For many years, movable and demountable wall systems have been available in many configurations and methods of operation. They have emerged as indispensable tools for designers and architects when it comes to clients’ needs to divide space. Whether it is an open plan office, a hotel ballroom, a classroom or a major convention center, moveable/demountable walls systems will adapt effortlessly to satisfy the user’s needs.
Flexibility, sound separation and many design options are only a few of the accrued benefits of using moveable/demountable wall systems. But the choices are many and sometime confusing. So, let us delve deeper into the various available types of space division products that are available along with some associated terms.
Common Names, Terms, Definitions Associated with Interior Partition Systems
Interior Architectural Wall Systems have had many names that have changed over the years. Some of the most used are: Movable Walls. Office Walls. Demountable Systems. Demountable Walls. Relocatable Partitions. Moveable Partitions. Operable Partitions. Foldable Partitions. Foldable Walls. Sliding Partition Walls. Partition Doors. Glass Partition walls, Accordion Doors, Vertical Lift Partitions etc. The following will attempt to look at each design: applications: features, benefits, pros and cons and available options.
Product Types & Configurations:
Fixed Systems
Fire resistant or rated conventional stud wall systems: Usually 1 hour fire rating. Fixed in place. Constructed on site. Typically, gypsum board installed on internal studs with void filled with insulation. Not designed to be relocated. Non load bearing. Fast and easy installation. Can be installed anyplace.
- Required when an area designated as a corridor is created. Around stairwells, Elevator shafts. Enclosing mechanical & electrical rooms. Permanent storage rooms. Wherever local building codes dictate.
- Require special firestops, doors and frames and sealing of any penetrations.
- Variable STC values depend on thickness and choice of materials.
- Subject to abuse and breakage. Not durable.
- Not cost effective if different office configurations are anticipated.
Conventional stud wall systems: Fixed in place. Constructed on site. Similar features to fire rated walls (above) but not fire rated. Not designed to be relocated. Non load bearing. Fast and easy installation. Can be installed anyplace.
- Common in older buildings
- Variable STC values depend on thickness and choice of materials.
- Subject to abuse and breakage. Not durable.
- If removed should always be replaced with a demountable system.
Demountable Systems.
Glass or solid demountable Wall Systems:
Fixed in place panels. Non track & trolley. Custom manufactured for opening application height and width. Can be dismantled, relocated, and reused.
- Can reduce the cost of changing a space by relocating the panels.
- Installation and relocation mess free.
- Improve functionality and efficiency of a space.
- Able to improve aesthetics of a space.
- Glass skin option improves natural lighting and promotes well- being.
Accordion Doors:
Manually or Electrically Operated System: A series of panels connected by an internal hinging system. Operate on an overhead track system allowing the door panels to fold neatly against each other when not in use as well as unfold to close off the opening.
- Excellent choice for spaces with limited room and budgets.
- Very versatile in terms of application and use.
- Not durable or resistant to exterior abuse.
- Inferior acoustically and ability to block light.
Manual Movable Walls. Operable Partitions.
Manually Operated Continuously Hinged Panel Systems – Moveable as a hinged continuous train suspended from an overhead track and trolley system. A series of individual panels hinged together. Rarely used if available. Straight line only.
- Rarely used and not recommended, Difficult to relocate. Straight line openings.
- Classroom division. Small meeting rooms.
- Stacking, Storage: Center stacking only: The panels stack on the center line of the track. May stack at one end or both ends (paired stacking).
Manually Operated Paired Panel Systems: Glass or solid skins. Individual panels hinged together to form pairs or occasionally a group of three. Moveable as pairs suspended from an overhead track and trolley system. Straight line openings.
- Most economical. Simple fast setup. Efficient. No alternate locations. Stacked at either or both ends of track. Easy to set up. Height limitations.
- Classroom division. Small meeting rooms. Office buildings.
- Center stacking: The panels stack on the center line of the track. May stack at one end or both ends (paired stacking).
Manually Operated Single Panels Systems: Glass or solid skins. Individual panels that operate independently of each other. Moveable individually suspended from an overhead track and trolley system. Multiple stacking options. Largest & tallest systems.
- Complex layout challenges requiring alternate panel setups (multiple rooms) and options.
- Conference rooms. Convention Centers. When remote storage needs are needed
- Parallel Side Stack: The panels, when in the storage area are stacked off the track line and parallel to the run of the track.
- Perpendicular Side stack: The panels, when in the storage area, are stacked perpendicular to the run of the track.
- Remote Stacking: The panels are able, by means of a custom design, to be moved to alternate locations such that they stack remote from the primary track run.
- Paired Stacking. A system that has a stack area (any type) at both ends of the partition.
Electrically Operated Movable Walls, Operable Partitions.
Electric (Automated) Movable Walls, Operable Partitions. Solid only. Panels operate together automatically in a hinged continuous train by means of electric components and drives and without the need for manual actions. Straight line only. Center stacking.
- Straight line openings. Quick and simple setup. Many safety features. Require electrical service.
- School gymnasiums. Hotel ballrooms. Office board rooms.
- Center stacking.
Automatic Fully Motorized & Semi-automatic Manual Moveable Walls, Operable Partitions.
Automatic Systems, Fully Motorized Panels: Single Panel configurations (solid or glass) that automatically move into their designated pre-programmed place when activated by means of a wall mounted control. Acoustic seals and final closure methods are also electrically set in place.
- Effortless operation as panels move by themselves. No manual operation.
- Ideal for areas that require frequent layout adjustments.
- Acoustic qualities equal to manual systems. The same panels are used.
- Multiple stacking options.
Semi-Automatic Systems, Manual Panels: Single & paired panel systems. Solid or glass. Panels are manually set in place. Acoustic seals are set in place when each panel is in the proper location. Final closure manually set.
- More cost effective than fully automatic systems.
- Manual operation.
- Multiple stacking options.
Vertical Lift Systems:
Electrically Operated Vertical Lift Systems: Vertically folding retractable walls that retract into the ceiling space directly above the opening to be closed. Made from two identical grids of rectangular acoustical panels separated by an airspace and acoustical insulation.
- Space Saving. When stored, do not take up any floor space.
- High acoustic capabilities.
- Automatic operation.
- Store in overhead ceiling cavity.
In summary the use of full height moveable walls systems to divide space is advantageous in many ways.
- Environmental: Moveable walls can be dismantled and reused thus reducing waste and dust.
- Cost-effective: Initially more expensive than fixed partitions but over medium to short term moveable wall systems will reduce the cost of changing space needs.
- Functional: Moveable wall systems will improve the functionality of any space.
- Aesthetics: Moveable systems will, with their unlimited options, improve and enhance the appeal of all spaces.
A Premium Solution: Moveable wall systems are a premium solution for dividing and reconfiguring spaces to fit one’s desired needs.
