CASE STUDY – HOSPITALITY | CLARION COLLECTION HOTEL KONGSBERG (1624)

About
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ABOUT THE PROJECT

Nestled in the heart of Kongsberg, Norway, Hotel 1624 stands as a new beacon of luxury, offering a spacious and stylish interior that unfolds to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Encompassing 6,650 square meters (approximately 7,200 square feet) and housing 122 guest rooms, this hotel was meticulously crafted with versatility in mind. Amenities like well-appointed meeting rooms and a state-of-the-art conference center satisfy any business needs. For those seeking leisure, the restaurant and bar areas invite guests to savor culinary delights, while a wellness sanctuary awaits those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

Hotel 1624 boasts an aesthetic that marries modern simplicity with warm, inviting lighting, casting a spell of comfort and hospitality. As guests traverse its spaces, they’ll encounter verdant touches and captivating artworks that celebrate the city’s unique personality.

Situated at the crossroads of the city and the mountains, Hotel 1624 offers an ideal launchpad for travelers eager to delve into the city’s rich tapestry of history and culture, or for those seeking alpine adventures in the mountains nearby. It is a destination that bridges the divide between locals, commuters, and tourists, all drawn together by the allure of 360-degree vistas from the hotel’s crown jewel — the restaurant and bar on the top floor, cleverly regarded as one of the “highs” of visiting Kongsberg.

THE BOSE PROFESSIONAL SOLUTION

Before Hotel 1624 could establish itself as the esteemed luxury brand it is today, extensive planning, project management, and construction endeavors were undertaken. Among the multifaceted aspects of hotel design, it was crucial to craft an audiovisual experience that harmonized seamlessly with the hotel’s prestigious aura.

What made this task even more intricate was the necessity for top-quality audio that offered simple management and an intuitive interface. The audio system needed to gracefully intertwine with various areas, spanning meeting and guest rooms, a conference area, and the bustling restaurant and bar. A versatile system was necessary to serve each space’s unique requirements for diverse events. Additionally, the hotel desired a discreet solution that would both visually blend with its design while seamlessly integrate with the array of other equipment. Adding to the complexity was the tight schedule that afforded little room for post-opening stress-testing.

With these complexities in mind, partnering with an integrator to find a solution that would flawlessly address the hotel’s needs was paramount. In pursuit of this ambitious goal, Hotel 1624 brought in integrator Avistic, a distinguished Norwegian supplier of AV installations.

The Avistic team began its journey redefining the auditory landscape for Hotel 1624. For Avistic’s Project Manager, Dagfinn Kvael, “This undertaking was exhilarating and deﬁned the Avistic mission: designing a cutting-edge AV solution for a grand venue that was flexible enough to work within the project’s dynamic parameters while delivering on its promise of superior sound. Bose Professional simply made it easier for us to deliver excellence.”

Expanding on the situation, Elsa Braadland, technical director at Avistic, shared: “The hotel is naturally a large space which means the sound system would be more complex. A system of this size could be tricky but with Bose Professional it was easy to design a solution with numerous zones creating the ideal audio throughout the different spaces.”

In the three diverse meeting rooms, having a reliable, intelligible, yet intuitive audio experience was pivotal. Each room received a bespoke solution based on its needs, size, and capacity. To deliver top-tier audio quality and room-filling coverage, the team selected the versatile DesignMax DM5C and EdgeMax EM90 loudspeakers. In the pursuit of clear communication and 4K ultra-HD video, the Videobar VB1 all-in-one USB conferencing device was integrated, providing ease-of-use with the popular uniﬁed communications platforms. Finally, the ControlSpace ESP-880A engineered sound processor and the PowerSpace P4300A and PowerShare PS604D adaptable power amplifiers were deployed for the management and optimization of the audio system throughout the hotel.

Moving into the tranquil confines of the Plank Library, the DesignMax DM5C loudspeakers delivered the rich lows and clear, intelligible highs needed for the space — providing the perfect complement to the library’s ambiance of intimacy and solitude. To facilitate control and management, the ControlCenter CC-1D digital zone controller was installed, providing an intuitive interface for seamless and spontaneous adjustments.

Venturing into the spectacular outdoor areas, Avistic chose FreeSpace FS4CE loudspeakers, designed for their durability in environments where the audio devices may be exposed to the elements. These were complemented by the discreet DesignMax DM5SE loudspeakers for consistent sound coverage without compromising on aesthetics. The ControlCenter CC-1D digital zone controller was the final piece, delivering comprehensive control over volume and source selection.

Upon entering the lounge and reception area, the DesignMax DM6C loudspeakers delivered rich and clear audio quality to match the upscale ambience. These loudspeakers were integrated with the ControlCenter CC-1D digital zone controller to provide effortless control and management.

In the common areas, Avistic selected the in-ceiling and surface-mount FreeSpace FS2C loudspeakers, known for their consistent tonality. These loudspeakers were paired with the IZA 190-HZ integrated zone amplifier, ControlSpace ESP-880A engineered sound processor, and the PowerSpace P21000A and PowerSpace P2600A amplifiers. This combination offers enhanced power and digital connectivity, ensuring a soundscape of unmatched quality.

Finally, the Skybar Restaurant and Bar demanded a sound immersion of unparalleled caliber. Here, the DesignMax DM6C loudspeakers were again selected for their audio excellence, resulting in the ideal immersive soundscape. To elevate the space further, DesignMax DM8C-Sub subwoofers were introduced to match the lively atmosphere. Rounding out the solution, the ControlCenter CC-1D digital zone controller offered convenient volume and audio-source management, ensuring an unforgettable dining and entertainment experience.

“The different zones enable a natural ﬂow as guests move from reception to the restaurant then on to a meeting room or the spa,” stated Siri Morken, reception manager for Hotel 1624. “The sound is just perfect.”

Avistic’s installation team ensured that the sound system effectively met the hotel’s needs. By providing clear and high-quality audio in all areas of the hotel, Avistic and Bose Professional have guaranteed that sound quality was not just a feature but a defining hallmark of Hotel 1624’s exceptional atmosphere.

The Bose Professional sound system was an unequivocal success, enhancing both the guest experience and the hotel’s reputation as a prestigious luxury establishment. Guests and staff alike enjoy the immersive soundscape throughout the spaces. From small internal meetings to elegant dinners or even large-scale conferences, attendees enjoy a flawless event where the impeccable ambience is matched with superior audio quality.

The intuitive control system has empowered the hotel staff to easily manage the volume and audio routing with a user-friendly interface. This flexibility extends to the integration of external audio sources, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, allowing for seamless presentations and events.

Overall, the Bose Professional sound solution has transformed the guest experience at Hotel 1624, enhancing its appeal to the corporate or leisure traveler and solidifying its position as a leading luxury hotel in the region. General Manager of Hotel 1624, Dana Ali, expressed their satisfaction stating, “We at Hotel 1624 are very happy that we made the decision to use Bose Professional. You will find Bose Professional loudspeakers both in common areas and inside guest rooms. The sound is of the highest quality, and our guests greatly appreciate the upgrade.”

The experience created at Hotel 1624 continues to reinforce elevated standards for audio excellence in the hospitality industry.

“The different zones enable a natural flow as guests move from reception to the restaurant then on to a meeting room or the spa. The sound is just perfect.”

— Siri Morken
Reception Manager
Hotel 1624

PARTNER: AVISTIC

Avistic is a Norwegian supplier of AV installations with 40 employees and an approximate annual revenue of 170 million NOK. Avistic delivers most installations to high-end customers in Norway and Sweden.