TENDER LET.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 26, 31 January 1934, Page 8

TENDER LET.

NEW IYA STUDIO.

SOUND-PROOF BUILDING.

EIGHT MONTHS FOR COMPLETION.

The final step towards the commencement of the new IYA broadcasting studio in Shqrtlapd Street was taken yesterday, when the tender of Messrs. C. W. Ravenhall. Ltd., was accepted for the structure, and that of Messrs. A. and T. Burt for the heating and air conditioning system, an important portion of the work, seeing that the conditions requisite«for broadcasting require soundproof, window-less accommodation. The following important particulars of the new studio have been supplied by Mr. (J. R. Hutch-ineon, the Auckland member of the Broadcasting Board. The building is to be of four floors, the level of the top one being slightly raised above Shortland Street, while the others are to be "stepped down" from the street to suit the configuration of the ground. On this top floor are to be located six studios, the largest one, for use in concert presentations, going down two floors in depth, and having floor dimensions of (iOft by 40ft, with a height of Soft. The vocal studio, to be used for individual performers, is 40 by 25, the one set apart for children's items 27 by 22, and the two small ones for lecturers 16 by 10 and 10 by 10. A feature of the planning is the provision for an operator's control room, centrally situated and giving full observation of all the accommodation supplied for the various forms of transmissions. In addition, there is fin "echo room." a useful adjunct in all modern broadcasting services, where all the "effects" can be" produced to give the necessary atmosphere to dramatic and other items. Other Accommodation.

The main entrance to the building is from Shortland Street, through a vestibule leading to a lounge ball 40 by 40. Through this hall direct access is provided to two cloak rooms, and by stairway to the office floor below. Another approach to the administrative section k obtained by a pathway on the lower Bide of the building. From the orfica floor entrance to the concert studio is obtained, adjacent being a lounge 10 by 30 for performers. Provision is also made for the keeping of an extensive library of records, with a room specially equipped for testing these. On the third floor down there is space for extended studio requirements, and as well accommodation for an officer of the board who will reside on the premises. In the basement Is located the heating and ventilating plant. Artificial ventilation is necessary in a building which must be shielded from all extraneous sound. , The building will have a frontage ot 120 ft and a depth of SOft, the frontage having an elevation of 30ft above the Shortlaiid Street level. At the back the structure will rise 72ft from the ground. Only internal windows for observation purposes, and these specially built to prevent sound leakage, arc allowed for, and double doors for the same purpose are a feature of the plan.

Much Excavation. The time allowed for completion of the new IYA is eight months, and before the foundations can be laid something like 0000 cubic yards of excavation will have to be undertaken. Brick and concrete will be the main materials. Keinforced concrete is excluded because of its conductivity of sound.

Tenders for the transmitting plant at Henderson are likely to be accepted next week. No particulars of this equipment are yet available, nor is it decided yet whether the aerial principle will be the same as that adopted at Gebbie's Pass for 3YA, but it is definite that the new IYA will be much more powerful than even the Wellington transmitter on Mount Victoria.