PARC architects restores the auditorium of versailles with waves of blond wood

with an emphasis on acoustics and a pared-back palette of materials, PARC architects has completed the careful restoration of versailles conservatory in france. the previously dilapidated building has been brought back to life with a thoughtful and contemporary intervention that adds new spaces to the existing volume and makes the interior feel bigger than it actually is.

all images © thomas lang

the major part of PARC‘s restoration was raising the floor of the music hall by 70cm, allowing the space to be accessible without steps. this in turn allowed the basement below to become a usable space, which now serves as additional rehearsal studios. the clear height also makes it possible to achieve very effective acoustic insulation between the levels. the renewed auditorium now seats 243 people, and the entire conservatory now includes 7 rehearsal studios, a room for the orchestra and a room for choral singing.

to create the ambience of the place, PARC architects used simple, durable and inexpensive materials. the ceilings are painted white and backlit to create a feeling of height, while the floor is dressed in a dark and polished terrazzo to accentuate its depth. the services, such as the elevators and sanitary facilities, are set back using black paint. finally, the auditorium room is enhanced by a blond wood covering. this natural material brings a curved sensuality and provides optimal acoustic qualities. it also recalls the material of musical instruments. 

the restoration places a huge importance on acoustics. first of all, the insulation between rooms has been reinforced and all the studios are separated from the structure by interior boxes mounted on resilient materials. the social spaces are treated with high-performance, absorbent materials, such as the acoustic coating that covers the ceilings of the hall and the foyer. finally, the auditorium has been modeled to optimize the precision of its acoustics both in terms of diffusion and reverberation time thanks to the wave-like wooden coverings.

the architecture of the new auditorium is designed using the markers of the original building: the cylindrical shape of the room, the curved acoustic reliefs, and the mineral floor. the recent intervention updates the building to make it more accessible, safer and above all more efficient. using a palette of light-colored timber, white, black and light, the interior is transformed into a contemporary space that will serve as a place for the next generations of musicians.

project info:

project name: rehabilitation of versailles conservatory

location: avenue de la chancellerie, versailles, france

architect: PARC architects

photography: thomas lang

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edited by: lynne myers | designboom