Movable/Operable Walls are most used in Educational, Hospitality, Healthcare, Religious and Office applications. Less common are their use in Retail and Residential projects. Below are some thoughts on the advantages and available options regarding their use in these markets.
Retail Stores
- Flexibility: The store layout can be adapted to accommodate what products are in vogue as well as current trends. Seasonal promotions or unique events such as special sales can be highlighted.
- Seasonal Changes: Create spaces that highlight seasonal products (holiday merchandise, swimwear, seasonal clothing etc.) expanding them in size as needs dictate.
- Increased Visibility: Specific areas highlighting specific products needing promotion are created using movable walls. Specific manufacturers and their collections can be merchandized in a focused manner. The use of glass walls to showcase high-end products or create a “see through” visually appealing display is most effective.
- Guided and Logical Customer Flow: With planning a movable wall system can be installed such that it will guide and direct consumers through the store in a logical flow. This will lead to a more enjoyable and successful sales experience by presenting to customers more opportunities to purchase.
- Brand Differentiation: Create distinct brand zones within a large store or area. Creates a more personalized shopping experience for customers who know what they want rather than them having to search.
- Temporary pop-ups: Movable walls can be used to create temporary pop-up displays or promotional areas within stores. Panels can be placed individually in strategic locations with products and promotional materials attached to their faces. Product launches. High end products. Special events.
Issues associated with Using Moveable wall systems in Retail applications.
- Cost: Expensive to purchase and install especially in “rentable” locations. More applicable to a user’s own building. Flexibility, ease of reconfiguration, the ability to customize and adapt may overcome the cost projection.
- Structural & Support Issues: Moveable walls are heavy ands must have adequate overhead support. A typical retail store may have an open ceiling or lightweight construction that will not support a movable wall. A floor-supported system is the best option.
- Acoustics: If acoustics are part of the considerations, then the opening in which the movable wall is installed must have the same STC value as the wall. Then choose a system having an STC of minimum 50, use coverings that assist in preventing reverberation and ensure proper maintenance after installation.
- Maintenance: Retail stores are high traffic areas leading to wear and tear. Choose easily cleaned durable covering materials and a movable wall system that allows for field recovering of any damaged panels.
- Aesthetics: Movable walls can look out of place in a retail environment if not designed to align with the store’s branding or interior design. Customize panel finishes, colors, and graphics to match the retail identity.
Residential & Homes
- Home Offices: Movable walls can be used to quickly create a “home office” that will minimize distractions and provide acoustic and visual privacy. After, the walls can be relocated back to their storage area with the entire area now fully opened.
- Multi-Functional Spaces: Convert open areas, in lower levels, to create multi-functional spaces such as exercise areas, contemplation areas, sleeping areas etc. and then reopened when the need is no longer.
- Open Concept Design: Many homes are designed with a minimum of visual barriers – an open-concept design. By using movable walls these open areas can be reconfigured as needed to create temporary divisions between living, dining, and kitchen areas.
- Home theatres: Create a dedicated home theatre experience with acoustically rated movable walls. When finished the movable walls can be opened reintegrating the space with the rest of the house.
Issues associated with Using Movable Walls in Residential Applications.
- Cost: Movable walls are typically designed for and used in commercial applications so that they have a higher initial cost compared to standard and conventional residential walls. They are affordable only in “unique” and “special” applications and circumstances. They will certainly set a residence apart from other homes. Consider the “spectacular.” What makes the home unique and different?
- Structural and Support Issues: All movable walls, whether solid or glass, are heavy and require a strong overhead support system not commonly found in a typical residence. Design for the weight of a movable wall system adding structural support like steel or an engineered wood product. Consider the use of a floor supported system. Work with your structural engineer.
- Acoustics: Acoustics will play a large part in the decision-making process, especially considering the areas you wish to divide. Choose an STC in the low 50’s and cover the panels with an aesthetically pleasing covering that has some non-reverberation (sound absorbing) qualities.
Overall Advantages, Applications and Trends re the use of Movable Walls in Retail and Residential Applications.
- Smart Glass Technology: Privacy on demand – glass that can switch from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button.
- Energy Efficient: Glass that can adjust its transparency to regulate heat gain and loss.
- Interactive Surfaces: Glass that can display information or respond to touch. Surfaces to which samples, products etc. can be attached.
- Customizable finishes and configurations: Tailored solutions to meet specific needs, design, and functional requirements.
- Acoustics: Minimize noise transfer between divided spaces. Sound absorbing surfaces reducing reverberation.
- Integration with Technology: Incorporate technology into glass walls such as screens, projections, and sensors to create interactive and intelligent spaces.
- Digital Signage: Incorporation of digital displays into glass walls for dynamic messaging and information sharing.
- Energy Efficiency: Movable wall systems can be designed that will optimize natural light and ventilation to reduce energy consumption.
Although not common Movable Wall systems, with some forethought and imagination, can be used in both retail and residential applications.
