To accompany the modernization of the terminal, Roland Garros Airport in Réunion created a 760 m² mezzanine in the public hall, bringing together dining areas, a press area, shops, and an ornamental waterfall. Located in the heart of a busy building, this development had to ensure good acoustic comfort in a highly reverberant environment exposed to outside noise.
The project presented a major architectural constraint: the client’s desire to keep the “palm tree” pillars, iconic elements supporting the upper floor of the hall, visible. This requirement limited the possibilities for conventional treatment and made it necessary to integrate acoustic solutions without altering the aesthetics of the space. Added to this were challenges related to natural ventilation (open facades), noise from technical equipment (air mixers, extractors), and the proximity of sensitive areas such as offices and restrooms.
These constraints had to be resolved in order to ensure a sound environment suited to passenger flow, comply with regulations, and preserve the architectural identity of the public hall.
We carried out a full acoustic study covering all services:
- Definition of performance objectives;
- Internal acoustic correction studies;
- Technical specifications for partitions, self-supporting linings, and floors;
- Dimensioning and specifications for HVAC systems, sound traps, anti-vibration treatments, and noise level control;
- Monitoring of construction work;
- Acoustic acceptance measurements: reverberation, equipment noise, insulation, impact noise.
Each functional area was studied using a specific approach to ensure the expected performance.
Our expertise enabled the airport to secure the construction of the mezzanine by ensuring that the solutions implemented met the defined acoustic objectives. The prescribed absorbent treatments were sized to control reverberation in accordance with the target values set out in the specifications.
The integration of a specific absorber into the “palm tree” pillars, made of mineral wool and protected by custom-cut perforated metal sheets, made it possible to incorporate an absorbent surface while preserving the aesthetics of the hall.
The control of noise levels from technical equipment guided the choices of ventilation, vibration isolation, and sound traps, making it possible to maintain noise levels in compliance with the limits required for each functional area of the public hall. Targeted insulation of the sanitary facilities and related spaces was also defined to prevent any sound transmission to the existing offices.
This work ensured that the new space was commissioned in accordance with the acoustic comfort requirements for passengers and airport staff.
