The original property which dates back to the mid. 19th century had suffered from years of ill-conceived alteration, all but draining the building of it's very life force. Alan was moved to resuscitate it, re-creating what he describes as:
"a living, breathing space designed not necessarily for controlled sound but with the feel of a workshop, with plenty of light."
Finally, Alan called in Kevin Van Green, a professional studio designer, to run all the necessary cabling for the equipment, incorporating a Soundtracs mixing console and Dynaudio monitors, somewhat unusually suspended by chains from the building's steel structure. Alan's arsenal of equipment was rack-mounted within Kevin's unique scaffolding system - a combination of metal frames, sliding work surfaces and extractable pods, customised to contain a range of samplers, synthesizers, tape machines, computers and effects.
The studio decor, which echoes Alan's
interest in architecture and interior design, includes carefully thought
out details such as chromed bench radiators, a burnished steel
fireplace and a 3-piece suite constructed from the seats of his first
car, a 1974 Citroen DS.
Wilder's characteristic attention
to detail in all aspects of his life, ensures that The Thin Line not
only lends itself to a minimalist, industrial style but also exudes a
unique ambience and personality, preventing it from ever feeling merely
a workplace.
"It was always my intention to design this studio so you could simply remove all the gear and be left with a really interesting open-plan building. I particularly like the way the bedroom gallery overlooks the whole room and the floor to ceiling shuttered windows provide fantastic views. The only problem I have is that in the winter, the place is so bloody cold!"
"It was always my intention to design this studio so you could simply remove all the gear and be left with a really interesting open-plan building. I particularly like the way the bedroom gallery overlooks the whole room and the floor to ceiling shuttered windows provide fantastic views. The only problem I have is that in the winter, the place is so bloody cold!"
