The Georges Mailhos School was designed to meet the growing needs of the Malepère district in Toulouse, providing a modern educational facility aligned with the city’s sustainability ambitions. To reach the demanding HQE level 9 certification, the project required a holistic approach where acoustics played a central role.
The site’s proximity to highways and railway lines created risks of external noise infiltration, while internally, the programme included classrooms, dormitories, multipurpose areas, and courtyards, all with distinct acoustic requirements. Achieving high-quality classroom acoustics was particularly critical. Without effective control of reverberation and background noise, students’ ability to concentrate and teachers’ vocal comfort could have been compromised, threatening the quality of the learning environment.
Delhom Acoustics conducted a comprehensive study from the earliest design stages, defining specific targets for sound insulation, reverberation time, and background noise levels. Predictive modelling was used to anticipate performance across the various spaces and to shape an effective acoustic strategy.
In addition, suspended ceilings, wall-mounted absorbers, and anti-resonant flooring were implemented to balance reverberation and improve speech intelligibility in classrooms. The geometry and finishes of each room were carefully considered to create comfortable conditions that support both teaching and learning. Communal areas such as multipurpose rooms and corridors received tailored treatments to prevent sound build-up and limit noise transfer. Outdoors, absorbent panels were integrated beneath the playground canopy and along façade surfaces to mitigate the impact of recreational noise, ensuring continuity in overall learning space acoustics and preserving student well-being throughout the day.
The Georges Mailhos School today meets and exceeds national standards for educational acoustics. Reverberation and background noise have been significantly reduced, external disturbances are controlled, and transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces are managed effectively. As a result, students benefit from clearer communication in class and more restful breaks, while teachers experience improved vocal comfort and reduced fatigue. The project demonstrates how careful attention to classroom acoustics can directly enhance concentration, comfort, and engagement, positioning the school as a reference in sustainable and high-performance educational facilities.
