When a building owner selects a group to design a project, they must first determine the needs and expectations of their client and select design, products and services that comply with these needs ensuring that the expectations are met. This article will look at the application & value, pros, and cons of using movable/operable walls in three “niche” markets: Healthcare. Education. Hospitality.
Healthcare.
Healthcare facilities are regularly challenged to meet changing patient needs and medical advancements as well as being able to quickly adapt to daily challenges such as isolation as experienced during covid. Patient areas and rooms, exam areas, surgical areas etc. must be created or reconfigured quickly and efficiently literally on a moment’s notice.
- A movable wall system can be used to create private patient rooms from larger ward areas.
- A surgical suite area can be partitioned into smaller specialized areas enhancing efficiency and reducing the risk of infection.
- When an emergency develops, a movable wall system can be used to isolate patients that may have contagious diseases thus helping to prevent the spread of infections.
- The systems should be designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities including those in wheelchairs.
The use of movable walls requires a significant initial investment that is often hard to rationalize especially when considering the initial cost and ongoing maintenance. Thus, the need to use the services of an expert movable wall specialist who can provide budget pricing, design advice, and optimize the use of all the panels by installing a pre-determined track grid.
- Acoustics are an additional consideration requiring professional advice. The correct proven sound ratings for the application must be provided to reduce sound transmission between areas. Review submitted independent laboratory sound tests ensuring they are current, and the proposed wall system complies with the test.
- Movable walls offer a variety of aesthetic options but due to the need for infection control coverings should be chosen carefully and as a result may not always blend seamlessly into the overall design. Often nonabsorbent hard surfaces that are easily maintained such as plastic laminate are used. Fabrics and carpets should be avoided.
- All movable walls must comply with national and local building codes with reference to fire codes and resistance to fire.
Education.
In educational settings, movable walls offer a versatile solution for creating flexible learning spaces that can quickly adapt to different teaching styles and curriculum. By maximizing the space possibilities during the design stage and construction the need for additional facilities down the road will be lessened.
- Classrooms: a common application of movable walls is to partition classrooms into smaller group learning areas or open to create a larger space for larger group learning. Flexibility promotes active learning and collaboration.
- Auditoriums and Gymnasiums: Movable walls are used to transform large auditoriums into smaller teaching areas thus maximizing the use of all available space. Often a movable wall is installed across a stage opening to create a classroom. Electric gymnasium dividers are used to divide large multi-court areas into two or separate men and women areas.
- Libraries: A portion of a library can be divided to create study areas, computer libraries, quiet rooms, specialized research areas etc.
- Other considerations: Carefully consider what sound control characteristics and results you want and work with the supplier to ensure you receive same. Consider the covering materials looking past aesthetics with more emphasis on durability, ease of recovering, maintenance, and ability to clean etc. Will you require installed accessories such as whiteboards, magnetic surfaces, pass doors, windows etc.? Wall systems now come with a multitude of technological innovations and products.
But movable walls also come with some disadvantages and potential concerns especially in vertical markets where there are often budget concerns.
- Maintenance: Movable walls require regular maintenance to ensure that they function as needed and remain safe. They are dynamic items that should only be relocated by factory trained personnel and maintained by means of a local distributor maintenance contract in conjunction with the manufacturer’s product guarantee.
- Acoustics: Other than price the most important consideration in the choice of an operable wall system is the acoustics as indicated by its STC number (the higher the better). Ensure that any submitted tests are current and accurately reflect what the contractor is proposing to supply. It is difficult and almost impossible to increase the acoustic qualities of a system after it is installed.
- Coverings: Covering options and materials for Educational facilities should be durable, wear resistant, maintainable and/or able to be replaced if necessary. Whatever exterior material is used, it should be installed over a steel sheet with a gypsum board substrate so as to resist impact loads. The most common material is "vinyl" as it is budget friendly and easy to maintain or replace if necessary and offers a wide variety of textures and colors. Other options are High Pressure laminates, carpets and full height steel markerboards. Materials to be avoided include fabrics and wood veneer materials.
Hospitality.
The use of movable walls in the hospitality industry (Hotels, Convention Centers, Restaurants etc.) is common. Flexibility is the key. Design the system regardless of the application to accommodate a wide range of events and functions.
- Meeting Rooms: Meeting rooms (rentable space generating revenue) are created using movable wall systems. The key is to predetermine the size of and number of areas that you want to create while using the minimum number of panels. Where and how the panels are stored are also critical.
- Ballrooms: Larger areas for meetings and events such as wedding receptions can be disadvantages and created alongside breakout rooms that serve the main area.
- Restaurants: Private dining areas can be created to serve customers based on demand. Wall systems will create a more personalized and intimate experience for customers.
But as with the applications mentioned above there are also disadvantages to their use and technical considerations to consider.
- Initial Cost: Movable systems in hospitality projects and in particular convention centers are large and tall thus making them expensive. It is important that the needs of the facility be carefully determined with important necessary features incorporated in them from the design stage forward. The hospitality industry is extremely competitive so wall systems that perform up to expectations and promises will result in returning business.
- Maintenance: The systems must be maintained on a regular basis with emphasis on effortless operation and aesthetics.
- Acoustics: The systems must be able to stop the transfer of sound from one side to the other. Thus, other than cost is usually the prime consideration in the selection process.
The versatility of movable walls in these three niche markets as well as others, make them an asset. In healthcare settings they provide emergency separation allowing for the better serving of their patients and improving workplace efficiency. In education they support innovative teaching methods and create adaptable learning environments. And in hospitality they enhance guest experiences and maximize revenue potential.
