Fjarðargata Complex

 

 

 

A landmark development is taking shape in the coastal town of Hafnarfjörður, Iceland. Located at Fjarðargata, the site blends modern architecture with preserved older structures to create a dynamic, mixed-use complex. The project brings together residential apartments, a self-check-in hotel, a shopping mall, restaurants, offices, a library, and underground parking, all in one interconnected space.

To ensure comprehensive life safety across such a diverse and expanding environment, the developers partnered with local fire safety specialists VOLT EHF, who selected Hochiki Europe as their manufacturer of choice for fire detection and alarm systems.

 

VOLT EHF, a specialist in electrical installations and fire alarm systems, has built a strong reputation in Iceland for delivering high-quality safety solutions across complex and demanding environments. As a new customer to Hochiki Europe, VOLT EHF approached the project with a clear priority: finding a manufacturer with a proven track record for quality, reliability, and intelligent design.

To build confidence and competence ahead of the project rollout, Sigmar Örn Arnarson, owner of VOLT EHF and lead engineer on the project, visited Hochiki Europe’s headquarters. There, he attended specialist sessions at the Hochiki Training Academy, an environment designed to give installers real-world experience with Hochiki’s panels and devices.

 

The hands-on training provided valuable insights into the configuration, operation, and maintenance of the full product range. Coupled with a guided tour of Hochiki’s manufacturing floor, the visit gave Sigmar and his team a deep appreciation for the engineering precision and quality control behind every Hochiki product. This experience helped confirm their decision to appoint Hochiki as the fire safety manufacturer for this prestigious Icelandic development.

 

 

Hochiki’s Latitude fire control panel was selected as the backbone of the fire detection system. Its scalability and flexible configuration make it the ideal choice for large, multi-use complexes like Fjarðargata, with capacity built in to support future expansion of the site.

 

The Hochiki Latitude panel supports 38 different languages, a feature that underscores its global adaptability and user-centric design, allowing for easier operation and system management in various international markets. As the Icelandic language is unique to the country, Sigmar and his team assisted with the translation on the overlay of the Hochiki panel, instrumental in its application.

 

The system is also designed to integrate seamlessly with the site’s overall Building Management System (BMS), ensuring a centralised view of life safety alongside other critical building services. In addition to reliability, the system was chosen for its strong false alarm reduction performance and discreet, aesthetically designed devices that complement the modern look of the development.

 

 

Currently, the Hochiki solution is installed in the hotel and residential areas.  The system includes a full suite of ESP intelligent devices, smoke detectors, manual call points, sounders, beacons, and repeater panels, all designed to provide clear alerts and ensure quick response in the event of an emergency. There are further planning and designs underway to roll out protection to the rest of the complex with the developers of the hotel requesting the inclusion of base sounder beacons.

 

"From the start, we were impressed by the engineering quality and user-friendly design of Hochiki’s systems. The hands-on training at Hochiki’s Academy really helped us understand the flexibility and strength of the products and gave us confidence going into the project. For a site of this scale and complexity, we expected challenges, but the installation went very smoothly, we’ve had little need for technical support. On the rare occasion we did require assistance, the support from Hochiki Europe was five-star. It’s clear we chose the right partner."

 

Sigmar Örn Arnarson, Lead Engineer and Owner, VOLT EHF.

 

 

The Fjarðargata development is a standout example of how tailored fire safety solutions, backed by expert support and world-class engineering, can meet the demands of even the most complex, multi-use environments. As the site continues to grow, Hochiki’s scalable systems and responsive partnership will ensure long-term protection and peace of mind.