Glass partitions are now a standard feature of office design, providing a convenient and contemporary way to divide up space. They help to maintain an open and airy environment, whilst offering a degree of privacy and soundproofing to allow more flexible uses of the space.
The modern office glass partition is available in a range of types and designs, including single glazed, double glazed, banded partitions, fire glass and acoustic glazing. Here is a closer look at the various options available to help you make a well-informed decision.
Single glazed partitions
The single glazed partition offers a good combination of affordability and quality. This is ideal if you have a limited budget but want to upgrade your office or make better use of space. They offer maximum transparency, allowing natural daylight to flood your office. This can boost the mood and morale of employees and save on energy costs.
Single glazed partitions are both stylish and functional, offering an acoustic barrier up to 39db. This can help to create quiet zones for focused work or confidential calls and meetings.
Double glazed partitions
The double glazed partition offers improved energy efficiency and insulation compared to single glazed partitions. The dual layer of glass provides a greater degree of thermal insulation, which will potentially reduce energy consumption and help to maintain a consistent and comfortable temperature throughout the year.
Double glazing also offers significantly better soundproofing of up to 53db, so if you have particularly noisy teams or work that requires detailed focus and attention, this may be a good option. It’s also a highly durable choice, with a double layer of toughened safety glass that is able to withstand accidental impacts.
Banded glass partitions
Banded glass partitions feature horizontal or vertical bands that bring an extra element of style and sophistication to commercial spaces. They can be accommodated within other types of partitions, such as single or double glazed, or acoustic glass. The frames are available in a variety of colours to complement your existing interior design scheme.
Furthermore, the bands can be incorporated with sections of coloured or frosted glass for an enhanced level of privacy, or to add interest to the space or simply to make people more aware that the glass partition is there, minimising the risk of accidental damage or injury.
Acoustic partitions
The acoustic performance of your glazing can be enhanced with an extra laminated soundproofing barrier that is inserted between two panes of glass. If noise reduction is a high priority in your office, please discuss this option with your supplier or installer.
Fire glass partitions
Fire glass has undergone rigorous testing to ensure that it can withstand high temperatures and will resist cracking or shattering under heat, reducing the risk of the spread of smoke and fire, and minimising potential injuries from shattered glass.
Suggested configurations for your glass partitions
The exact configuration of your glass partitions will depend on variables such as the dimensions of your office and the way that it is used. Consider the number of employees you have, and the nature of the work carried out in the office.
For example, are there a lot of meetings or collaborations that can be noisy? Do some employees need quiet spaces for tasks that require deep concentration? Are there a lot of telephone calls that could disturb other employees? If so, your office may benefit from multiple cubicles to allow for maximum productivity and comfort.
Potential configurations include a corner room with glazing on two sides; three-sided glazing to form a room along the mid section of an existing wall; or an inline wall to form a room between three existing walls.
Further options include an inline cubicle to form two or more rooms against three existing walls; or a glass end cubicle to form two or more rooms against one existing wall. The partitions can be incorporated with glass or timber doors that can be sliding or pivoting depending on your preference.
Overall, choosing the right glazing and configuration will depend on the intended uses of your office, your soundproofing and safety requirements, energy efficiency considerations, and your budget. Also consider the aesthetics and the overall impact of the glazing on your office design and ambience.
