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Revolutionising residential ventilation in Iceland through innovation and collaboration
Systemair and Blikksmiðurinn hf collaborated to introduce a pioneering solution that set a new market standard, now adopted in 85-90% of new residential projects across the country.
Case Study: Elliðabraut, Iceland
Project highlights
Transforming an industry
Systemair and Blikksmiðurinn hf pioneered residential ventilation with flexible ducts concealed in concrete decks and compact AHUs with thermal recovery, the first of their kind in Iceland.
Finding solutions together
The project saw strong collaboration and knowledge exchange among Blikksmiðurinn hf, Systemair, Efla Engineering, and building entrepreneurs Mótx, which enabled the successful design and installation of the solution at Elliðabraut.
A successful pioneering project
In total, 106 apartments across six buildings were equipped with Systemair VTR residential units, Flex Tube F ducts and boxes, diffusers, valves, grilles, fans, and fire dampers.
Optimised indoor air quality, widespread adoption
The innovative approach improved air quality, eliminated condensation and mould issues, and is now integrated into 85-90% of new residential projects.
This was a project that really changed the building industry in Iceland and laid the foundation for Blikksmiðurinn hf and Systemair’s success in the residential ventilation business across the country.
HVAC Engineer BSc, Blikksmiðurinn hf
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The need for something new
In 2014, Iceland’s residential building sector faced growing concerns about poor indoor air quality. Modern construction methods improved building envelopes, creating tighter spaces but leading to issues such as condensation on windows during winter and mould spores in new apartments. Complaints surged, sparking intense debate on root causes and potential solutions within the engineering community.
It was against this backdrop that Karl Hákon Karlsson of Blikksmiðurinn hf recalled from his early days as a consulting engineer that he came across a small, sophisticated ventilation unit from a company called Villavent, which later on was acquired by Systemair. With established ties to Systemair following their company acquisition, Blikksmiðurinn hf recognised an opportunity, and the team initiated conversations to bring innovative solutions to Iceland.
Collaborative approach to problem-solving
In 2015, Blikksmiðurinn hf collaborated with Efla Engineering and Systemair, arranging a fast-tracked visit to Systemair’s Skinnskatteberg factory in Sweden. Accompanied by engineers from Efla and building entrepreneurs from Mótx, who had experienced ventilation issues in previous projects, the team explored installations in nearby projects that addressed similar issues and assessed the technology firsthand.
A groundbreaking solution emerged for residential ventilation systems with flexible ducts concealed within concrete decks and small air handling units (AHUs) featuring thermal recovery. Following the tour, the decision to implement the Systemair solution in Mótx's upcoming Elliðabraut 12-22 project, which was in its early design phase, was made.
Tailoring solutions for Icelandic needs
Efla Engineering led the project’s design, incorporating Systemair and Blikksmiðurinn hf guidance to overcome challenges specific to the country. “This was entirely new for the Icelandic market at the time,” says Karlsson. “There was no experience with flexible ducts concealed in concrete, so there were some challenges in the design and lots of questions, “
Key considerations surrounding the project included planning concrete works around ventilation integration and optimising intake and exhaust placements. Mitigating sound pressure levels from AHUs and ensuring fire safety with appropriate dampers was also crucial. Blikksmiðurinn hf and Systemair provided technical expertise, ensuring designers and stakeholders felt confident in the system’s reliability and effectiveness.
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Organising phased implementation
The design was finalised in 2017, with installation beginning in spring 2018 as the first concrete decks were poured. The project was delivered in phases from 2019 to 2021, and while the process offered valuable lessons, no significant setbacks occurred.
In total, 106 apartments in 6 buildings, all equipped with Systemair VTR residential units, Flex Tube F ducts and boxes, residential diffusers, valves, grilles, fans, and fire dampers.
We thank Systemair for two decades of outstanding collaboration and a shared commitment to innovation and quality. This partnership, bringing together Mótx, Efla, Systemair, and Blikksmiðurinn, has delivered a project that has transformed Iceland’s building industry. Systemair has reinforced widespread respect for its high-quality products, while Blikksmiðurinn hf has strengthened its position as a leading installer, distributor, and engineering force.
HVAC Engineer BSc, Blikksmiðurinn hf