The Rosa Bonheur School Group has a bold ambition: to build an exemplary, bio-based, high-performance school that has won national awards. Winner of the 2025 Grand Prix du Jury – National Wood Construction Award, the project combines certified wood and raw clay bricks in line with demanding regional and environmental standards.
In this context, the acoustics of a bio-based school presented a specific challenge. As there is little documentation on the acoustic performance of clay bricks, it was necessary to objectively evaluate the construction solutions. In addition, the proximity of the A62 highway and the choice of natural ventilation in the classrooms made it difficult to control external noise.
The challenge went beyond simple regulatory compliance: it was a question of ensuring sustainable acoustic comfort, compatible with the architectural ambition, the requirements of the BDO Gold label and the daily experience of children and teachers.
We were involved from the design phase onwards in order to integrate acoustics as a structural component of the project, in line with the team’s ambition to use wood and bio-based materials.
In a building located 150 metres from the A62 highway, naturally ventilated and constructed from raw clay bricks, every architectural decision had a direct impact on acoustic comfort. We therefore analysed insulation from external noise, worked on the orientation of the façades and supported construction choices to limit exposure to road noise without oversizing the solutions.
The main challenge was to insulate sensitive areas, particularly between the canteen and the rest room. Using Acoubat simulations, we demonstrated that a single raw earth partition wall achieved 43 dB, which was insufficient compared to the 55 dB required. The installation of a double partition wall achieved 56 dB, guaranteeing a truly quiet space.
Under the wooden vaults, we designed an integrated sound-absorbing system—openwork wooden slats, felt and insulation—to control reverberation while preserving the architectural identity. This treatment was applied in the classrooms, the multipurpose room, the corridors and the sports areas.
We also treated the ventilation systems (acoustic air intakes, absorbent ducts) and studied the installation of technical equipment in order to protect both users and local residents.
Our mission was not limited to verifying regulatory standards: it consisted of ensuring a truly comfortable learning environment, consistent with the environmental and architectural excellence of the project.
Our support helped to ensure the acoustic performance of a building with high environmental and architectural ambitions.
Optimising the layout and orientation of the façades reduced exposure to road noise, limiting the need for insulation while keeping costs under control. The construction solutions chosen, in particular the double clay partition wall providing 56 dB of insulation, ensure effective separation between busy and quiet areas.
Under the wooden vaults, integrated absorbent treatments ensure controlled reverberation time, promoting speech intelligibility and reducing listening fatigue in the classroom. The ventilation systems and technical equipment have been sized and positioned to preserve the quality of use and the tranquillity of the neighbourhood.
The project has been awarded:
- Grand Prix du Jury 2025 – National Wood Construction Award
- PRCB Occitanie regional winner
- BDO Gold in design and construction – level E3C1
Acoustic expertise has helped to make Rosa Bonheur not only an exemplary building in environmental terms, but also a comfortable, sustainable learning environment that is consistent with the architectural excellence of the project.
