Acoustically-driven design defines new Evian concert hall
La Source Vive, designed as a musical instrument, stands out with its nature-integrated architecture.
1Designed as a musical instrument
PCA-Stream's La Source Vive is a 490-seat chamber music hall conceived as a musical instrument. Collaborating with acoustician Albert Xu, the team optimized the building's geometry and material selection for sound quality. Digital twin technology enabled continuous acoustic testing during construction. The dome-shaped structure features a pre-patinated copper exterior designed to blend with the woodland over time.
2Nature-integrated architecture
Nestled into a sloping forest clearing, the design minimizes environmental impact while enhancing biodiversity with 150+ trees and 200 shrubs. Copper cladding will develop natural patina to merge with surroundings. Local Meillerie quarry stone was used in landscaping. The project connects to Patrick Bouchain's existing 1993 timber concert hall La Grange au Lac, forming a cultural complex called Les Mélèzes.
3Precision acoustic detailing
Undulating plaster walls with grooves up to 8cm deep control sound diffusion. A custom aluminum canopy above the stage and solid rose beech backdrop refine acoustics. Asymmetrically arranged dusty orange leather benches create intimacy between performers and audience. The oculus in the ceiling provides natural light while blackout screens enable complete darkness when needed.
4Sustainable design solutions
Rainwater collected beneath the timber terrace irrigates the landscape. The backstage building's base uses recycled stone. The glazed foyer connects old and new halls while housing ticketing and bar functions. The partially-buried shell structure reduces visual impact. Larch and clapboard cladding on service buildings complements the main hall's copper exterior.
5Versatile cultural complex
Beyond chamber music, La Source Vive hosts theater, dance, literary events in its 490-seat auditorium. The complex includes recording studios, workshop spaces and exhibition areas. Founded by philanthropist Aline Foriel-Destezet, it joins the existing 1,000-seat La Grange au Lac as part of Les Mélèzes cultural campus. The two halls offer complementary programming for different performance scales.
6Restrained material palette
Interiors feature raw concrete, untreated plaster, timber and leather for minimalist acoustics. Pre-patinated copper tiles create dynamic light reflections. Solid rose beech beams form the stage backdrop and flooring. Exterior cladding combines copper with larch and clapboard. The material selection prioritizes both acoustic performance and visual harmony with the forest setting.
7Technology-driven process
Design development involved acoustic sketches, digital modeling and extensive simulations. On-site testing during construction refined acoustic performance. Digital twin technology monitored the hall's acoustic behavior at various stages, informing final design decisions. This data-driven approach ensured optimal sound quality throughout the space.
8An architectural acoustic masterpiece
La Source Vive synthesizes 'shoebox' and 'vineyard' concert hall models with terraced seating surrounding performers. The project demonstrates how acoustic engineering can drive architectural form while maintaining sustainable material choices. Together with Bouchain's 1993 hall, it significantly enhances the region's cultural infrastructure. The design creates intimate musical experiences through careful attention to both technical and human factors.