Soundproof Garden Rehearsal Studio
First Published: 28 January 2019
Refreshed: 23 December 2024
Reading Time: 3 minutes
If you’ve explored the world of garden music rooms, you’ll know that the level of soundproofing available varies significantly between suppliers. Some companies may simply add a layer of acoustic plasterboard to their standard design, while others employ advanced techniques like creating a decoupled structure—a "room within a room"—for superior soundproofing.
A recent Miniature Manors project highlights the importance of choosing the right approach for a soundproof garden studio. The clients—a family with teenagers who play the drums and saxophone—wanted a rehearsal space where their children could practise without disturbing their neighbours.
Finding the Right Soundproof Solution
The family visited a range of soundproof garden studios offered by different companies. Some suppliers showcased their designs at dedicated show sites, while others arranged visits to past projects. They carefully tested the sound leakage from each building and were disappointed by many of the options they saw.
While they admired the stylish bi-fold door designs offered by some suppliers, the glass panels allowed too much sound to escape. Determined to find a better solution, they contacted Miniature Manors and were invited to see a soundproof studio built for a music teacher in Portsmouth.
This studio impressed them. Its straightforward design, combined with exceptional soundproofing, exceeded anything they had seen elsewhere. Satisfied with the results, they commissioned Miniature Manors to design and build a 3.6m x 4.7m soundproof garden studio.
Decoupled Structure for Maximum Soundproofing
Miniature Manors incorporated several key features to achieve optimal soundproofing. While modern garden rooms often feature large expanses of glazing, the team minimised windows and doors to reduce sound leakage.
- Acoustic Glass & Ventilation: A small opening window fitted with acoustic glass ensures natural light and ventilation.
- Double Door System: Instead of a single large bi-fold or sliding door, the studio includes two doors. The external door opens to reveal a second solid door, enhancing the sound barrier.
- Room Within a Room Design: The decoupled structure—where one framework is built inside another without direct connection—prevents sound waves from passing through.
The studio’s walls also include a combination of thermal and acoustic insulation, and the interior features a plasterboarded and skimmed finish to further minimise sound transmission.
Putting the Soundproofing to the Test
To see how well this studio performs, you can watch a demonstration video showcasing the sound leakage (or lack thereof) from outside the building.
Miniature Manor’s client was delighted with the final result:
Having spent many months searching for a soundproof garden room to accommodate our son’s drums and daughter’s saxophone playing, we were relieved to find a company that could actually show us one they had built, and we could hear how effective it was at reducing the sound. Richard and his team have been a pleasure to have around during the build – they were very professional, prompt, clean and tidy. Our resulting garden room is lovely to look at but more importantly for us and for our neighbours, very effective at blocking the music. Richard shows an impressive attention to detail and care and pride in his workmanship.”
Learn More
To learn more about creating a soundproof studio in your garden, contact the Miniature Manors team on 01403 610 619 or email contact@miniaturemanors.co.uk. Visit www.miniaturemanors.co.uk to explore their portfolio. Miniature Manors specialises in projects across East Sussex, Surrey, and West Sussex.
