A fusion of Scandinavian design and Smart IP loudspeaker technology delivers guest experience at Vesterbro hotel
Featured in Vogue, ELLE, and Time Out, Grand Joanne Hotel is a tribute to Scandinavian design, just a short walk from Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens. The building has been a hotel for over 100 years, first opening its doors as a hotel on Vesterbrogade 9A in the year 1928. Reopened by hospitality specialists Midstar AB, the hotel blends heritage, lifestyle, fashion and design within a restored 19th-century building. At the heart of its new chapter is a Smart IP loudspeaker solution from Genelec that delivers sound to every corner.
Consultancy and integration firm, Effektgruppen was tasked with bringing yet another vision to life for Midstar.
“We always begin by understanding the client’s expectations for both the aesthetics and functionality of the sound system,” explained Fredrik Nordström, project manager at Effektgruppen.
“Initially, we designed custom loudspeakers that blended with the décor, but it quickly became clear that while they looked great, the sound quality wasn’t up to par,” he said. “Pristine audio was a top priority for the hotel, so we decided to switch to Genelec. With their Smart IP networked loudspeaker technology, we knew we’d achieve premium sound that still looked great.”
The Smart IP system comprises 26 of the compact 4420 loudspeakers, 29 of the slightly larger 4430 models, plus seven 7050 studio subwoofers. These are strategically placed in all public areas, including the lobby, restaurant, bar and gym. “Music is central to the ambience at Grand Joanne and it’s reflected in every aspect of the hotel,” continues Nordström.
The hotel is also home to Joanne’s restaurant and a rooftop bar on the sixth floor, where guests can enjoy cocktails and light bites with views over the city. A yoga studio, gym, and several meeting rooms also benefit from Genelec’s advanced Smart IP audio systems.
“In the lobby, we installed 11 Genelec 4420 Smart IP loudspeakers paired with two 7050 studio subwoofers. This creates an enveloping sound experience as soon as guests step inside, setting the tone for their stay,” said Nordström. “This same attention to audio quality extends to the bar and restaurant. Joanne’s features eight 4430 loudspeakers and one 7050 subwoofer, providing background music for daily service or live events, while the adjacent bar is equipped with seven more 4430s plus another 7050 subwoofer, for a seamless auditory experience.”
“The whole system is built on a Dante network with sound distribution run via a DSP from BSS. To fully optimise the sound experience, we used Genelec’s Smart IP Manager software to individually calibrate and tweak the delay and EQ of every loudspeaker. We also created some custom touch panels at various points so that staff can easily adjust sound levels,” Nordström adds. “This is particularly helpful in the gym and yoga studios, as all AV elements can be modified depending on the intensity of the class. Each loudspeaker requires just a single network cable, which delivers power, audio and management – and this greatly simplifies the installation process."
