Acoustic study of EHPAD La Belle Époque in Mouvaux

Table of contents

• A facility dedicated to the well-being of the elderly
• An acoustic mission for a soothing living environment
• Acoustic diagnosis of existing facilities and issues identified
• Technical solutions tailored to medical and social needs
• Sound comfort and quality of daily life
• Conclusion: acoustics and support for the elderly

A facility dedicated to the well-being of the elderly

Offering single and double rooms, the residence offers a warm and welcoming environment, conducive to both privacy and community living. Managed by the municipality, the establishment integrates care, social ties and comprehensive support for the elderly, supported by qualified staff and modern facilities.

An acoustic mission for a soothing living environment

As part of a project to renovate and rebuild the residence, our acoustic design office, SIM Engineering, was commissioned to carry out all acoustic studies. The aim was to guarantee a controlled noise environment, meeting regulatory requirements while ensuring the comfort of residents, the smooth running of care and the quality of life of staff. This mission was part of a collaborative approach with the project management team, in line with the environmental quality approach applied to medico-social establishments.

Acoustic diagnosis of existing facilities and issues identified

The first phase of the project involved a complete diagnosis of the existing premises. This identified a number of acoustic sensitivities: noise propagation between rooms, excessive reverberation in corridors, lack of insulation in activity or catering rooms, and noise pollution from outside. The main challenge was to improve perceived sound quality in all areas – both private and communal – while maintaining functionality and ergonomics for both users and carers.

Technical solutions tailored to medico-social needs

Based on the diagnosis, SIM Engineering formulated targeted recommendations compatible with the specific uses of a nursing home. Acoustic insulation of rooms was reinforced to preserve residents’ privacy and limit the transmission of airborne and impact noise. Circulation areas were treated specifically to absorb passing noise and avoid resonance in corridors. In common rooms, the addition of sound-absorbing materials to ceilings and walls has created a soothing atmosphere, essential for limiting cognitive and sensory fatigue in the elderly.

Sound comfort and quality of daily life

Throughout the project, SIM Engineering provided local technical support, working closely with the architects and contractors. Acoustic systems were integrated to harmonize with the interior design, taking into account sanitary, fire safety and accessibility constraints. At the end of the project, acceptance measurements were carried out to validate that the targeted acoustic performance had been achieved. The results confirmed the relevance of the solutions deployed and their positive impact on the day-to-day well-being of residents and the working conditions of caregivers.

Conclusion: acoustics and support for the elderly

The acoustic study carried out for the EHPAD La Belle Époque in Mouvaux illustrates the importance of treating sound comfort as a central element of quality of life in a medical-social establishment. Thanks to a tailor-made approach and acoustic expertise adapted to the constraints of the gerontological sector, the project was able to offer a serene, functional living environment that respects residents’ needs. This project bears witness to SIM Engineering’s commitment to making acoustics an integral part of the care and well-being of the elderly.

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