A short walk from Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, the Grand Joanne Hotel recently reopened following an upgrade from hospitality specialist Midstar. A tribute to Scandinavian design, the hotel blends heritage, lifestyle, fashion and design in a beautifully restored 19th-century building. At the heart of its new chapter is a Smart IP loudspeaker installation from Genelec.

Midstar called in consultancy and integration firm Effektgruppen with a brief for ‘uncompromised sound quality with a sleek design’. ‘We always begin by understanding the client’s expectations for both the aesthetics and functionality of the sound system,’ says Effektgruppen Project Manager, Fredrik Nordström. 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.

‘Pristine audio was a top priority for the hotel, so we decided to switch to Genelec. With Smart IP networked loudspeaker technology, we knew we’d achieve premium sound that still looked great.’

The Smart IP system comprises 26 compact Genelec 4420 loudspeakers, 29 slightly larger 4430 models plus seven 7050 studio subwoofers. These are 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,’ Nordström says. ‘Each Smart IP loudspeaker operates on the network as an independent unit, allowing us to tailor the sound in each environment with precision,’ he adds. ‘This ensures that every space in the hotel benefits from the highest quality sound.’

Located in the Vesterbro district and surrounded by a vibrant community of bars, restaurants, and boutique stores, Grand Joanne reflects Copenhagen’s renowned creative, laid-back culture. The hotel’s 162 rooms occupy six floors, and feature a blend of Art Deco influences and Scandinavian simplicity. The hotel is also home to Joanne’s – a popular restaurant serving modern Italian dishes from breakfast through dinner – 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 audio systems.

‘In the lobby, we installed 11 4420 Smart IP loudspeakers paired with two 7050 studio subwoofers,’ says Nordström. ‘This creates an enveloping sound experience as soon as guests step inside, setting the tone for their stay. This same attention to audio quality extends to the bar and restaurant. Joanne’s features eight 4430 loudspeakers and one 7050 subwoofer, providing BGM for daily service or live events, while the adjacent bar is equipped with seven 4430s plus another 7050 subwoofer.

‘The whole system is built on a Dante network with sound distribution run via a DSP from BSS. To 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 touchpanels so that staff can easily adjust sound levels. This is particularly helpful in the gym and yoga studios, as all A/V elements can be modified depending on the intensity of the class.’

Thanks to Genelec’s next-generation Smart IP technology, the system is not only high-performance but also highly efficient. ‘Each loudspeaker requires just a single network cable, which delivers power, audio and management – and this greatly simplifies the installation process,’ Nordström says. ‘This set-up enhances the hotel’s design by keeping things sleek and minimal while maintaining a perfect balance between form and function.’

The transformation of Grand Joanne is a testament to how design and technology can reinvent the guest experience. With Genelec’s Smart IP at its heart, the hotel delivers a consistent, high-quality sound that complements its bespoke interiors.