Icelandair has recently completed a major expansion of its headquarters, located just 20 minutes from Keflavik International Airport. The new development includes advanced training facilities for flight crew, a flight simulator, and modern office spaces, including a striking atrium and multipurpose areas designed for meetings, presentations, and events.
Following the expansion, Iceland-based electrical contractor Verkhönnun issued a tender for the design and installation of professional audiovisual systems. The contract was awarded to Exton, a local AV technology and event production firm known for delivering integrated sound solutions.
According to Asaf Tzur, Sound Consultant and Technician at Exton, the original design brief called for line array systems in the atrium. However, after performance modelling using NEXO’s NS-1 software, Exton proposed a more discreet point-source system. “Our modelling demonstrated that the NEXO ePS range would meet the acoustic demands of the space while maintaining a minimal visual footprint,” says Tzur. “The cost savings were also significant.”
The atrium installation features six NEXO ePS10 loudspeakers mounted beneath two balconies, directed into the central space. Low-frequency support is provided by two L15 subwoofers, with a single NXAMPMk2 Powered TD Controller managing amplification and system processing.
In an adjacent multipurpose dining and meeting area, the audiovisual setup includes a screen, camera, and microphones for presentations. Here, twenty of NEXO’s compact ID14 loudspeakers are integrated into a slatted wood ceiling, paired with three hidden IDS108 subwoofers to provide discreet low-frequency enhancement.
“The ID14s performed exceptionally well in this context,” says Björgvin Ingi Jonsson, Solutions Division Technician at Exton. “Speech intelligibility is excellent, and we worked closely with Verkhönnun to design a mounting solution that met architectural requirements without compromising audio quality.”
Amplification and processing for this area are handled by four of NEXO’s nanoNXAMP powered TD Controllers. Introduced last year, the nanoNXAMP is a compact, half-rack unit that offers a cost-effective power and control solution for small to mid-sized installations.
A nearby cafeteria space features six ceiling-mounted ID14 loudspeakers and a single IDS108 subwoofer, powered by two nanoNXAMPs. “Even at low volume, the sub adds noticeable depth to the sound, complementing the ID14s very well,” notes Tzur.
In a dedicated training room—equipped for video conferencing and content capture—eight ID14 speakers and one IDS108 sub are integrated with a ceiling-mounted microphone array and projection screen to support course delivery.
“The objective for each installation was to deliver consistent sound quality and system flexibility,” Tzur adds. “The atrium, in particular, is now being used more frequently for a wider range of events than originally anticipated. We ensured the system had ample headroom, giving users confidence in its performance.”
While still settling into his new surroundings, Tzur notes that client satisfaction is clear. “I’m still learning Icelandic, but everyone who experiences the new systems seems to respond with a smile—and that’s something everyone understands.”
