thread is as much for my benefit as anyone else.

From Stevies last post more of the Mez level has been removed. We have decided to keep some of it to use as office space.

1. Nothing to steal now!
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2. The mez is away
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3. Our office space
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4. Office access
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Next up.....less destruction and more build...the largest of the 3 studios will be put up!

It will be 6.00m x 8.00m x 4.00m high.
 
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It looks a great space, many will be envious no matter what it costs. If you need any help with questions about what you need for the studio, this place will help no end. Keep it up.
 
Looking good, Looking forward to seeing the progress and it all finished. :)
 
lol i love the fact there is a giant child peering through the roof in this one!

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The old fashioned Windowlene used to be the way, just wipe it on and leave it, goes white. Not sure if it's still made, I'm thinking back to the 1950's :D
 
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Matt989 said:
Cheers for the positive comments everyone, we know we have a great space and really want to do it justice. What we have planned will be stunning!

On a side note - does anyone know how to soap/cloud out windows, we've had 1 unsuccessful attempt using fairy liquid!

Cheap way could be shower curtains, sticky back plastic, or temp can you use that whitening you get for tennis shoes and water it down/ apply with a car sponge.
 
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