The Lezat sur Lèze Elementary School was envisioned as a sustainable, low-impact building with a bioclimatic layout, timber-frame structure, and eco-materials that respect its natural surroundings. The ambition to achieve BBC and HQE certifications set high expectations for both environmental and functional performance.
Yet, these architectural choices also brought challenges. Lightweight walls, large glazed areas, and open corridors created risks of sound transmission and reverberation that could compromise comfort. Controlling the noise level in classrooms was particularly important to ensure focus and inclusion, showing that acoustic design for schools must be seamlessly integrated into ecological architecture to achieve a balanced result.
Delhom Acoustics worked alongside the design team from concept through handover, creating an approach that harmonised natural materials and sound control. The study covered all learning spaces, including classrooms, specialised teaching areas, and a dedicated room for students with learning disabilities, each requiring precise acoustic attention.
Our solutions included high-performance ceiling panels, reinforced partitions, and discreet absorptive finishes that complemented the warmth of timber interiors. Communal and circulation areas were treated to prevent noise propagation, while façades were insulated to reduce external disturbances. The goal was to guarantee sustainable learning acoustics that matched the architectural vision without altering its natural aesthetic.
The school now demonstrates how environmental design and acoustic performance can reinforce one another. Reverberation and background noise have been reduced, the noise level in classrooms is controlled, and speech clarity is significantly improved. Students and teachers alike benefit from a calm and inclusive atmosphere that supports concentration and well-being, while the project stands as a model of how acoustic design for schools can enhance eco-conscious architecture.
