Located centrally within Berlin, Hagius Spa is a space dedicated to holistic wellbeing, sequestered from the usual hustle and bustle of the city. Featuring activities such as yoga and boxing, the spa has a specific focus on strengthening the mind and body, incorporating the full spectrum of senses in what the founders refer to as neuro-athletic training.

“We wanted to create a space in Berlin where we could offer a different kind of training experience,” explains co-founder Timothy Hagius. “Physical performance starts in the mind. Movement is regulated by the central nervous system and sensory input plays a significant role in this process.”

For this reason, staff opt to work primarily with smaller groups, placing more of the emphasis on the individual’s multi-sensory journey, following the theory that everyone should be attuned with their own biorhythm. There are several rooms, each of which use a combination of the senses to help simulate a certain state. Sound plays an essential role in all of them, which is why a premium audio solution was required as the spa sought to update its space during the pandemic.

Genelec Speakers Provide a Succinct Answer to Acoustical Challenges

Each speaker can adapt to the individual acoustics through means of a back mounted adjustment panel.

One of the unique challenges presented at the onset of the project was the fact that the speaker installation wasn’t considered until after the architectural and interior design elements had already been added. Since the acoustics of the space had not been originally considered in the design, this led to a greater reliance on speaker performance.

Ultimately, Studio SPC, the integration firm who worked on the audio installation, recommended the Genelec 4000 series to help power the space.

“The guys from Hagius asked me to offer them something high-end, functional and aesthetically appealing,” explains Kenan Jan Ibar, from Studio SPC. “After I introduced them to Genelec’s RAW recycled aluminium loudspeakers they immediately fell in love with the aesthetic, as it blends so seamlessly with their existing interior, based on greys and stainless-steel elements.”

The lack of bulky external amplifiers due to the active nature of the speakers further helped them blend into the minimalist aesthetic of the space. Each speaker also came with rear panel room compensation controls, which allowed the integrators to manually adjust the EQ levels of each speaker so they could be dialed into the acoustics of each space.

30 Speakers Power Seven Rooms for an Enveloping Audio Experience

Raw aluminum provides the perfect aesthetic to blend in with the spa’s minimalist design.

Of the 30-speaker installation, the 4000 series made up the bulk of the products with the main treatment room also receiving the bulk of the attention. Eight 4040s were installed throughout the and supported by a 7380 subwoofer. Meanwhile, other locations such as the gym and boxing ring, received five and four 4040s respectively.

For the changing rooms, showers and foyer, the team had seven 4030s spread across each space with the output and low frequency response being less of a priority and allowing for the adoption of more compact models. This same logic was then applied to the osteopathy room, which received 2 4020s.

Finally a single AIW25 ceiling loudspeaker was installed in the relaxation space with the goal of having it be as hidden as possible so as not to provide any visual distractions.

Kenan Jar Ibar explains his specification of Genelec: “When it comes to studio applications and sound installations, Genelec is always my personal choice. The sound is incredibly crisp and full – you feel the whole spectrum in a balanced way.

“Beyond this, they are durable and strong loudspeakers with an extremely long lifespan. In the event that there is a problem, Genelec’s service is second to none. From a design perspective, Genelec’s wide color selection and signature curved enclosures mean they fit well in almost any environment.”

And it seems the Hagius team agree with that assessment, even going so far as to say they plan on using Genelec again, should they start another project in the future.