Office partitions play an integral part in a modern office. In addition to optimising the available space, partitions can also provide various levels of privacy depending on the type of partition you choose.
Choosing Partitions for Your Office Fitout
The type of partition you should use in your fitout depends on your needs and preferences. Different types of businesses will have different requirements. For example, a medical fitout will require partitions that provide a higher level of security throughout the area.. While a general office environment may only require security in a specific area and not in others.
Fitout design and branding are important to every business. If you want to create a certain kind of look and feel, your choice of the type of partitions to use, could potentially have a strong visul impact.
If you’re just looking to update your current fitout, adding some walls can help give your space a total make-over.
Office Partitions Are Available In Several Different Types
No matter what kind of look you’re trying to achieve for your fitout, there are types of partition walls that will do that job perfectly! Plasterboard, glass, composite, timber veneer, acoustic, fire-rated and water resistant walls are the most common partitions used in office fitouts.
Here’s a quick look at some of the types of partitions mentioned above.
Plasterboard Partitions:
Plasterboard partitions form a permanent structure that is often used to provide privacy as well as hide things like plumbing and wiring. These partitions are essentially interior walls of your fitout.
Most Common Benefits:
- Privacy
- Uniformed look
- Allowing for distribution of Services (plumbing, electrical, data, etc…)
- Provide support for Joinery Items or other Fixtures that are required to be affixed to a particular wall
- Ability to be painted as Feature Walls
Glass Partitions:
The most obvious benefit of Glass Partitions is the distribution of natural light. The “open” look such walls provide is particularly useful in smaller spaces. If your fitout is being done in a minimalist style, you may find glass partitions to be an excellent way to go.
With Glass Walls, your space gets the best of both worlds in terms of dividing it for most efficient use as well as providing an airy, modern look. You can create small offices within your space or outfit your entire floor with wall to wall glass partitions.
Most Common Benefits:
- Light Distribution
- Modern, attractive look that combined with decorative elements on other, non-glass walls can be easily molded to convey a strong image of your company’s brand
- Easy to add elements such as your company logo which can be visually impressive.
- Although somewhat more expensive than Plasterboard, Glass Partitions are quicker to install
Acoustic Partitions:
For commercial fitouts where sound containment or blocking is required, acoustic partitions are a great solution. These types of partitions are created to absorb sound and provide both privacy and the necessary level of comfort for adjoining spaces. Use of these partitions is just as flexible in terms of installation as it is with regular plasterboard.
Most Common Benefits:
- Soundproofing
- Privacy
- The same advantages as offered by standard Plasterboard walls
Fire-Rated Partitions (Plasterboard):
Construction of fire rated walls is a serious and precise process that must adhere to Australian Standards and the Building Code of Australia. In principal, fire resistance of partition walls is achieved through use of specially designed steel studs (internal structure) and outer fire-resistant plasterboard layer.
Most Common Benefits:
- Providing the necessary fire rating to specific walls as nominated by the Architect, Engineer or Local Council
- These partitons can also be made sound proof.
Composite Partitions:
if you’re looking for something slightly different, your office partitions can be a combination of plasterboard and glass or say, timber veneer and glass. Such partitions have solid wall on the bottom and a glass section on top.
The biggest reason for use of composite partitions is that they allow the light to pass through and at the same time offer the privacy of the more traditional Plasterboard, Timber Veneer, or similar partitons.
They also provide the ability to run plumbing or wiring inside the bottom section.
Most Common Benefits:
- Light Distribution
- Privacy
- Allowing for distribution of Services (plumbing, electrical, data, etc…)
Timber Veneer Partitions:
There’s a reason why Timber Veneer is popular with fitout designers. These partitions add a classy, luxurious look that can have a stunning effect on your fitout space.
These partitons are available in virtually unlimited choice of Timber Veneer species and are a perfect solution to spaces such as Boardrooms or other areas of your commercial space that are being used by your clients.
Most Common Benefits:
- Unusual and luxurious look
- Privacy
- Allowing for distribution of Services (plumbing, electrical, data, etc…)
We’ve covered the very basics just to give you a general idea of the types of partitions you may want to consider. It is recommended to consult with a professional before making a final decision.
There are some important factors to consider such as costs, speed and ease of installation as well as functionality. That’s why Office Fitout Company has an experienced team ready to assist you with all of your fitout needs, including choosing and installing the best office partitions for your requirements.
