Project

PAU CHAPEL

How can a chapel be converted into an auditorium, given its resonance characteristics and strong echo?

Location

France

Building type

Public building

Application

Interior

Fabric(s) used

White

Specifier(s)

Partner(s)

PRAT

Voilerie du Sud Ouest SAS

Alain Tisseyre

This was the challenge faced by acoustician Alain Tisseyre, who called in Mermet to help with the development of the chapel in Pau (France).

This is an unusual project for a historical monument, which required skilful design and the application of highly specialised acoustic research. 14 Mermet Acoustis®50 panels, installed in a high-tension structure, will now enable the chapel to host religious and orchestral music concerts.

The problem of sound in large spaces is not a new one. It is an even greater problem in religious buildings such as this particular 19th century structure, where the total volume of 4,200 m3 is very large in relation to the floor area. Alain Tisseyre, an acoustician and sound expert, worked with the Architecture Department of the Pau Regional Council to come up with this unique installation. Refusing to reduce the volume, since the essence of acoustic quality in such places is directly linked to the size of the acoustic surface, he decided to add a series of reflective surfaces.

The installation of 4 Acoustis®50 panels on the aisle ceiling and 2 smaller panels in the transept, designed to provide perfect acoustic correction and which

preserves the architectural appearance of the chapel for the public. The installation of the panels does not alter or hide the structure of the nave from the audience's perspective
provides complete coverage of the upper reaches of the aisle on the stage side, increasing the precision and spatialisation of the sound image. Sound is no longer concentrated in the chancel and reverberation is reduced.

Finally, a further 8 have been installed laterally to match the niches in the side walls of the aisle.

This fabric offers several advantages:

a significant improvement in acoustic quality: the patented weave of Acoustis® 50 is the only one that allows the material to work on its own, without the addition of foam.
high mechanical resistance and dimensional stability. In this case, the panel tension is relatively high (several hundred kilos).
aesthetic qualities. Its mechanical properties allow it to be shaped like a sail, giving it a much more refined appearance. In addition, the choice of white material makes it possible to create an indirect lighting effect (by placing spotlights around the stretched panels).
Guaranteed safety. With a non-flammable fire classification and Greenguard® certification, Mermet® fabrics meet all the requirements for use in public areas.