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[Road of SKYSQUARE -043-] Conquering the arch-enemy "sudden rain"! Installing a small warehouse dedicated to the recorder! ~expansion~

  • Mar 23
  • 9 min read
[SKYSQUARE's Path -043-] Conquering the arch-enemy "sudden rain"! Installing a small warehouse dedicated to the recorder! ~More~

Hello

This is Nakajima from AZSTOKE Co., Ltd.


It is the purpose of this project.

I want a roof to protect the recorder from sudden rain when it's placed there.

Development of "SKYSQUARE," an outdoor Foley studio, is underway in a vast field in Yamanashi Prefecture.

This time, we'll report on a significant step taken to ensure the safety of "recorders," which are essential to the recording environment.

When recording the impact and destruction sounds of heavy machinery at close range to a massive pit, the constant risk is "changes in weather." To protect high-precision equipment from sudden rain while capturing the best sound at the shortest distance, we decided to set up a small, dedicated warehouse next to the pit.

They operate heavy machinery, solidify the scaffolding, and build a "breakwater" of equipment.

We'll show you the installation process, which dramatically improves on-site mobility and safety.


Click here for a list of all previous articles on the SKYSQUARE journey.


SKYSQUARE

■ Table of Contents



1. Planned installation site (closest to the pit)


Here are the key points for warehouse placement this time.

To minimize the cable length from the microphone to the recorder and record high-fidelity sound, the equipment needs to be placed right next to this pit.

However, this very distance was also the biggest challenge that made it difficult to pack up when it suddenly started raining.

To address this issue, we will be installing a small warehouse near the pit.


Planned installation site
Excavation location
Excavation location ②

2. Laying the foundation for the base: Excavation work


Excavation work, which would take a long time if done manually, becomes much easier with the power of heavy machinery.

The soil is dug up in no time, and the excavation is carried out precisely to the specified depth and width.

We'll dig about 40cm deep.


At the excavation site, an excavator is digging a large hole.

Create a strong foundation with manual compaction.

Once the excavation by heavy machinery is complete, it's time for humans to take over again.

Next, the excavated bottom surface is compacted by hand in a process called "compaction."

The tool used here is called a "tamper," a primitive but powerful tool consisting of a heavy iron plate with a rod attached.

This is repeatedly struck against the ground to remove air from the soil and increase its density.


A square hole dug in the soil where grass has grown. Compaction is complete.

3. Weed control and procurement of carefully selected crushed stone.


Once the excavation and compaction of the ground are complete, the next step is to lay down a weed-proof sheet, and then add crushed stone on top to create an even stronger foundation.


First, we carefully lay down weed control sheets on top of the firmly compacted ground. This is to prevent weeds from growing under and around the warehouse.

Because this is where we store our equipment, we want to keep it clean and easy to manage at all times. These small details contribute to ease of operation in the long term.


A shallow excavation site covered with a black waterproof sheet.

Heading straight to the quarry in search of crushed stone!

After laying down the weed control sheet, the next thing needed to make the ground more stable was crushed stone. As usual, I drove my truck to a nearby quarry to buy it directly.


A dump truck is loaded with gravel.

Deployment to the site, and completion of the ground.

The truck loaded with crushed stone has returned to the SKYSQUARE site.

We immediately began unloading the crushed stone in a dynamic manner next to the area where we had just laid the weed-proof sheet.

A pile of crushed stone rises with a loud crashing sound!

Insert this into the holes where you laid the weed control sheet.


A pile of gravel was placed on the ground.

Crushed stone is piled up in a square hole surrounded by a black sheet.

4. Essential for preventing dampness and flooding. Connection to the existing underground drainage system.


While excavating the ground, I suddenly noticed the presence of existing drainage pipes.

If you're going to install a warehouse, you'll want to ensure that not only is the surface drainage good, but the underground drainage routes are also perfectly prepared.

Therefore, we decided to hastily change our plans and expand the drainage system.


Extension of drainage route excavation

There's a point very close to where the warehouse will be located where the previously installed drainage pipes are buried. We'll extend the newly excavated hole towards that point.

By combining heavy machinery and manual labor, we created a "path" to connect to the existing drainage line.


A construction site with a hole covered in gravel and a black sheet, and a tool with a yellow and black handle.

Temporary placement of drainage pipes and checking of gradient.

We'll now place the new drainage pipes in the extended trench. This isn't just about laying them out; it's about carefully checking the slope (incline) to ensure that water flows smoothly into the existing line.


An outdoor construction site. A fenced-off area is covered with gravel and a black sheet. Withered grass and soil are visible around it. Bright sunlight.

By adding this extra step, even during heavy rain, water will not accumulate at the base of the warehouse, but will be quickly drained underground.

For the purpose of "protecting precision equipment," invisible underground maintenance is of paramount importance.


A construction site. A backhoe and materials are visible, and there is an area covered with gravel. A red car is parked in the background. Dry ground stretches out.

5. Precision connection to existing underground culvert systems


With the excavation of the drainage route and the confirmation of the gradient now complete, we will finally move on to the highlight of this process: connecting the existing underground pipes with the new pipes.


First, we identify the connection points of the existing underground drainage pipes and expose them.

Then, I made up my mind to cut the existing pipe to create space for the new one. Sparks flew as I completed the cut in the precise location.


A gloved hand is repairing a torn black pipe on the ground. Fallen leaves and dirt surround the area, and tools are visible. Sunlight is shining through.

This is where the "T-shaped" extension fitting (joint pipe) that we prepared for this connection comes in.

This is an important component for merging the drainage line (branch) from the new warehouse at a right angle to the existing line (straight line).


A gloved hand connects a black corrugated hose. Fallen leaves and stones lie on the ground. The hose crosses, and the background is soil and weed control sheeting.

Carefully insert this T-joint between the existing cut pipes.

The size is perfect.

Using specialized adhesive and clamping bands (or joints), we created a strong connection to ensure there are no gaps for water leakage.

Now, the two drainage routes have been merged into one.


The connection point of a black corrugated hose is buried in the ground. Fallen leaves and soil are spread around it, a scene seen during the work. The black and soil colors are striking.

Once the connection is complete, carefully cover the pipe joints and surrounding areas with weed control sheeting again.

This is a protective layer designed to prevent soil and debris from entering the connection point and causing blockages, as well as to prevent weed roots from damaging the pipes.


A tube wrapped in black cloth lies on the ground, secured with cable ties. The surrounding area is covered in fallen leaves and pebbles. A small bottle is lying on the ground.

With this, the underground drainage infrastructure is now perfectly in place.

Even in the event of a sudden downpour, water will drain smoothly from beneath the warehouse, creating the ultimate "breakwater" that minimizes damage to the equipment.


We will now backfill the area where the drainage pipes were connected.


The construction site is covered with black sheets and gravel, with concrete blocks placed in the center. The surrounding area is dry grassland. The weather is sunny.
A flat gravel area surrounded by a black waterproof sheet. Blocks are lined up around it, revealing part of a construction site. Soil and grass are in the background, suggesting the work is in its early stages.

6. Precise placement of foundation blocks using a spirit level.


After thoroughly backfilling the area

Now we move on to the placement of the "foundation blocks" that will support the warehouse.

The precision required here directly impacts the stability of the warehouse itself and the smooth opening and closing of the doors, so we proceeded with the work carefully.


Several concrete blocks are placed on top of crushed stone. In the background, a black waterproof sheet is laid out, and a dry grassy area is visible. Bright sunlight.

Heavy concrete blocks are placed at equal intervals on top of a bed of crushed stone. A crucial step here is checking the placement using a spirit level.

We repeatedly check the balance in all directions—front, back, left, right, and diagonally—to ensure there is no tilt whatsoever. We meticulously adjust the amount of crushed stone beneath the block, patiently working to make it perfectly level until the air bubbles settle right in the center.


A spirit level and a shovel are placed on top of gravel. Concrete blocks and a black sheet are visible in the background. The atmosphere is that of a construction site.

The warehouse structure will be made more secure by inserting reinforcing bars into the blocks and then filling them with mortar.

This should allow the warehouse to stand on its own even in very strong winds!


Two concrete blocks are placed on gravel. The block on the right has rebar inside, and some green plants are growing on it. Sunlight is shining on it.

7. Fixing and filling the blocks with hand-mixed mortar.


To further strengthen the already leveled foundation blocks, mortar is filled inside them to integrate them with the ground.


Mixing by hand in a "trough"

This time, we started by mixing the mortar by hand using a special "trough" (mixing barrel). We added the appropriate amount of water to the mortar powder and mixed it thoroughly with a hoe and shovel until there were no lumps.

In contrast to the dynamic work done with heavy machinery, this is a painstaking but crucial process that involves adjusting the consistency while monitoring the material's viscosity.


An outdoor work scene. Cement is in a green box, surrounded by bags of "Home Morcon," a watering can, cobblestones, and blocks.

Mortar filling into blocks

The mixed mortar is poured into the hollows of the foundation blocks, maintaining a level surface. It's not just poured in; it's carefully filled to the very back, ensuring no voids remain inside.

This increases the weight of the block itself, transforming it into a stable support that won't budge even with some vibration or changes in weather.


Several concrete blocks are placed on top of crushed stone, one of which is coated with mortar. Wood and heavy machinery are visible in the background.

Now all the preparations are complete for placing the warehouse itself on top.

From soil excavation to drainage infrastructure and the construction of this robust foundation, we consistently carry out on-site construction, creating a base where you can entrust your valuable recorders with peace of mind.


8. Assembly of the warehouse structure and secure connection to the foundation.


With the foundation in place, we'll now begin installing the main warehouse structure to protect the recorders. This involves assembling each part one by one and adapting it to the local environment.


Structural construction: From floor to walls, and then to ceiling.

First, the floor panels that will form the base of the warehouse are placed on top of the foundation blocks that have been leveled.

This is the reference point for everything, so we will align it carefully.


A construction site with metal plates and concrete blocks placed on top of crushed stone. Black waterproof sheets, wood, and leveling bars are scattered around.

Next, we will erect the left and right wall panels. By fixing them in place while ensuring they are vertical, the overall rigidity will increase.


A scene from a construction site. A blue frame stands in the center, surrounded by various building materials. A red car and a white truck are visible in the background.

Next, we attached the back panel. With three sides enclosed, it suddenly felt like a real "base."


A construction site in the middle of a forest. A black metal box stands in the center, surrounded by tools and parts. A red car and a white truck are visible in the background.

Finally, the sliding doors and ceiling panels were installed.

With this, we have completed an enclosure that can completely block rain from above.


A small blue metal warehouse stands at a construction site in the middle of a forest. A truck and a red car are in the background. Construction materials are scattered on the ground.

The "connecting" process before the mortar hardens.

A crucial point in this installation is the connection between the foundation and the main body. We insert the L-shaped anchor fittings while waiting for the mortar that was filled into the blocks earlier to harden.


A blue metal object is placed on a concrete block, surrounded by gravel. Wood and a black sheet are visible.

This metal fitting physically connects the warehouse structure to the foundation blocks, preventing lifting or shifting during strong winds. This connection, along with the underground drainage system and robust foundation, provides crucial support.

With everything working together, we now have a base in place to protect your valuable recorders from harsh environments.


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