There are hundreds of partitioning systems on the market and for someone who isn’t in the fit –out and refurbishment industry the choice of which type of office partitioning you should use can be a daunting choice.
Whether your vision is for a predominantly open plan office with some strategically placed Meeting Rooms or your prefer separate cellular offices you will want your office partitioning to not only be aesthetically pleasing but also meets the needs of your business in terms of performance and budget.
Below we break down the industry jargon and outline some key features of some of the most popular systems on the market.
Stud Partitioning
This office partitioning system uses a simple metal stud frame-work clad with plasterboard this system will fulfil most, if not all, requirements in terms of sound rating and fire rating. By using studs of differing sizes, adding layers of plasterboard (including Soundbloc or Fireline boards) and incorporating insulation within the cavity, this is the most flexible system on the market. With the correct design we are able to construct partition walls up to 9.3 metres high with a fire rating of 240 minutes and sound rating of 76 RwdB.
Where aesthetics are less important but demountability is a must the walls will be fitted with SAA trims. Alternatively the boards can be taped jointed to give a completely flush appearance, fitted with skirting to your requirements (MDF, PVC, softwood, hardwood) and decorated as required.
Glass panels can be integrated (single or double glazed) and features such as curved partitions, shadow gaps and head details can be created.
Glass Partitioning
Constructed using a slim-line, virtually invisible frame and fitted with floor to ceiling glass with a clear dry joint, this office partitioning system allows natural light to flood through and gives an open plan feel to work spaces whilst offering a degree of privacy. To meet with current regulations the glass must be fitted with twin band manifestation but many clients chose to personalise the glass, either with heavier frosting for privacy purposes or by incorporating graphics into the film.
The glass wall system can incorporate frame-less glass doors to maintain the open feel or can be fitted with doors (timber or glass) in metal frames to improve the sound rating. Alternatively, we offer a double glazed glass wall system to further improve sound reduction.
Relocatable Partitioning
A stud based system making it suitable for most office requirements. Its biggest selling feature is that it can be fully demounted and put up in another location so long as the ceiling height is the same or higher. Relocatable partitioning has some unique style features which make it both functional and stylish. The system has a recessed skirting detail which can be used as a wire-way and does not create a dust trap. The double glazed panels are factory made (Monobloc) sealed units which save construction time and offer enhanced sound reduction compared to other stud systems, whilst still incorporating integral blinds where required. The system is available in a number of powder coated RAL colours as standard.
Aluminium Partitioning
This is a budget purely functional demountable system to divide spaces, with a degree of speech privacy but no fire rating properties. The system can be constructed using solid panels or can incorporate glass, whether part of fully glazed. A double glazed option is available and integral blinds can be incorporated. Finished is SAA (satin anodised aluminium) as standard although components can be powder coated to any RAL colour.
If you are looking for an economical system, particularly for works offices, temporary or short-term offices or a system which can easily be re-located then this might be the partition for you.
Timber Partitioning
Providing a truly traditional look this system is less widely used than its hi-tech counterparts. However, it has a time-less quality and can be used in conjunction with more contemporary finishes to create a really stunning work space. Constructed in a similar manner to the stud partitioning the visible metal work is replaced with any timber of your choice.
