All You Need To Know About Glass Partitions | News

Partitioning a workspace isn’t just about creating separate areas; it’s about enhancing functionality, aesthetics, and the working experience. The most popular types are glass, steel, and solid partitions and they all have different uses depending on your industry and what you want to create with them.

It can get a little confusing, but below is a cheat's guide to help you understand what you need for your project and APSS will help support you along the way.

Glass Partitions: Open, Bright, and Flexible

Why Glass Works: Glass partitions are the darlings of modern office design. They allow natural light to flow through the workspace, making rooms feel bigger and more inviting. They’re also versatile, offering options like single or double glazing, frosted finishes, and even switchable privacy glass that changes transparency at the flick of a switch.

For additional aesthetics, these partitions don’t have to fit a regular rectangular frame, if you want to make your office a little more edgy, an angled glass partition creates a different feel. All glass partitions can include bespoke manifestations to amplify your company’s brand or just something a little more fun too.

Types of Glass Partitions

Single-Glazed Partitions

Best Use: Ideal for open-plan areas where light and visibility are priorities but acoustic performance is less critical.
Advantages: Cost-effective, sleek design, suitable for quick installations.

Double-Glazed Partitions

Best Use: Perfect for meeting rooms or executive offices requiring sound insulation or privacy.
Features: Enhanced acoustic properties, options for integrated blinds, and availability of fire-rated glass.

Acoustic Glass Partitions

Best Use: Essential in spaces where noise reduction is critical, such as conference rooms or collaborative zones within open offices.
Performance: Acoustic ratings can reach up to 47 dB, depending on the design and glazing type.

Fire-Rated Glass Partitions

Best Use: Suitable for offices prioritising safety and compliance, such as those in high-risk industries or multi-level buildings.
Specifications: Available with ratings for 30 or 60 minutes of fire resistance, ensuring both structural integrity and insulation from heat. Meets British Standards for fire performance.

Industry Match: Think open-plan offices, coworking spaces, and creative industries where light and visibility are a priority. Acoustic or fire-rated options are excellent for client-facing meeting rooms or boardrooms.

Steel Partitions: Tough, Functional, and Industrial

What Sets Steel Apart: If you need strength and durability, steel partitions are your go-to. They’re ideal for heavy-duty environments, offering solid protection and fire resistance. Steel can be single-skin for practicality or double-skin for enhanced soundproofing and aesthetics.

Steel Partitions

For industrial or specialised spaces, steel partitions are often the preferred choice:

Single-Skin Steel Partitions
- Features: Durable and cost-effective.
- Best Uses: Storage areas, factory enclosures, or basic office divisions in industrial settings.
Double-Skin Steel Partitions
- Features: Improved aesthetics, with optional acoustic and fire-resistance upgrades.
- Best Uses: High-traffic zones in warehouses, cleanrooms, or aesthetically demanding industrial setups.

Best Use of Steel Partitions:

Warehouses and Factories: Separate machinery areas, create cleanrooms, or establish quiet office spaces within a bustling industrial floor.
Healthcare: Use double-skin steel partitions for hygienic environments like laboratories or medical cleanrooms.
Retail Storage: Organise inventory or create dedicated staff areas.

Industry Match: Perfect for industries where durability, safety, and functionality trump aesthetics—think manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.

Solid Partitions: Private, Customisable, and Acoustic

Why Choose Solid Walls: Sometimes, you just need a wall that’s, well, solid. These partitions come in various materials like plasterboard or melamine and can be customised with colours, textures, or even writable surfaces.

Best Applications:

Corporate Offices: Use solid walls for executive rooms where privacy is key.
Educational Spaces: Ideal for classrooms or lecture halls, providing soundproofing and durability.
Retail Showrooms: Divide display and storage areas discreetly.

Industry Match: Great for environments needing clear boundaries and privacy, such as education, finance, and retail.

Comparing Partition Types

Feature

Glass Partitions

Steel Partitions

Solid Partitions

Aesthetic Appeal

Sleek and modern

Industrial and functional

Customisable to suit style

Soundproofing

High with acoustic options

Moderate to high (double-skin)

High

Fire Resistance

Available (30-60 mins)

High

Moderate to high

Durability

Medium

Very High

High

Best Industries

Creative, Corporate

Industrial, Healthcare

Education, Retail, Corporate

Making the Right Choice

Consider Your Space Needs: Do you want to inspire collaboration (glass), endure heavy use (steel), or create private zones (solid)?
Think About the Future: Modular steel and glass partitions can be reconfigured as your business grows.
Safety and Compliance: Fire-rated partitions are essential for high-risk industries or areas like stairwells and corridors.

Whether it’s enhancing a contemporary office with bright glass panels or installing robust steel dividers in a warehouse, partitions can transform your workspace. For expert advice and customised solutions, get in touch and we will be happy to discuss the best options for your requirements.