Installing Invisible Speakers Inside NYC’s Iconic ‘Jenga’ Building

Located in the Iconic Jenga building in Manhattan’s trendy TriBeCa neighborhood, this acoustically challenged penthouse apartment required a clean and uncluttered aesthetic that could only be achieved by invisible speakers.

The apartment, which was originally a concrete box, created challenges that, with the expert knowledge and experience of custom integrator Communitec, meant they were easily overcome.

So how do you create beautiful sound in an acoustically challenging space, with concrete walls, differing cavity wall sizes and no cables?

Working alongside a globally renowned interior designer, Hill House Interiors, Communitec chose Amina invisible speakers to create the acoustic ambiance their private client desired.

Key to the project was preparation. Cables were painstakingly installed throughout to ensure the team had everything they needed to create the perfect environment. Due to the concrete ceilings, ceiling speakers were not an option, however, due to the different thicknesses of cavity walls. Communitec had to be smart about how to mount the speakers to ensure the desired effect.

In some rooms the speakers were also designed to go behind very heavy wallpaper, so the team had to train decorators when bonding the paper to the speakers to ensure good transmission of sound.

Opting for Amina, not only aesthetically pleased the client but also solved many of the problems that Communitec would have experienced with traditional cone speakers. A mixture of Edge5 models for the bedrooms, and Edge7 models for the entertaining spaces gave the wide dispersion perfect for the space to be filled with clear sound.

The Communitec team employed a Savant’s control system, including their integrated amplifiers to deliver music throughout the apartment as well as motorized shades on each window with a discreet security system for when the client isn’t in town. With everything controlled from one system, Amina products fit seamlessly into the scheme.

According to Communitec, the Clients loved the finished result, stating that the sound is great, and is especially effective when they entertain.