Sonastério opened in April 2017 in the state of Minas Gerais, which is a 30-minute drive from Belo Horizonte. Owned by musician / engineer Bruno Barros, it is the first world-class destination studio in Brazil. The concept of Sonastério started in 2014 and came to fruition thanks to the collaboration between famed Brazilian architect João Diniz and global architectural acoustic consulting firm WSDG.
Perched atop a scenic bluff overlooking the pristine Minas Gerais mountain range, the location for this destination recording facility was chosen due to Minas Gerais’ being home to great musicians and great music in the country. The region is also known for its heritage of architecture and colonial art in historical cities as well as the landscapes marked by mountains and valleys — all of which inspired the aesthetics of the house/studio.
“The name Sonastério is a play on words or a mix between two words: som (sound) + monastério (monastery), so it’s like a ‘Monastery for Sound’ or a ‘Sound Monastery’. The word ‘Sonastério’ translates really well with the concept of the brand, the location of the house/studio and the atmosphere around it. Sonastério is a, “creativity retreat; Our slogan is “music enlightens” because music is our religion,” says Barros, who is the music producer and CEO of Sonastério.
The modernistic glass and concrete 8,000 square foot structure features a 1,500 square foot world-class recording studio with 20′ high ceilings. Construction of the house began in 2015 with designer WSDG being engaged during the earliest phases of the project to ensure a seamless integration of the recording studio component. “It took us about three months to conceive the design, and another month to coordinate everything with the architecture. The acoustic construction took about eight months,” says Renato Cipriano, Partner of WSDG.
“Sonastério is more than just a recording studio,” says Barros. “It’s a House of Creation which provides artists a unique experience: a place to escape everyday life, fully dedicate themselves to their art, and employ quality tools necessary for their art to achieve its best form.” Inclusive in the studio space is a 750 sq. ft. live room and an 80 sq. ft. Iso booth, with panoramic mountain views and an SSL 924 recording console, which allows for premier recording and is well equipped to receive any major artist.
The design of the house and studio speaks to the surroundings, creating a seamless blend to the surrounding nature. Each design aesthetic – architecture, colors, ambient, equipment etc – was thought with great care as WSDG wanted to make a recording studio where people feel at home. In addition to the recording studio, the showcase home features three guest bedrooms, five-star amenities, abundant natural light and gorgeous views from both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Barros echoes Cipriano sentiments in that the facility is more than just a recording studio, it is a “work of art in itself, a house of creation designed to enhance the natural expressiveness of each artist. Sonastério was created and designed to provide artists with a space that “fosters excellence and helps guide them in their search for creative expression.”
For more information on Sonastério, visit: httpss://wsdg.com/projects-items/sonasterio-studios/
