Ravelation Media Studio
Woodland Hills, CA
LEED consulting for architect, BOE Architects.
When Grammy Nominated Jazz Great and keyboardist extraordinaire Freddie Ravel www.freddieravel.com became one of only three people in the United States to take possession of a CEUS Bosendorfer 290 Imperial Grand...arguably the finest piano in the world...he wanted to give it a special home. As the founder of "Tune Up to Success", the unique motivational seminars that draw parallels between music and enhanced living abilities, he also wanted to create a studio from which to broadcast his musical message. Finally...Freddie wanted to do it Green! Accordingly he contacted BOE Eco-Tects to assist in the achievement of that goal.
Working with Tuff Shed, Freddie arranged to have a pre-fabricated modular structure built from recycled and certified lumber at an off site location and delivered to his home. The structure is to be attached to the home using a part of the property that will allow people to congregate in an outdoor area adjacent to the new studio. Retracting panels can be folded back to allow guests to be entertained from within, while seated in the outdoor patio area.
A shading system is used to reduce heat gain from the West side of the building, while natural light is introduced through glazing facing into the yard on the other side of the studio. Natural ventilation is available by utilizing operable dormer windows so that heated Summer air can escape through the high windows, and cool air can enter through louvers and windows located at the lover level. Photovoltaic panels are integrated into a trellis on the South side of the building. More panels are introduced to the roof of the existing residence to harvest additional energy.
All finish materials are made of rapidly renewable materials...paints and other finishes are specified to be comprised of low volatile organic compounds. Water usage is reduced through the use of high efficiency fixtures.
The studio will be used for recording as well as for web-casts of Freddie's music and seminars for Tune up to Success www.tuneuptosuccess.com.
The necessary electrical equipment and lighting required to accommodate the recording and broadcast features are being audited to insure maximum efficiency. Artificial light levels may be adjusted to respond to the available ambient light provided through natural sources. The Ravelations Media Studio provides a balance of efficiency, aesthetics and conservation awareness.