Hochiki provides fire safety for Iceland’s Fjarðargata development
Iain Hoey
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Fire detection system installed in mixed-use complex
Hochiki Europe has reported that it has supplied a fire safety system for the Fjarðargata development in Hafnarfjörður, Iceland.
According to Hochiki, the project includes apartments, a hotel, restaurants, offices, a shopping mall and a library.
The company said the development combines new buildings with historic structures, requiring a system that could adapt to different spaces and allow for future expansion.
It added that the solution was installed in partnership with VOLT EHF, an Icelandic provider of electrical and fire alarm systems.
The manufacturer explained that the fire detection and alarm system was designed to provide consistent life safety across all areas of the site.
Latitude panel central to installation
Hochiki Europe stated that its Latitude fire control panel was selected as the central element of the installation.
The company explained that the panel offers flexible configuration and can be scaled up for additional buildings.
It added that the system was integrated with the site’s Building Management System, giving a centralised overview of services.
According to the manufacturer, the Latitude system also provides strong false alarm reduction and includes devices designed to be unobtrusive within the architectural design.
Hochiki said that further capacity has been built into the system for later expansion as the development grows.
Training and partnership with VOLT EHF
Hochiki reported that VOLT EHF’s owner and lead engineer, Sigmar Örn Arnarson, visited its European headquarters at the start of the partnership.
It said that Arnarson received training at the Hochiki Academy and was shown the company’s manufacturing processes.
The manufacturer explained that the visit demonstrated its approach to engineering and quality control.
Hochiki added that this reinforced VOLT EHF’s decision to use its system at the Fjarðargata development.
Arnarson said: “The hands-on training at the Hochiki Academy gave us confidence going into the project.
“The installation went very smoothly, and the support from Hochiki Europe was five-star.
“It’s clear we chose the right partner.”
System features and local adaptation
Hochiki stated that the Latitude fire control panel supports 38 languages.
It explained that VOLT EHF assisted with the Icelandic translation for the system.
The company noted that this allowed the installation to be fully adapted to the local market.
According to Hochiki, the current installation covers the residential areas and hotel.
The business added that it has been equipped with a full suite of ESP intelligent devices.
Future expansion of fire protection
Hochiki said that there are plans to extend the fire detection system across the entire complex.
It reported that developers of the hotel have requested the addition of base sounder beacons.
The company explained that these devices will provide enhanced safety for occupants.
Hochiki added that the installation in the hotel and residential areas marks the first stage of a broader fire safety programme for the Fjarðargata project.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The installation shows how fire detection systems can be scaled for large mixed-use developments.
The project demonstrates the role of integrated fire panels within wider Building Management Systems.
It also highlights the importance of local adaptation, including language translation for user interfaces.
For professionals, the case illustrates how partnerships between system manufacturers and local installers can shape project outcomes.
Hochiki provides fire safety for Iceland’s Fjarðargata development: Summary
Hochiki Europe has reported that it has supplied a fire safety system for the Fjarðargata development in Hafnarfjörður, Iceland.
The project includes apartments, a hotel, offices, restaurants, a shopping mall and a library.
The installation was completed in partnership with Icelandic provider VOLT EHF.
Hochiki stated that its Latitude fire control panel was central to the system.
The panel integrates with the Building Management System and supports 38 languages.
VOLT EHF assisted with translation of the system into Icelandic.
According to Hochiki, the installation includes ESP intelligent devices in the residential and hotel areas.
The company reported that base sounder beacons will be added in the next stage.
Hochiki said that further expansion of fire protection is planned across the complex.
The manufacturer explained that the system has capacity for future development.