Office design has come a long way from the crowded rows of drab, grey cubicles you might find in any 1990s office layout. Modern designers have embraced variety and versatility in configuration, materials, and hardware to create truly contemporary office spaces: culminating in architectural advances like cubicle panel systems and demountable walls.
Freedom of choice is both a pro and con for most people embarking on a new office project because the options at the disposal of architects and designers are, frankly, overwhelming.
Ultimately, it’s best to base your decision of building with a cubicle or demountable wall solution on what your needs are for the space. Think about what your priorities are. Do you need an open concept? More privacy? Design versatility? A mix of everything?
Both cubicle panel systems and demountable wall solutions tackle these goals differently, so let’s explore them more in this post.
Cubicle Panel Systems
We design our modern office cubicles with aesthetics and functionality in mind. A focus on aesthetics is essential—your business’s physical space acts as a first impression for potential clients, partners, or staff.
Good design choices can encourage an air of professionalism, style, and modernity, and conversely, poor design choices can leave your office space wanting.
The functionality aspect comes into play when we think about how we physically lay out a space and how we construct the cubicle within.
Cubicle panel systems offer flexibility to serve multiple uses. You can:
- Hang furniture from the panels
- Run modular electrical wiring through the base or mid-level
- Add glass extensions or stackable panels
Our cubicle systems’ versatility serves to carve out a unique layout in a space that suits your business needs.
For example, we can use partitions to create semi-private divisions between employees that allow them to focus on their tasks, and the absence of a wall perimeter keeps the workers accessible to one another for impromptu interactions. This kind of space works great for businesses that operate on high collaboration levels between workers, like in an advertising agency.
We can also create more private divisions with taller cubicle walls that partially or fully encircle individual workspaces. This layout tends to suit more traditional office environments where collaboration between employees is limited to breakout spaces or meeting rooms.
Demountable walls
Demountable walls are an ideal solution for an office design where privacy and noise control are paramount.
For instance, if your office prioritizes specific breakout spaces or meeting rooms to encourage structured collaboration opportunities for employees and clients.
Where cubicle systems rarely stretch from floor to ceiling, demountable architectural walls affix to ceiling and floor tracks to cordon off sections of an open office space.
With acoustic interior walls, you can create an entire room within a room, which allows for enhanced privacy and sound control. You can have a lively, productive meeting in one area without fear of disturbing other employees in another nearby workspace.
We would also like to highlight that increased privacy does not necessarily mean a space must be closed off. By constructing interior walls with either fully or semi-transparent glass, you can isolate dedicated meeting spaces without cutting off the flow of light through your space (like you’d get when building with drywall). You can achieve a peaceful and productive workspace without sacrificing beauty.
Design to fit the unique needs of your business
Whenever you’re deciding what architectural wall solutions would suit your needs best, lean on your designers and architects. Outline precisely the desired use for each area of your office and let them advise you.
Cubicle panel systems are ideal for offices that don’t need to worry so much about noise control and want to encourage more open collaboration between employees.
Demountable wall solutions are ideal for offices that want dedicated collaboration and meeting spaces and balance between acoustics and transparency.
Are you still considering whether demountable walls or cubicle systems would suit your office best? Check out our architectural walls brochure for more information and design inspiration.