Effigy Studios
Ferndale, Mich.
Van Tine|Guthrie Studio

Sequence of studio spaces strikes the right note

© Justin Maconochie

For more photos click on 'photos & drawings' above. To see the people and products behind this project click on 'people & products.'

Van Tine|Guthrie created this recording studio by dividing an existing warehouse into four primary volumes organized by function. Moving from east to west, the spaces include a multipurpose event room, recording studios, storage, and support.

The architect created the support space through an additive and subtractive process. By extending the façade across the opening of a former loading dock, it created an interior courtyard. This space was then opened to the office and entry foyer by demolishing the brick party walls and replacing them with glass. Glazing on the west side of the courtyard floods the adjacent event room with light. The architect conceived of this event room, a large transitional space, as the building’s true exterior. A monumental threshold cut into the masonry of the west wall provides access to the studio: an isolated space both physically and figuratively.

To address both the noise isolation and sound quality needs within the studio, Van Tine|Guthrie inserted three surface wrappings. But the client was also interested in challenging the thinking behind acoustically dispersive materials that are currently specified for control rooms in recording studios worldwide. Thus, the architect developed, implemented, and installed a new material affectionately known as “crunchy fabric” that not only provides superior audio performance, but also reflects the visual character of the space.

Formal name of Project:
Effigy Studios

Location:
Ferndale, Mich.

Gross square footage:
7,860 sq. ft.

Owner:
Effigy Studios
Thomas Johnson
www.effigystudios.com

Architect:
Van Tine|Guthrie Studio
114 E. Main St.
Northville, MI 48167
248.449.3564 tel.
248.449.6984 fax
www.v-gstudio.com

Left to right: Michael Guthrie, AIA, Kenneth Van Tine,
AIA, Gina Van Tine, AIA