A26 delivers a state-of-the-art aqualudic center to Manosque

AN EXEMPLARY PROJECT BUILT IN HARMONY WITH ITS SURROUNDINGS

Throughout the construction phase, we were keen to design this new facility in a spirit of co-construction with the local ecosystem. In particular, we favored the use of raw materials sourced from local companies," explains Camille Pallot, architect in charge of the project for A26: "The bleachers, prefabricated walls and honeycomb slabs come from factories located less than 100 km from Manosque, the concrete and aluminum are French, and the stones for the restanques come from nearby quarries. We wanted the construction of this aqualudic complex to have a real impact on the local economic fabric!

The site's landscaping has also been designed to fit in with the area's particular features, notably its biodiversity. Planting of local species and greening of the parking lots and roof enhance the center and reduce its ecological footprint. 

Camille Galtier, Mayor of Manosque and President of the Durance Luberon Verdon Agglomeration (DLVAgglo), congratulated all those involved in the project: "This exceptional new swimming and leisure facility is certainly the finest in our region, and we can be proud of it. The architectural, environmental and social challenge of this facility has been met, and it's thanks to our partners that we've been able to achieve it. Lionel Blancard de Lery confirms: "There was total synergy between DLVAgglo's departments, notably under the impetus of Patrick Charrier, and the project management team led by A26, R+4, TPFI and Régis Chaumont".

INNOVATION FOR SOBRIETY

At a time when rising energy prices are putting a strain on local authorities' budgets, we deployed all our engineering know-how to reduce the building's energy requirements. First and foremost, we carried out a sunlight simulation study to optimize the building's layout so that it could store as much energy as possible through solar gain.

In addition, the site was connected to the urban heating network, heated with wood, and innovative energy performance systems were installed. "Thermal management, for example, was optimized through the use of solar panels to produce domestic hot water (covering 55% of the pool's annual needs), a sheds roof and an east-facing glazed facade to take advantage of solar gain," explains Camille Pallot. To avoid heat loss and protect against thermal bridges, we alternated between internal and external insulation.

All the equipment has also been selected to reduce the building's energy consumption, explains Bernard Sartorius, Building Division Manager at TPFI: "For example, we have installed LED lighting that adapts to presence, and a system for reducing flow rates and temperatures when the pools are unoccupied. The water and air treatment units operate at variable flow rates, thus recovering 85% of the heat released, while providing thermal and hygrometric comfort by dehumidifying more than 74% of the evaporation from the pools. For every 1 kWh consumed, they give back 7.3 kWh that can be used for water or air. 

The BIM model handed over to the local authority and the facility manager at the end of the project, coupled with the implementation of a high-performance Building Management System, will also facilitate maintenance, optimize equipment lifespan, ensure user comfort, improve the building's energy performance and reduce operating costs. Reducing flow rates and temperatures during unoccupied periods, for example, will limit evaporation of water from the pools. 

Finally, A26 has installed a rainwater recovery system for watering the plantations. 

This new project in Manosque demonstrates our agency's ability to develop innovative facilities that meet users' expectations and respect the areas in which they are located.