Building acoustics in Aix-en-Provence - ARKEMEP

Acoustic engineering guarantees the quality of use, regulatory compliance and acoustic comfort of buildings.

ARKEMEP is involved in acoustic design, modeling, simulation and optimization for all types of projects.

The regulatory acoustic measurements are carried out by ARKENOR, a specialized entity of the ARKORIS group.

Why is specific acoustic engineering necessary in Provence?

The Mediterranean climate and urban density significantly alter acoustic requirements:

  • increased use of heat pumps and outdoor equipment,
  • noisy urban or road environments,
  • high standards of intelligibility in ERP systems,
  • the need to limit reverberations in often open spaces. 
An upstream acoustic study allows for precise adjustment of materials, volumes, sound sources and treatments to guarantee compliant and lasting comfort.

Acoustic studies of the building (NFS 31-080)

We carry out complete acoustic engineering for commercial buildings, public access buildings and residential buildings:

  • facade insulation,
  • treatment of airborne and interior noise,
  • equipment noises,
  • shock level forecasts (target 55/58 dB),
  • 3D modeling and reverberation calculations on empty shells. 
➡️ Deliverable: Complete acoustic study in PDF format.

Acoustic study of outdoor heat pump units and technical equipment

  • sound propagation study
  • AcousPropa simulation (GAMBA),
  • 3D modeling of the project (worst-case scenario),
  • definition of assumptions (walls, acoustic power),
  • technical variants,
  • indoor and outdoor noise maps.
➡️ Objective : to secure the installation of heat pumps and limit their noise impact.

Acoustic diagnostics and improvements to existing buildings

ARKEMEP carries out acoustic diagnostics on existing buildings, as part of renovations, compliance work or nuisance treatment. 

These assessments help identify sources of non-compliance, define corrective solutions tailored to the constraints of the existing building, and verify acoustic performance after the work is completed. (Acoustic measurements in partnership with ARKENOR )

Acoustic engineering for rooms (lecture halls, meeting rooms, teaching spaces)

For each location, ARKEMEP models, simulates and optimizes:

  • speech intelligibility (STI),
  • the reverberation time Tr,
  • spatial decay DL2,
  • the target acoustic objectives. 
Two scenarios are systematically produced:

  • V0: initial state according to planned geometry and materials.
  • V1 : proposal of absorbent treatments (wall panels, suspended ceiling…).
➡️ Deliverable: study report with comparison of scenarios.

Sound diffusion and sound system studies

We design sound diffusion engineering to guarantee consistent intelligibility:

  • position and quantity of speakers,
  • directivity and sound power,
  • 3D acoustic modeling of the room,
  • sound pressure level (Lp) maps,
  • STI calculation with systems in operation. 
➡️ Objective : to ensure a homogeneous sound reproduction that meets the requirements of the space.

Regulatory acoustic studies: Building Permits, Tender Documents, Contracts

Phase PC

  • acoustic insulation of facades (Decree of May 30, 1996),
  • identification of sensitive points,
  • location plan in PDF format.
Phase DCE

  • NRA 2000 compliance,
  • integration of certification objectives (if applicable),
  • Acoustic study DCE in PDF format.
Markets Phase

  • taking into account the RICT,
  • integration of the certifier's remarks,
  • validation of the final recommendations,
  • Market research in PDF format.

Request for an acoustic study

Standard process of an acoustic study

ARKEMEP structures acoustic engineering in 6 steps:

  • Defining objectives and collecting data,
  • 3D acoustic modeling,
  • simulations (levels, Tr, isolations),
  • area-by-area analysis
  • identification of discrepancies,
  • suggestions for improvement & verification by simulation.
➡️ Final deliverable: Consolidated acoustic study report (PDF).

BIM & 3D acoustic modeling

Digital modeling facilitates acoustic coordination from the earliest stages:

  • precise geometry
  • realistic materials & features,
  • reliable simulations,
  • anticipation of non-conformities. 
➡️ Benefit: a stabilized and predictable design during the construction phase.

Mission phases and deliverables

ARKEMEP is involved from the preliminary design phase to the procurement phase:

  • preliminary analyses,
  • 3D modeling,
  • variants & arbitrations,
  • PC reports, DCE, Markets. 
➡️ Benefit: clear, usable acoustic engineering adapted to the requirements of the project owner.

Acoustic characteristics in Provence

Projects subject to a Mediterranean climate include:

  • intensive use of outdoor heat pumps,
  • exposure to road or urban noise
  • open buildings requiring Tr control,
  • stringent requirements for ERPs. 
➡️ Local engineering is essential to ensure lasting acoustic performance.

Types of supported projects

We work on all types of operations requiring reliable and consistent fluid engineering:

  • collective and individual housing,
  • Public access buildings (teaching facilities, lecture halls, multipurpose rooms),
  • office buildings,
  • equipment requiring sound diffusion
  • projects with outdoor heat pumps,
  • volumetric buildings requiring Tr control.
➡️ More than 500 projects completed since 2009.

Area of ​​intervention: Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Toulon, Avignon, Salon-de-Provence, Nice and, more broadly, the entire Southern region .

Our added value

  • precise 3D modeling and comparative scenarios,
  • detailed analyses for each area of ​​the project,
  • acoustic optimization integrated into the architecture,
  • Full coordination with the HVAC & Thermal teams
  • Pre-DCE integration → Markets to avoid non-conformities,
  • ARKENOR synergy for acoustic measurements.
➡️ Objective: to ensure the acoustic design is sound and to prevent any deviations during construction.

FAQ - Acoustic studies of buildings in Aix-en-Provence

Do you carry out acoustic measurements?

No. The in situ measurements are carried out by ARKENOR , a specialized entity of the ARKORIS group.

What software do you use?

We use AcousPropa, 3D modeling tools and acoustic prediction software that comply with the standards.

Do you work on heat pumps and outdoor units?

Yes. We perform the complete acoustic simulation and offer alternative solutions.

Can you model the intelligibility of a room?

Yes. We simulate STI, Tr, DL2 and propose a suitable treatment plan.

Do you provide support for the PC, DCE and Procurement phases?

Yes. Acoustics are integrated into every phase of the design.

Do you operate outside of Aix-en-Provence?

Yes. We support projects throughout the Southern region .
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Contact

ARKEMEP – Acoustic & Building Engineering

Aix-en-Provence • Marseille • Provence • PACA

Tel. 09 70 70 75 35

Request for HVAC/plumbing/electrical study

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