Garden Music Studio and Garage Conversion, Currie, Edinburgh

This project involved converting a double garage into a bespoke, detached garden music studio in Currie, Midlothian. Our client needed a dedicated rehearsal space capable of accommodating a full band—including a full acoustic drum kit and African percussion—while keeping sound transmission to an absolute minimum.

The Technical Challenge: Achieving True Soundproofing

The primary objective was to deliver a space with next to no sound leakage, achieving professional acoustic performance while working to a practical budget. To solve this, we worked closely with Edinburgh-based sound engineers to develop a highly technical “room within a room” construction method.

By isolating the internal structure from the external envelope, we successfully broke the path of acoustic vibration.

• The Floating Structure: The design features an independent inner floating floor laid over specialized impact matting, entirely separated from the heavy structural concrete base.

• Acoustic Walls and Ceiling: The internal timber frame walls and suspended ceiling are physically decoupled from the outer blockwork using an acoustic clip and furring channel system. This frame is packed with high-density acoustic mineral wool and finished with multiple layers of acoustic plasterboard and soundproofing membranes.

• The Result: This meticulous detailing allowed the studio to achieve a verified 50-decibel sound reduction, meeting the baseline standard for professional music spaces.

Specialist Glazing and Acoustic Doors

Traditional windows and doors are typically the weakest points for noise transmission. We managed this by specifying high-performance, double-sealed systems:

• Double-Skin Windows: We installed high-specification NorDan windows designed with a unique double skin. This utilizes inward-opening internal glazing paired with outward-opening external units, allowing for secure ventilation when the studio isn’t in use without compromising the acoustic seal during practice.

• Acoustic Door Entry: The main anthracite entrance door is paired internally with a secondary set of sound-rated, double-sealed studio doors, creating an effective acoustic airlock.

Practical and Understated Exterior

While the internal engineering is highly complex, the building was designed to look simple, clean, and unobtrusive within its garden setting.

The exterior features low-maintenance, smooth-textured rendered walls that sit neatly alongside a traditional timber garden shed and a raised planter. The flat roof is finished with a durable, high-performance single-ply polymeric membrane in anthracite grey, matched by clean anthracite fascias, soffits, and rainwater goods. A set of solid stone steps provides a practical, clean threshold into the garden.

Expert Garage Conversions in Edinburgh

Converting an existing outbuilding or garage into a high-performance specialist room requires a deep understanding of acoustic engineering, strict building standards, and local building warrant procedures. Whether you are looking to build a professional music space, a quiet home office, or a standard garden room extension, our team provides the upfront, straightforward guidance needed to bring complex technical projects to life.

See another similar project here : Garden Sunroom Extension