Elval Colour, a subsidiary of ElvalHalcor's aluminium segment, played a key role in the completion of an innovative construction project in France which harmoniously combines aesthetics, functionality, and environmental sustainability. Located in the city famous for the Le Mans 24-hour motor race, Technocampus Acoustique is the result of a collaboration between the French architectural firms ARS architectes-urbanistes and Pocheteau Saillard, initiated by the Pays de la Loire Region. The project consisted of the renovation of offices and the construction of five research halls for vibroacoustics, aeroacoustics, quality control, digitisation and simulation, and one hall for surface technology, materials, and industrial interfaces.
The team of architects leveraged a well-preserved metal structure from 1990, incorporating it into their innovative design. The façades and roof of the original building were renovated, reinforcing the campus's modern aesthetic and identity. By prioritizing renovation, the project stakeholders demonstrated their commitment to minimizing environmental impact through reduced resource consumption.
One of the main challenges in the Technocampus Acoustique project was selecting the right material for the building's envelope. The building adhered to a high-quality environmental standard (HQE), focusing on energy efficiency and a reduced ecological footprint. As a result, it was crucial for the project designers to choose a façade material that would enhance environmental performance while minimizing its environmental impact. At the same time, the material needed to be flexible and lightweight, allowing it to be easily shaped into three-dimensional forms. Equally important was ensuring that the material met fire safety regulations.
For all these reasons, Elval Colour’s non-combustible product etalbond® A2, which meets the most stringent international fire safety standards, was selected for the building envelope of Technocampus Acoustique. etalbond® is a recyclable material that helps reduce waste and supports the circular economy. When used in ventilated façades, it enhances a building’s energy efficiency. Additionally, all Elval Colour’s products contain recycled materials, reducing the carbon footprint of buildings and contributing to lower CO2 emissions both during production and throughout the product’s lifecycle.
The Aluminium Composite Panel etalbond® A2 is coated in Silver White High Gloss, a custom shade by Elval Colour for this unique project.
The choice of the chemistry and the layer structure of the coating system that etalbond® features in Technocampus Acoustique project, defines also the durability of the façade of the building. Durability means how the colour will last with time, concerning its aesthetic properties, as well as to its integrity on the substrate. We need to be sure that it will not delaminate, crack, chalk or blister or fade away with time.
Technocampus Acoustique is more than an architectural project; it represents a forward-thinking approach to designing research facilities. By incorporating advanced materials like etalbond® A2 and innovative design techniques, ARS architectes-urbanistes and Pocheteau Saillard have created a facility that not only meets the technical demands of acoustic research but also provides a sustainable and visually appealing environment for innovation. Elval Colour, a leading European coil coater and aluminum composite panel producer, played a key role in bringing this vision to life.