Commercial Office Solutions
Movable Walls for Modern
Commercial Offices
Flexible workspace partitions, glazed office partitions and movable acoustic walls for meeting rooms, boardrooms, conference areas and open-plan office fit-outs.
Introduction
How ModernGlide Systems Are Used in Commercial Offices
Modern office design demands flexibility. As working patterns evolve, commercial spaces need to adapt quickly — creating meeting rooms on demand, dividing conference areas for smaller groups, or opening walls to create larger collaborative zones. ModernGlide movable acoustic walls and operable partitions give offices the ability to reconfigure instantly without permanent construction.
Whether you are specifying a new commercial fit-out or refurbishing an existing office, movable wall systems allow architects and interior designers to create truly flexible workplaces. Glazed partitions bring natural light into enclosed spaces, while solid acoustic panels provide the privacy needed for focused work and confidential meetings.
The challenge in open-plan office design is balancing collaboration with acoustic privacy. Too open, and confidential conversations carry across the floor. Too enclosed, and the building feels rigid and inflexible. ModernGlide movable wall systems solve this by providing genuine acoustic separation that can be deployed in minutes — and removed just as quickly when the space needs to open up again.
Design Challenges
Typical Challenges in Office Design
Acoustic Privacy
Open-plan offices create noise transfer between workspaces. Confidential conversations, phone calls and meetings can be overheard across the floor, reducing productivity and compromising privacy.
Flexible Room Layouts
Businesses need spaces that adapt as teams grow, shrink or reorganise. Permanent walls prevent this flexibility — movable partition systems allow instant reconfiguration without construction work.
Large Open Spaces
Modern offices often feature large open floors that need to be divided for different functions — meeting rooms, breakout areas, training spaces — without losing the sense of openness.
Multi-Use Environments
The same space may need to function as a boardroom in the morning and a training room in the afternoon. Systems must be quick to reconfigure and require no specialist operation.
System Solutions
How ModernGlide Systems Solve These Challenges
ModernGlide supplies a comprehensive range of movable wall systems specifically suited to commercial office environments. Glazed systems such as the MG500, MG600, MG700 and MG900 allow natural light to flow through divided spaces while still providing acoustic separation. Solid acoustic systems such as the MG100 provide the highest levels of acoustic privacy for boardrooms and confidential meeting rooms.
All systems are top-hung from a ceiling track, meaning no floor channels are required — important in offices where floor finishes must remain uninterrupted. Panels stack neatly into a storage bay when not in use, restoring the full open-plan space in minutes.
Acoustic Performance
Controlling Sound Between Office Spaces
Acoustic performance is measured in Rw (weighted sound reduction index). ModernGlide movable acoustic wall systems are available with Rw ratings from 33 dB up to 59 dB — the highest available in the market. For open-plan meeting rooms, a glazed system with Rw 38–42 dB is typically sufficient. For boardrooms handling sensitive discussions, the MG100 at Rw 59 dB provides full acoustic separation.
All acoustic ratings are independently tested and certified, giving architects and specifiers confidence in the performance data used during the specification process.
Acoustic ratings explainedApplication Examples
Typical Applications in Offices
PanelHush Acoustic Systems
Acoustic Treatment for Office Environments
In addition to movable wall systems, open-plan offices often require acoustic absorption treatment to reduce reverberation and background noise. PanelHush acoustic panels and ceiling baffles are widely used in commercial office fit-outs to create a comfortable working environment.
Architect Resources
Guides & Resources for Offices
Recommended Systems
Systems for Offices
Movable walls for meeting rooms, boardrooms and open-plan offices
MG500 – Flush Glazed Sliding Folding
Frameless glazed partitions that fold away to open up the full space. Ideal for light-filled meeting rooms and breakout areas.
MG600 – Glazed Office Partitions
Floor-to-ceiling glazed operable walls for offices requiring maximum natural light and visual connection.
MG900 – Crittall Glazed Partitions
Steel-framed Crittall-style glazed sliding partitions for design-led office interiors.
MG100 – Movable Acoustic Wall
High-performance solid acoustic wall achieving Rw up to 59 dB. For boardrooms and confidential meeting rooms.
MG200 – Acoustic Sliding Wall
Straight sliding acoustic wall system for office partitioning and room division with excellent sound control.
Related Searches
Superior Acoustic Performance
Rw ratings from 33 to 59 dB. Independently tested and certified for genuine acoustic separation in commercial offices.
UK & European Manufactured
All ModernGlide systems are designed and manufactured to exacting quality standards.
FIS Accredited Installer
ModernGlide is a FIS accredited installer, giving architects and specifiers confidence in our commercial work.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from architects, interior designers and fit-out contractors specifying movable walls for commercial offices.
What is the best movable wall system for a commercial office?
For open-plan offices with meeting rooms, glazed systems such as the MG500 or MG600 are most commonly specified. They allow natural light to pass through while providing acoustic separation. For executive boardrooms or confidential meeting rooms, the MG100 solid acoustic wall at Rw 59 dB delivers the highest level of privacy.
What acoustic performance do I need for office meeting rooms?
For standard meeting rooms in open-plan offices, an Rw rating of 38 to 45 dB is typically sufficient. For boardrooms and rooms used for sensitive or confidential discussions, a minimum Rw of 50 dB is recommended. The MG100 achieves Rw 59 dB, which is the highest in the ModernGlide range.
Do movable office partitions require floor channels?
No. All ModernGlide movable wall systems are top-hung from a ceiling track, meaning no floor channels are required. This is particularly important in commercial offices where floor finishes such as raised access flooring, carpet tiles or polished concrete must remain uninterrupted.
Can movable walls be glazed for office meeting rooms?
Yes. ModernGlide offers several glazed movable wall systems for offices, including the MG500 flush glazed sliding folding wall, the MG600 floor-to-ceiling glazed system, the MG700 frameless glazed system and the MG900 Crittall-style glazed partition. All allow natural light to pass through while maintaining acoustic separation.
How quickly can a movable wall be reconfigured in an office?
A standard movable wall system can be opened or closed by one person in approximately 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the number of panels. Electric systems such as the MG100E can be operated at the touch of a button, reconfiguring large spaces in under 2 minutes.
Are movable office partitions fire rated?
Yes. Several ModernGlide systems are available with fire resistance ratings. The MG400 and MG500 are available with 30-minute and 60-minute fire resistance (FD30 and FD60). Fire ratings must be confirmed at the specification stage and will depend on the specific configuration and glazing used.
What finish options are available for office movable walls?
ModernGlide movable wall panels are available in a wide range of finishes including fabric upholstery, painted MDF, high-pressure laminate and timber veneer. Glazed systems can incorporate clear, frosted or manifestation glass. Custom RAL colours are available for painted finishes.
Can I specify movable walls using NBS?
Yes. ModernGlide provides NBS specification clauses for all major product systems. These can be downloaded from the ModernGlide website or requested from the technical team. NBS specifications are suitable for use in RIBA Stage 4 technical design packages.
What is the difference between a movable wall and a folding partition for offices?
A movable acoustic wall (operable wall) consists of individual panels that are hung from a ceiling track and manually positioned. Each panel seals independently at the top and bottom for acoustic performance. A folding partition is a concertina-style system where panels are hinged together and fold back to one side. Movable walls generally offer higher acoustic performance and a more premium finish.
Do ModernGlide office partitions need planning permission?
In most cases, no. Movable wall systems are considered non-structural internal fit-out elements and do not typically require planning permission. However, if the building is listed or within a conservation area, consent may be required. Always confirm with the local planning authority for specific projects.
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