What are Demountable Walls or, as they are sometimes called Demountable Walls, Demountable Room Dividers, Moveable walls, Modular Walls, Unitized Walls, or Modular Partitions?
Demountable Walls by definition (Glass or Solid) are non- permanent, non-load-bearing full height (floor to ceiling) space division systems that can, when desired, be moved from their original location and reinstalled in different configurations and locations based on the current and future needs of the space.
They are not track and trolley mounted systems that can be moved manually or electrically using an overhead track and trolley system. Systems like this are also sometimes referred to as a Moveable Wall but more often as a Folding Partition, Moveable Partition, Operable Wall, or Operable Wall.
There are two basic types of Demountable Wall systems – Glass and Solid skins – that have different strengths and weaknesses and suitability based on user’s needs.
Glass Demountable Systems: These systems utilize glass “skins,” fully framed by aluminum or “trimless” on vertical edges depending on application and need.
- Acoustics: Very low inconsequential STC values if single pane glass models (typically ½” tempered/laminated) providing physical separation only. However dual glazed models (typically a four” total thick panel with ½” tempered/laminated thick glass separated by an air space) will provide acoustically sound panels with laboratory tested STC values typically from44 up to 51.
- Advantages: Provides freely flowing natural light (the use of sunlight to illuminate indoor space) creating brightness and openness. Creates an open modern and visually appealing environment. Wards off depression. Makes areas appear larger & less confining, contributing to productivity and well-being. Option for privacy using integral blinds or glass that can be rendered opaque by means of an electrical current. Easier to take down and relocate than solid walls.
- Disadvantages: Lack of privacy due to transparency. High maintenance as compared to solid walls: need regular cleaning. More expensive, especially acoustic systems, than solid. Not as durable as solid: glass is inherently fragile.
- Aesthetics: Very appealing. Glass can be etched, murals applied, frames anodized, may be transparent or see-through depending on selected options.
- Durability: Because they are “glass’ they require extra care, regular inspection for defects and overall, more careful handling to avoid breakage or scratching.
- Application: Creating individual offices (usually perimeter), conference rooms etc. Should be used whenever an open bright atmosphere is desired.
Solid Demountable Systems: Like “glass” except they use gypsum board or MDF skins instead of glass. Trimmed or trimless. Panel meeting points often covered by a surface mounted strip of plastic like material. Aluminum frames with perimeter acoustic gasketing.
- Acoustics: Excellent acoustics available depending on panel thickness (varies from three” to four”) and density of inside acoustic insulation. The STC value range is 46 to 55. Better acoustically than “glass” demountables. Create a more secluded workspace.
- Advantages: Most affordable of demountables. A variety of STC values are available depending on panel thickness and density of internal insulation. Provide complete privacy for areas requiring employee concentration and freedom from distractions. Can have “glass inserts” installed in selected panels allowing for light and custom visual connectivity.
- Disadvantages: Lacks light and openness of glass wall systems. Discourages employee interaction. Cuts back on desired employee “openness” of work areas. May encourage distrust resulting in depression. Old-fashioned appearance. More difficult to move than equivalent glass models.
- Aesthetics: Many aesthetic decorating options: customizable. Wall can be decorated professionally. Choose colors and textures that match office aesthetics Variety of finishes such as wood, laminates. Fabrics, murals, vinyl etc.
- Durability: Robust, strong construction. Minimal maintenance. Less prone to damage than glass. Any skin breakage or perforations can be field repaired rather than replaced. Excellent for high traffic areas.
- Application: Private offices, meeting rooms. Areas requiring acoustic privacy.
The primary alternative to a “Demountable System” are conventional permanent wall systems. They are typically constructed using brick, concrete or gypsum board, permanently attached to the building structure, durable, have fire ratings (must always be used when a fire rating is part of building code) and can provide excellent acoustic qualities. The disadvantages to permanent walls are that they cannot be reconfigured or taken down and reinstalled in a different location. Conventional walls require specific design and planning of the new space to be created, demolition of existing walls, high disposal costs, installation of studs & drywall, taping, sanding, and painting, new carpet or tile install plus major disruption to the office routine and productivity. Then a new wall system will be installed in the desired locations. A lot of mess, office upset, and downtime is always the result. Permanence and high sound ratings are the primary advantages of conventional permanent wall systems.
Overall demountable Partition Systems provide several benefits:
- Flexibility: Quick changes possible (reconfiguration) with minimum of downtime and mess.
- Sustainable: Very low costs and waste associated with a remodel using demountable systems. LEED credits available.
- Minimal maintenance costs. Easy to clean and keep sanitized.
- Cost effective: Buy once and use and reuse several times. Easy to install. If there is a need to take down and reinstall then there will be little disruption to the rest of office areas.
- Aesthetically pleasing: Can be customized to suit present needs and then modified to suit new locations or applications with little additional cost. Have a clean look.
- Arrive on site ready to install. Little mess or upset within office area. Install and reinstall quickly at low cost.
- 100% reusable. 100% recyclable.
- Durability. Insect & rodent proof. Will not rot or fade from UV exposure. Suitable for applications where high humidity, salt or other forms of corrosion and hazards are common.
- Is lower in cost if even one tear down and relocation is required.
In summary, choosing the right type of wall depends on your specific needs. If you need permanence and high STC values – choose conventional permanent walls. If you need flexibility, the ability to readjust space quickly, light and positivity – choose demountables.
