GENELEC TRANSFORMS FORMER CINEMA INTO A GLITZY BAR WITH RESTAURANT FOR STOCKHOLM’S URBAN ELITE
With a sophisticated retro style that harkens back to its origins in the 1920s, it is surprising that the brasserie, which was once an old movie theater was the place to be for Stockholmers in the 1920s and 1930s. Today the Astoria brasserie is part of the Frantzén Group, an internally renovated organization that has six Michelin stars among its establishments, scattered among Stockholm, Bangkok, Singapore, and London. To prepare for its opening as a restaurant and bar in 2021, Astoria has embarked on a significant renovation, offering an elegant and welcoming atmosphere with a focus on prepared and friendly service.
A PERFECT MATCH WITH THE INTERIOR AESTHETIC
The themed aesthetic was impeccably curated by Paloma Design Studio and Join Studio, which handled the lighting and interior design. To maintain this elegant aesthetic and in keeping with the group’s high quality standards, Genelec loudspeakers were chosen immediately, having proven within other restaurants in the group to have phenomenal audio. The Astoria brasserie needed an overall audio system using Genelec’s 4000 series, with coverage throughout the venue to ensure clarity and intelligibility in every room frequented by customers.
Erik Skanderbeck-AV Sales Manager Genelec in Sweden-explains the mission:
“The goal was to convey a unique feeling within the entire restaurant, as this is probably one of the most unique environments you can visit in Sweden. The coverage is incredible-even the toilets are equipped with Genelec loudspeakers!” he continues, “The Astoria team spent a lot of time curating playlists for the restaurant given the drive to invest in a top-notch playback system. The Frantzén group has had positive experience with Genelec loudspeakers in the past, having installed them in their distinctive Frantzén restaurant, which boasts three Michelin stars and is also located in Sweden.”
Achieving this level of sound quality was not easy, especially in such a large space, which spans more than 1,200 square meters. This space includes a bar, a dining room, a chambre séparée and a wine bar overlooking the street. The sumptuous historical period from which the design is inspired is not immune to acoustic challenges, as each room has its own stylistic particularities and finesse that were taken from the original architecture of the old cinema. However, the system integrator, High Definition with support from subcontractor Sound Support and the Genelec team, brilliantly met the challenge by installing a resounding solution that is pleasing to both eyes and ears.
As soon as one descends the stairs to enter the restaurant, one is greeted by two Genelec 4030s positioned diametrically on the eaves of the foyer. This sets the tone for the rest of the dining room, as there are 4030 models placed in every corner and hidden between the pipes on the ceiling. The goal is to welcome the visitor in the foyer to the large bar full of greenery and a sophisticated ambience, to enjoy a good classic cocktail and selected dishes, with excellent sound coverage. The 4030 model is one of the largest of the 4000 series, which has become a mark of quality in the AV industry. It is an ideal choice for medium-sized commercial installations, and the choice of 120 RAL colors allowed Astoria to find just the right coppery brown to match the interior. For additional low-frequency extension and control, three 7040 subwoofers were placed in the dining room.
Micke Fröbom emphasizes another aspect:
“The attention to detail is something more. Just look at the room leading to the wine bar, which is covered in lacquered gold leaf. To maintain this aesthetic, we had to install Genelec loudspeakers with a gold leaf finish!”
This, combined with the active technology of the loudspeakers, negates the need for external amplification, resulting in an unobtrusive and elegant installation that blends seamlessly into the environment in which it is installed.
RESOUNDING SUCCESS WITH CLEAR SOUND IN THE NAME OF INTELLIGIBILITY
The lower floor is accessed by an ornate spiral staircase, which descends to a basement level where there is more vegetation and where one can enjoy a selection of wines and champagnes at the bar with a wide selection served by the glass. Obviously, there is a high concentration of loudspeakers in this area, because it tends to be a more dynamic environment-and coverage is provided by ten 4040 models, which are complemented by a pair of 7050 subwoofers. In addition to this, there is a more intimate area called Lilac dedicated to private events, and guests can enter and exit using a back door at their own discretion. In addition, High Definition arranged for a DJ booth on the lower floor, complementing it with two Genelec 8030 studio loudspeakers-not very bulky, but with a high sound pressure level and excellent frequency extension.
However, the project was not always necessarily straightforward. Fröbom describes some of the most challenging aspects related to installation:
“The materials used in the construction of the walls-a composite mixture of metallic brick and steel-made it difficult to mount the loudspeakers to the wall. In addition, the fact that the restaurant is located directly under eighteen vintage apartments highlighted the problem of possible sound loss. Fortunately, Genelec provides a wide range of accessories from which to choose and make up for the placement and leakage, allowing us to contain the sound while still meeting the client’s needs.”
Overall, the project was a tremendous success. Having accompanied the Astoria brasserie through all its phases from the beginning optimized the collaboration by ensuring that all players were on the same plane. The result is clear sound with excellent coverage and color matching. After a smooth installation, Genelec will continue to offer the complete after-sales package with service and maintenance. Should Brasserie Astoria decide to expand the system or modify it in the future, Genelec will offer full support, remaining true to the philosophy of future-proof sustainability that has always characterized the brand as such in the AV industry!
