Chris Snook
Chris Snook
SHINGLED SOUND STUDIO
A Garden/Music Studio Clad in Rhythm
Sector
Residential
Location
E7, London
Year
2025
Cost Range
£20,000 +
Core Materials
Cedar, C-Wood, Birch plywood, PC Aluminium, Vinyl
Photographer
Richard Andrews
Audio Consultant
Gian Battaglia
The Shingled Sound Studio is located in a residential back garden in East London and was commissioned to suit the client’s needs as a music producer. The brief asked for a bespoke workspace that could provide a calm, acoustically balanced environment for recording and mixing - a professional yet personal creative retreat.
Conceptually, the exterior reflects the rhythms created within, with hand-cut cedar shingles arranged in a fish-scale pattern that brings depth and variation to the façade.
Each shingle is individually cut and fixed to create a surface rich in texture and proportion, bringing definition to the compact form. The warm glow from the two outdoor bulkhead lights introduces a subtle contrast to the timber tones, while the folded steel door handle provides a simple and robust detail.
Together, these elements form a refined, durable exterior that expresses both craftsmanship and purpose.
The interior walls and ceiling are clad in sustainable and recyclable BAUX acoustic wood wool panels, providing both high levels of insulation and excellent soundproofing for music production. The material creates a textured 'Clouds Grey' finish that softens sound and gives the space a calm, refined character.
The bespoke continuous desk and integrated shelving provide clear and practical access to all music equipment, including keyboards, synths, effect pedals and monitors. Crafted from bright birch plywood, the joinery contrasts with the textured wall finish and helps reflect natural light throughout the space.
The generously sized window further brightens the interior, while the considered layout keeps the workspace efficient, organised and visually clean.
The studio also accommodates a custom shelving unit and a home training bike, ensuring the space remains versatile and personal to the user.
The concealed window handle maintains a seamless and uncluttered appearance.
Externally, each cedar shingle is individually set out and precisely detailed around openings and edges, meeting slim powder-coated aluminium trims that frame the window and door.
The flush door and folded steel handle maintain the clean geometry, while two amber bulkhead wall lights introduce a simple, durable, and slightly industrial element to the façade.
At the base, a stone threshold transitions to dark slate chippings, creating a durable, well-drained perimeter and grounding the timber structure within the garden setting.
Over time, the untreated cedar will gradually silver, giving the studio a natural patina that continues to evolve with its surroundings.
