When it comes to designing your office, you can either choose partition walls or the classic drywall. Here we will discuss the differences and advantages of these two systems
Partition walls or Drywalls?
When you design your office space, the choice between these two elements is inevitable and affects the design of the overall space and its flexibility over the time.
Beginning from the aesthetics and progressing to the functional and technical issues there is much to consider. Installing Drywalls might initially appear to be the most convenient option, however, over the course of time they require maintenance and can quickly rack up costs when compared to partition walls.
To help you choose between Partitioning Walls and Drywalls, we have compiled a list of characteristics explaining the differences and advantages of these two systems:
1. Transparent vs. Solid Walls
For many contemporary office’s transparency has become a fundamental element, not only to disperse natural light throughout the office, but also to verify if rooms are empty and to lighten the overall visual perception of the interiors. With Partitioning Walls, you have the option of using glass or mixing and matching solid panels with glass panels creating hybrid walls with both glass and solid sections. The extent of transparency can be individually managed by using textured or frosted films to enhance visual privacy. Drywalls on the other hand have the same characteristics of a masonry wall, fixed and blind. It is possible to create holes and openings inside drywalls but this process requires extensive structuring and will be fixed; future changes will then require you to demolished and rebuild the wall.
2. Flexibility vs. Static
Another necessity in today’s offices is that they be flexible and easily adaptable as working methods are constantly evolving (as well as company’s restructuring) and workspaces must change along with them. Partition Walls have a few upsides when compared with Drywalls in this regard as they can be modified with relative ease, changing layouts and dimensions according to their functions. Additionally, since partition walls are installed over flooring, they can be easily moved without destroying the walls or reflooring. However, when using fixed Drywalls, one must demolish the wall they wish to change rather than simply moving or removing a partition.
3. Implementation
With the passing of time regulations change, requiring different technical specifications for the many elements of the office. Transformability is fundamental to adapting the office and guaranteeing a high level of productivity for its workers. Partition walls can be modified to add acoustic properties, for example changing a single glass pane to a double glass pane or increasing the PVB index. It’s also possible to change the aesthetics of the workspace by easily adapting the colors and finishings of the wall claddings, or changing from blind to transparent panels. Drywalls can be modified using different materials, but the costs are much higher as well as taking a longer time to construct.
4. Storage
Storage is also an important aspect in offices: documents and bulky objects can quickly become overwhelming if there isn’t sufficient space to store them. The best solution is to integrate storage cabinets with the partition walls which is possible by simply removing a section of the partition wall and adding cabinets, this doesn’t require any demolition and can be a relatively quick process. Furthermore, shelves and other accessories can be attached to various partition walls. Many elements can be easily moved or changed with few limitations. Drywalls can only use fixed niches.
5. Aesthetics
The interior design of an office significantly impacts workers’ productivity as many studies have stated. The opportunity to easily change finishings is one of the many perks of partitioning walls which can quickly change the spaces visual impact. Blind wall panels can be made with colored melamine or wood finishings, while the glass ones can be customized with graphics and films according to your companies’ brand identity. Drywalls can be customized easily as well, changing from plasterboard to brick wall or simply choosing a different paint color.
6. Freestanding installation
In some situations, for example historical buildings, installing fixed structures can be forbidden. In these cases, drywalls cannot be used, meaning freestanding partition walls are your best alternative as they don’t need to be fixed to the ceiling. These partitions are perfect also in cases of high ceilings, frescoes and vaults. Another plus is that these systems don’t affect the light dispersion indexes.
7. Continuity
Creating a continuity between the furniture and wall claddings is always a plus inside offices. Partition walls are ideal for this as they can install panels and structures with the same finishings as the furniture used throughout the space. It is also possible to have the same doors for brick walls and separation walls.
8. Acoustics
Acoustics are among the most important characteristics to take in consideration when designing an office layout. Drywalls are often chosen for their insulating properties, but separation walls can also have high performances. Thanks to stratified glass 6+6 mm, 0,76 acoustic PVB and integration of insulation sheaths, both single and double pane versions can assure a high level of acoustic insulation.