I've been lucky enough to build two of them in my life; the last one
just four years ago. So, here's my 2 cents worth.
Build with an eye for the future. If you can't afford plumbing right
now, at least have internal plumbing put into the walls and stubbed out
for a sink in the future. Then, when you get the bucks, you can trench
and bring water to the studio. Later you can put in just cold water and
then buy one of those small on-demand water heating units. Consider if
you can put in larger sewer pipe so that someday you can put a toliet in
also.
Lightening: There's never enough!! Track lighting is good because you
can change where you want the lights to shine. Also, you can increase
the number and size of the lights (wish I had done that!) Consider
putting your lights on zones so that you can selectively turn lights on.
Wiring: Not knowing your electrical panel situation, consider having a
subpanel installed for the studio. In my case, I had to upgrade the
house panel to accomodate the electrical needs of the detached studio.
Also consider wiring in 220 along with 110. This can run an air
conditioner in the future or big equipment. (you never know what new art
form you may take on that requires something new; ceramics kilns, air
compresser, welding, etc.) Also, if you are wiring; put in as many
outlets as possible! Rough wiring is cheap to do and then the finished
outlets can be put together by professionals. Also, how about wiring in
a stero speaker system?
Insulate well!! It's no fun being cold in your studio and you might
find that you use it less in the winter because of the heating problem.
Have you considered an air-tight wood stove? Since you will be over the
garage part, be sure to insulate the floor really well!!
Ventilaton: If you use anything that is sprayed or even just acrylic
paint, you should consider installing a ceiling fan or roof peak fan.
Again, this can be wired now and installed later.
Consider skylights. They aren't that expensive and they give wonderful
light and just make a studio look cool.
Consider installing crown molding so you can hang artwork without
putting lots of nails holes in the walls. It allows for flexibility in
displaying your work. Also, plan in a space where you can photograph
your work for a portfolio. All too often, every inch of wall space gets
gobbled up with shelves!
Again, congrads on the opportunity to build your studio!!
-Alix Peshette
-----Original Message-----
From: Rdunkelart@aol.com [mailto:Rdunkelart@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 02, 2002 7:01 PM
To: ArtsEdNet Talk
Subject: Ideal art studio???
I have a wonderful problem - I may be building an art studio - long
stroy
short my
husband wants to build a third garage for his most prized posession - a
"97
red
cobra mustang. At first I said "sell one of the cars" he choked on
that
suggestion.
So as I fell asleep that night I pictured a wonderful 12 x 20 art studio
on
the second
floor of the garage - a full wall of North light windows. A back door
that
leads to
a small deck with an ourside stair! Now how to arrange it for max. use
and
what
should I definitely have in it. Can't afford to put in plumbing but can
have
track
lights and lots of shelves. think I might have my sewing machine in
there
too.
Heating will have to be one of those glamourous motel heaters!!! I am
excited
and want to do this right. Any suggestions appreciated!! Roberta
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