Glass Demountable Wall Systems are versatile, non-permanent partitions designed for flexible office space but also applicable to any interior space requiring division.
Assembly and Manufacturing Process
Typically, tempered, or laminated glass framed in aluminum or steel. Manufactured to precise measurements. Able to integrate with different floors and ceiling components. Powder coated or anodized for durability. Modular glass panels that connect to each other using integral interlocking joints or brackets. Switchable glass that changes from transparent to opaque is a much-used option.
Installation Process
Involves attaching/anchoring track like extrusions to the floor and fasteners to the ceiling. The pre-assembled panels are installed in the base tracks and fastened to the ceiling. Additional seals and gasketing are sometimes then attached to reduce sound transmission. The entire process is quite quick compared to traditional wall systems. Factory trained installers are most often required to complete this installation process as it involves precise measurements to ensure proper alignment and acoustic sealing.
Aesthetic Appeal
Glass Demountable walls add sophistication and a modern upscale look to interiors especially when they complement office décor and enhanced lighting systems. Glass can be frosted, clear, tinted, etched, custom printed with corporate logos and offer “switchable” glass – clear or opaque with the flick of a switch.
Glass & Glass Wall Options
Tempered Glass: The standard for safety.
Laminated Glass: Provides extra sound insulation and UV protection.
Switchable Privacy Glass: Allows instant transition from transparent to opaque.
Frosted or etched Glass: For privacy and added aesthetics.
Hardware Options: A wide variety of hardware is available including sliding or swing door mechanisms, handles and locks designed for aesthetics, durability, and ease of use. All ADA acceptable.
Pass Doors: Doors are integrated within the glass walls maintaining aesthetic continuity. They include acoustic seals to prevent sound leakage.
Applications
Office Spaces: For open collaborative environments while maintaining boundaries between teams or functions.
Education Facilities: Instructors can create open or private learning spaces while keeping sightlines unobstructed.
Retail Settings: Ideal for displaying products while keeping areas secure.
Healthcare Settings: Used in clinics for private consultation areas without compromising an open inviting feeling.
Residential Spaces: Can be used as adaptable room dividers in apartments or homes where occupants want the option to separate or combine spaces.
Event Centers: Ideal for flexible event spaces needing adaptable room configurations.
Advantages
Flexibility: Systems can be quickly disassembled, re-assembled, reconfigured, and relocated to support changing space requirements. Reusable.
Aesthetics: These features enhance natural light, creating an open and airy atmosphere while preserving privacy. Offer many glass options from standard to custom with switchable glass proving see-through or opaque.
Sustainability: most components are reusable and meet LEED or Green standards as they support modular construction and lower the need for new materials.
Disadvantages
Higher Initial Cost: Glass demountable walls are more expensive upfront than drywall although the use of reusable materials and the ease of reconfiguration offers long-term cost savings.
Lower Acoustical Performance: Even with seals. Sound transmission (STC) is higher with traditional walls which is a limitation in noise-sensitive environments.
Fragility: While tempered glass is durable it is still glass. It is more vulnerable to impacts than traditional wall types.
Field Issues
Acoustic Challenges: There could be sound leakage through gaps between panels. Glass is less acoustic secure than drywall, especially with steel skins or liners. The expected STC range of a Glass Demountable is 35-45
Alignment Issues: Misalignment of panels causes gaps as well as compromising aesthetics and acoustic performance. Only trained experienced installers should be used to ensure that misalignments do not occur.
Glass Damage: Tempered glass remains vulnerable to unusual impacts and scratching over time.
Conclusion
Each of these points will hopefully contribute to a more in-depth understanding of glass demountable walls systems. This information will help you better understand how glass demountable wall glass systems are the most desirable for environments requiring flexibility, sustainability, and aesthetics.
