The municipality of Laruns has begun construction on a new aquatic center, featuring a 25-meter pool, a teaching pool, and an outdoor spa area. The project aims to achieve high energy efficiency through the use of a wooden structure, local materials, and renewable energy sources, making it an exemplary facility in terms of environmental performance.
The acoustic challenges were particularly high, as in any swimming pool:
- Large volumes resulting in very high natural reverberation.
- Hard, wet surfaces that cannot be treated with conventional materials.
- Constant noise generated by swimmers, which is difficult to control without an appropriate correction strategy.
- Powerful technical equipment (ventilation, air treatment, pumps) requiring strict control.
Outside, the proximity of a camping site and residential areas made it essential to control noise impact on the neighborhood. These combined challenges (pool acoustics, wooden architecture, environmental requirements, and sensitive context) shaped our entire project.
We adapted our methodology to the specific constraints of swimming pools, where humidity, reflective surfaces, and hygiene requirements limit the use of conventional treatments.
Our full acoustic study, from design to acceptance, included:
- Defining the acoustic specifications for the pools, changing rooms, and offices;
- Modeling the hall to size the absorbent treatments compatible with the humid environment;
- Analyzing interior and exterior insulation to protect sensitive areas and the neighborhood;
- Studying the noise of technical equipment, with the prescription of sound traps, vibration isolation, and grid optimization to simultaneously reduce noise and energy losses;
- Support for architectural choices to integrate acoustic solutions consistent with the wooden structure and the HQE (non-certified) approach.
This comprehensive approach made it possible to combine acoustic performance, sustainability, and the functional requirements of a water sports facility.
Our intervention allowed to reduce reverberation in the pool hall thanks to precise modeling and the choice of absorbent materials specifically adapted to humid environments. Simulations confirmed that Tr’s objectives had been achieved, ensuring a controlled atmosphere despite the highly reflective nature of the pools.
The interior spaces, changing rooms, and offices benefit from enhanced acoustic comfort, thanks to insulation solutions adapted to their immediate proximity to the pools. The specifications for technical equipment made it possible to limit the noise from air units, pumps, and systems, while preserving thermal and energy performance.
Finally, the environmental study ensured compliance with regulatory requirements regarding the camping site and nearby homes, securing the future operation of the site. This project illustrates how acoustic expertise, applied to a complex environment, contributes to the success of a facility that is efficient, sustainable, and comfortable for users.
