Harpa Concert Hall: A Commitment To Safety With Hochiki Europe
A spectacular addition to the Icelandic cultural landscape, the Harpa Reykjavík Concert Hall & Conference Centre opened its doors in May 2011, lauded as a landmark of contemporary architecture. This multipurpose venue seamlessly blends classical music, with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and The Icelandic Opera as residents, alongside conferences and exhibitions.
A Showcase In Design And Safety
The brainchild of Henning Larsen Architects and Batteríið, the building features a stunning façade designed by renowned artist Ólafur Elíasson. The steel framework is clad with 10,000 multi-coloured glass panels, mimicking Iceland's basalt rock formations. This unique design creates a mesmerising play of light as Iceland's daylight hours dramatically shift throughout the year.
Protecting the public and staff within this architectural marvel is paramount. Here, the building's state-of-the-the-art fire detection system plays a vital role.
Hochiki Europe: Ensuring Early Detection
Traditional point detection wasn't feasible due to the Harpa's soaring ceilings, some exceeding 70 meters. To address this challenge, ARK Security implemented three Hochiki Europe FIRElink aspirating fire detection systems. These highly sensitive systems continuously draw air through pipes, analysing it for smoke particles. Early detection is crucial in high-occupancy spaces like concert halls.
Paul Adams, Hochiki's marketing manager, elaborates on the FIRElink system's operation: “Air is drawn into the unit and passed through a laser beam. If smoke particles are detected, an alarm is triggered.”
Robust Communication And Control
The FIRElink systems leverage Hochiki Europe's Enhanced Systems Protocol (ESP). ESP offers secure communication and error-checking for data integrity, ensuring reliable system operation. Additionally, the system features automatic drift compensation, recalibrating detectors daily to maintain optimal sensitivity.
Addressing Challenges, Maintaining Aesthetics
Concert halls often utilise smoke machines, requiring the ability to temporarily deactivate detectors in specific zones. Scheving highlights this capability: “Unwanted alarms can disrupt performances and evacuations. Disabling detectors in designated areas allows investigation before taking further action.”
Aesthetics played a significant role in the Harpa project. The FIRElink system's pipework could be concealed within the ceiling voids, maintaining design continuity. Additionally, black ALG-E optical smoke detectors seamlessly blended with specific ceiling colours.
A Comprehensive Safety Solution
The fire detection system extends beyond smoke detection. It integrates with various building services, including elevators, ventilation, smoke curtains, hatches, and the sprinkler system. Furthermore, it controls a zoned public address/voice alarm (PA/VA) system with over 1,000 speakers.
Continued Commitment To Safety
ARK Security meticulously installed and configured the system. Scheving is proud of his team's achievement: “Reykjavík's fire service commended the system's sophistication, and it has operated flawlessly since opening, proving Hochiki Europe's products were the perfect choice.”
A Recent Update: Maintaining The Highest Safety Standards
Recognising the ever-evolving landscape of fire safety technology, Harpa Reykjavík Concert Hall recently opted for an update to its fire detection system. Once again, Hochiki Europe's advanced solutions were chosen to maintain the venue's exceptional level of safety for patrons, staff, and performers. The specifics of this recent upgrade are not public currently, but it demonstrates Harpa's unwavering commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for all.
To find out more about the specialist systems used in this entertainment venue and how Hochiki products might be fit for your next stadium project please visit the Hochiki website.
