The Integration of Movable Walls into the Architecture and Design of a Building

Product Integration in Interior building construction is the thoughtful incorporation of various building systems, products, and materials into a cohesive design. It also refers to a synergistic desire to have individual products (such as moveable walls) do more than what they are primarily designed to do. Moveable wall systems (also known as movable partition walls, folding partitions, operable partitions, folding doors & air-walls) when integrated into the interior design have many potential uses other than dividing space.

The project interior design team in today’s dynamic world & ever-changing world must design building interiors to adapt to the variable and anticipated needs of the occupants with the option to be reconfigured quickly. The days of static inflexible space. regardless of occupant and use, are gone. Moveable walls have become a powerful tool for designers to address this need for adaptability & thus satisfy specific demands. Moveable wall systems offer a multitude of benefits that enhance flexibility & provide space solutions in addition to providing variable aesthetic possibilities and improved acoustic qualities. 

Historically interior conventional wall systems (usually studs with exterior gypsum board) have been used to divide and separate areas on a permanent basis to define its function and size. But in today’s technologically driven world, businesses require work areas that can be transformed into collaborative work areas or private meeting rooms based on changing needs. Educational facilities need multi-size classrooms that can adapt to different class sizes and activities in addition to use by the public if designed as an educational facility.

Flexibility: 

This remains the primary feature and advantage of integrating a movable wall system into a buildings design. A large open-plan office can be segmented into smaller focused work areas during peak hours fostering increased productivity. A spacious conference room can be divided into smaller breakout areas for meetings or brainstorming. School classrooms can be modified to accommodate different class sizes, subjects or learning styles creating dedicated presentation areas or quiet areas for study. Flexibility unlocks creative design possibilities.

Enhanced Aesthetics: 

Movable Walls are not just functional; they can become striking design elements changing from strictly functional to a featured item in the space. They can be turned into a dramatic design element limited only by the designer’s imagination and tailored to match desired decor. A variety of finishes including rich wood veneers, laminates, standard vertical ribbed carpets, luxurious and textured fabrics, durable yet attractive vinyl’s, glass partitions or glass integrated within a wall system are only some of the options. Custom murals, painted finishes, uncovered for application of the customers own material are available. Bold or subtle colors, textures of all sorts and integrated artwork are common. 

Improved Acoustics: 

All moveable wall systems are designed with varying degrees of sound attenuation identified as STC. Higher laboratory attained STC values indicate a greater ability to block sound transmission. Quiet focused spaces, private meeting rooms, teachable classrooms in otherwise busy environments are created. 

Visual Transparency: 

Moveable walls with their primary element being glass may be used to provide visual connections between spaces while also providing space and acoustic separation. Natural light will flow through enhancing the overall ambience of the area as well as contributing to the wellbeing of all occupants. When placed strategically glass movable wall systems will reduce the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours.

Energy Efficiency: 

Movable wall systems can contribute to energy savings. Typically, the STC rating (acoustic qualities) are obtained using “insulation” contained between exterior skins of steel or gypsum board. The insulation used to achieve these acoustic properties also provides thermal resistance (R-Value) hindering heat transfer between the divided areas. This allows users to create separate zones within a larger space reducing the volume that needs to be heated or cooled thereby minimizing unnecessary energy consumption. The use of movable wall systems allows the user to create separate zones within a larger space. 

Seamless Integration: 

Moveable wall systems can be custom designed and produced such that they can be integrated and thus complement the surroundings in which they are installed: form with function. Custom colors and finishes on all surfaces of the wall panels, discreet integration of the overhead track system with the building ceiling, specialized construction techniques for a seamless transition between movable and permanent walls, special glass panel finishes that harmonize with exterior glass or adjacent glass elements are only a few possibilities. 

By integrating moveable wall systems into the architectural design of your building a world of possibilities is unlocked. From maximizing space, to enhancing acoustics and aesthetics movable wall systems offer a multitude of benefits.