Offering water sports, corporate training, education and a glass-fronted restaurant with a stunning view of the largest freshwater lake in Japan from the bank of the Seta River, Karahashi Deck is operated by the Biwako Rowing Club to bring rowing classes to children with disabilities. The newly opened café and accompanying La Cosso restaurant pairs its serene setting with sound from 4020 installation loudspeakers from Genelec.
Alongside its water sports lessons and educational seminars, Karahashi Deck aims to provide employment support for people with disabilities, through work in the café, boat repairs and additional roles across the site. Genelec helped to provide a relaxing environment where people with and without disabilities can interact without boundaries.
‘La Cosso was designed to offer a space with a natural atmosphere so that everyone who visits automatically feels at ease,’ says of Biwako Rowing Club Manager, Shuichi Sakata. ‘Sound within the space was an important factor in helping customers relax. Cafés are – of course – about eating, but I also think there’s an element of enjoying the space and time you spend there. I think music plays a huge part in that. The music and the quality of the sound make a big difference to the atmosphere and the impression it leaves on our customers. We are very grateful that Genelec helped us to create a space like La Cosso.’
Biwako Rowing Club worked with project consultant Neighbor Food Co on the design and implementation of the sound system – with Neighbor suggesting the use of the Genelecs. The loudspeakers are responsible for the music within the café, and they’re simple enough to operate that staff can manage the audio system with ease.
Music is typically sourced from a smartphone or tablet, connected via Bluetooth to a PreSonus StudioLive AR8c mixer. However, if a customer decides to bring in a Mac or PC for special events, a PreSonus AudioBox Go USB interface is then inserted between the computer and mixer.
‘When I arrive in the morning, all I have to do is turn on the output device and start playing,’ Sakata says. ‘Genelec’s loudspeakers have built-in amplifiers, as well as Intelligent Signal Sensing technology that automatically turns on the power when music is played, so the products are really convenient.
‘Even when I go home after work for the day, the power will automatically turn off after a certain period.’
The interior design of La Cosso is just as important as the sound. Located so close to Lake Biwa, the design reflects its natural surroundings with a wood grain finish that harmonises with the lake in front of it – highlighted by large windows looking out over the water. Genelec loudspeakers in RAW aluminium finish were chosen to match the natural feel of the café.
‘The texture of recycled aluminium enclosures was the best choice,’ Sakata explains. ‘When we installed them, the staff were surprised at how well they matched the interiors. I heard that Genelec values the natural environment, which makes them highly compatible with venues like ours where we encounter nature every day.’
Not only does Karahashi Deck’s La Cosso restaurant sit alongside one of the most stunning freshwater lakes in Japan, but showcases Genelec’s 4020 installation loudspeakers’ ability to create a relaxing soundscape to support continue its mission with a space in which people can learn and work comfortably.
More: www.genelec.com
