Movable Walls Are Transforming Office Design
The movable walls revolution have been around for half a century. Companies of all sizes are realizing the wisdom in designing spaces which can quickly change to accommodate temporary or permanent staffing fluctuations. As these companies utilize modular wall systems to increase competitiveness, they’ve discovered the saving on construction costs versus conventional drywall construction.
Acceptance of Demountable Modular Wall Systems
The pioneers: When movable walls entered the market over 40 years ago many companies looked at the cost and considered them an valuable concept, but construction costs were relatively low at that time. Some of the earliest users were corporate giants with large multilevel offices that required practical methods of dividing and rearranging space. Government offices were quick to implement movable walls for expanding staff.
The broader market: At a time when the term “global market” only applied to a tiny amount of industries, the business climate was considerably more static than it is today with little need for reconfiguring space (a key point in selling movable walls). Small and mid-sized companies were reluctant to adopt movable walls because at the time it was more expensive than using drywall and it required a new thought process in terms of design.
The broader market: At a time when the term “global market” only applied to a tiny amount of industries and business had little need for reconfiguring space (a key point in selling movable walls). Small and mid-sized companies were reluctant to adopt movable walls because at the time it was more expensive than using drywall.
Change happens: Many events over the past couple decades have contributed to movable wall systems viewed as indispensable office technology. Global trade barriers have broken down and businesses compete with companies on the other side of the world. Companies began embracing flexibility and the transition for office partition wall systems even easier with evolution of a better engineered and affordable product.
Once trendsetters like Google and Facebook started sharing their office design concepts using movable wall systems, the modular wall industry skyrocketed.
Flexibility, cost and green design
Maybe the last time you looked at movable walls, they were considerably more expensive than standard drywall. How long ago was that? In the past several years “standard” construction materials have skyrocketed while the movable wall industry has improved its technology. And the advantage of flexibility and reducing costs make movable wall panels a more viable option. Change is a constant in business, so finding solutions that are considerably less expensive is advantages.
Weighing the costs of movable walls
When looking at initial considerations for a project, and comparing standard construction versus movable wall installation, there are several variables to consider. Depending on the type of movable wall used costs can run up to $3.00 per square foot more than standard drywall construction. However, the cost difference is offset by a few factors.
- Schedule: Movable wall installation will save you three to four weeks on your construction schedule.
- Potential tax savings over the lease term: Talk to your CPA or CFO, but often movable wall costs can be structured with tax savings over five years is possible.
- Future reconfigurations: There are significant savings when reconfiguring an office space that is using movable walls. A typical budget to reconfigure space in an office can run around fifteen thousand dollars. Movable walls will reduce that cost by roughly sixty percent.
Considerations for Landlords
Standard construction is messy, disruptive and time-consuming. It can take several weekends, even for only one or two offices. When using movable wall panels, it would be possible to reconfigure the same project in a single weekend. Installation is easier without issues like drying time, fumes and dust from debris and fewer, if any, complaints from occupants. It can mean significant savings for firms needing to reconfigure office space more than once or twice every five years.
Modern Aesthetics
Movable wall manufacturers are continually upgrading their designs. What was once a product with limited designs now offers a wide range of finishes and aesthetic options. Creating an office space that will be enticing to the next generation of employees creates a more productive working environment.
Movable walls allow design options that effectively blend with an open office. With new terms like “collaboration areas” and “flex space” in today’s office designs, manufacturers design their products for functional and efficient work environments with built-in electrical, telecommunication and data connections.
Modular panel wall systems are available in solid panels or full glass panels allowing for your desired level of privacy and aesthetic look.
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Collaborative Office Interiors
Phone: 713-588-9086
Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
We offer in-stock, quick-ship, and custom manufactured solutions to our clients. Our in-stock products are stocked locally and can be delivered within a few days. Quick-ship products ship within a few weeks and customer manufactured office furniture typically ships in 6-8 weeks.
Our trained on staff designers create efficient and productive interior designs. We can also create “hybrid” office layouts for companies that have moved to a hybrid or hoteling office space model. Our team produces 2D/3D drawings and photo quality mockup renderings.