Hochiki Europe has partnered with Icelandic electrical and fire alarm specialist VOLT EHF to deliver a comprehensive fire detection system for the landmark Fjarðargata development in Hafnarfjörður. The mixed-use project combines modern architecture with historic buildings to create an interconnected space that includes apartments, a hotel, a shopping mall, restaurants, offices, and a library.
Ensuring life safety across such a diverse and expanding environment required a solution that was both robust and scalable. The developers turned to Hochiki Europe’s fire detection and alarm technology, supported locally by VOLT EHF.
Sigmar Örn Arnarson, VOLT EHF’s owner and lead engineer, first visited Hochiki Europe’s headquarters, where he received hands-on training at the Hochiki Training Academy and toured the manufacturing floor. Seeing the engineering standards and quality controls in action helped confirm the decision to choose Hochiki for this high-profile installation.
At the heart of the system is Hochiki’s Latitude fire control panel, selected for its flexibility and ability to scale in line with the needs of a large, multi-use site. Its integration with the building management system gives operators a centralised view of all services, while advanced false alarm reduction and discreet, aesthetically designed devices make it suitable for both residential and commercial spaces. The Latitude platform also supports 38 languages; Sigmar and his team contributed directly by assisting with the Icelandic translation, ensuring the system could be easily adopted by local users.
“The hands-on training at the Hochiki Academy gave us confidence going into the project,” said Sigmar Örn Arnarson. “The installation went very smoothly, and the support from Hochiki Europe was five-star. It’s clear we chose the right partner.”
The fire detection system has already been deployed across the hotel and residential areas, including a full suite of ESP intelligent devices. Plans are in place to extend protection to the rest of the complex, with the developers requesting the inclusion of base sounder beacons for an additional layer of safety.
With the Fjarðargata project set to become a hub for living, working, and leisure in Hafnarfjörður, its adoption of Hochiki’s life safety technology demonstrates how modern fire systems can combine flexibility, resilience, and user-focused design to protect people in mixed-use environments.