Zlatý Strom

Zlatý Strom, a historic multi-storey venue near Prague’s Charles Bridge, has undergone a full AV upgrade to support its transformation into a modern multi-zone bar, restaurant and nightlife destination. Installed by FORSOUND, the system delivers precise audio control across cellar spaces, lounges and a dancefloor. Built on Powersoft’s Unica platform with networked audio and dynamic zone management, it enables staff to adjust levels, sources and ambience throughout the day, creating a flexible sound environment for both dining and entertainment.

Zlatý Strom is one of Prague’s most recognisable nightlife destinations, occupying a historic building near the city’s Charles Bridge. The venue spans multiple levels and combines restaurant, bar and lounge spaces with a basement dancefloor located within the building’s medieval cellar structure.
As the venue repositioned itself from a traditional nightclub into a multi-functional hospitality environment, the management team sought a new audio infrastructure capable of supporting a wide range of atmospheres throughout the day and week.

System integrator FORSOUND, led by designer Lukáš Sekera, was engaged to design and implement a solution that could provide precise zoning and flexible audio distribution across the venue.
The installation was built around Powersoft’s Unica amplifier platform, capable of handling communication and audio distribution via Dante audio-over-IP networking. This architecture enables audio sources to be routed dynamically between zones, allowing different areas of the venue to operate independently or share the same programme when required.

To simplify system design, the integrator implemented Powersoft’s Dynamic Music Distribution (DMD) functionality, allowing audio routing and zone control to be handled directly within the amplifier platform rather than relying on a traditional centralised DSP matrix.
WM Touch control panels positioned throughout the venue provide staff with intuitive access to key audio functions, enabling them to adjust levels and switch music sources in real time depending on the atmosphere required.

The system powers a distributed loudspeaker installation across multiple levels of the venue, delivering consistent sound coverage in restaurant areas, lounge spaces and the dancefloor environment.
The resulting infrastructure provides a scalable audio backbone capable of supporting the venue’s evolving operational model while maintaining reliable day-to-day performance.

One of the most significant challenges was installing a modern AV system within a centuries-old historic building with complex architectural features.
Zlatý Strom’s layout includes narrow corridors, cellar spaces and segmented rooms that make audio distribution and equipment placement particularly challenging.

The system also needed to remain visually discreet, preserving the historic character of the venue while delivering modern audio performance.

Another challenge involved designing a system capable of supporting multiple distinct atmospheres simultaneously, from relaxed dining environments to high-energy music programming.
In addition, all amplifiers had to be located in a separate technical area due to space limitations within the venue, requiring reliable network communication across the building.
Finally, the installation needed to deliver long-term reliability and operational simplicity, ensuring venue staff could easily adjust sound levels and zone configurations without technical expertise.

Set within a protected historic building, Zlatý Strom exemplifies how discreet, high-performance AV can redefine a venue without compromising its heritage. The installation introduces a sophisticated, distributed audio system that responds fluidly to the venue’s shifting identity, from daytime hospitality to late-night entertainment.
Crucially, the project overcomes the inherent constraints of a listed structure, integrating modern infrastructure with minimal visual impact while maintaining system reliability across multiple levels. The result is a seamless blend of past and present, where technology enhances atmosphere rather than competing with it.

This balance of sensitivity, flexibility and technical precision makes the project particularly compelling within the Bar category.