Wall Surfaces

With workplaces becoming more diverse and in many cases more open and fluid in their layout, walls become significant definers of spaces. The ways those walls are finished speak to the nature of the work environment not only in terms of the functional durability and suitability for a work setting, but also in terms of the impact that they have on the design and the perceptions of those who work in the indoor environment.

How indoor environments are perceived may have as much to do with generational differences than anything else. For the first time in history, it has been noted that our workforce comprises four generations, and each one has a different approach to work and the workplace environment. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that workers who have been in the workforce for 10 to 20 years have changed jobs an average of 10.5 times compared to workers who have been in the workforce for more than 30 years averaging fewer than six job changes. Other surveys indicate the significance of health-care coverage in keeping or leaving a job. Overall, the old workplace models based on large, private, windowed offices reserved for people solely on the basis of rank and seniority, or the concept of working in the same place every day, have little appeal to modern workers who embrace technology to control the possibilities for when, why, how, and with whom they work. In light of these findings, it is not unreasonable to assume that new and different approaches to the interior design of a space are the norm for younger workers too.

One of the ways to take a creative approach to durable interior wall surfaces is to consider the use of wall panels that can be configured in standard or custom sizes, shapes, and finishes. Such panels can be applied to partitions and walls in creative ways. Commonly constructed of a ³/₈-inch substrate laminated with PVC-free rigid sheet, panels of this type can be specified in standard sizes and a variety of thicknesses with reveal options. They can create bold and elegant interiors featuring wrapped square-edge panels, beveled-edge panels, and, for unfinished-edge panels, picture frame and thin trims. Such wall panels also offer dimensional flexibility for custom shapes and unique configurations. Finish options include a selection of solid colors and simulated woodgrain patterns. Photography, branding, and other graphics also can be incorporated across a series of panels.

In terms of installation, flexibility and ease are typical. Historically, the installation of demountable wall panel systems, used mostly in health care, education, and office buildings, was challenged by cumbersome clips and brackets. New offerings that use specifically designed hardware and accessories reduce installation time by at least 50 percent and allow for easy panel removal for routine maintenance and interior updates. Further, panels with wrapped edges can also be spliced in the field, avoiding the necessity for trims and exact panel dimensions.

How do such panels hold up over time? Manufacturers of such panels pride themselves on their history of interior wall protection with projects in place and performing well for decades. Some provide a wide range of wall protection products, including rigid sheet, handrails, crash rails, corner guards, and door and frame protection in a variety of materials based on the stress a wall needs to sustain. They bring that history and expertise to the wall panel design with options for both surface-mounted and recess-mounted applications. Overall, it is safe to say that these panels are more durable than laminate or stained wood applied to a wall and are produced to keep walls in workplaces beautiful and damage free years after installation.

Some manufacturers seek to share their extensive product knowledge by working closely with architects and designers on complex design issues, including making the best product choice for each application. Because the nature of the wall panel system is to provide protection of the wall beneath while offering a variety of aesthetic options, it is easy to work with such a manufacturer to create a space that complements a building’s design while remaining functional. Manufacturers can provide assistance from conceptual design to post-installation services for field-verified dimensions, technical support, product mockups, and sample coordination. They often work with architects and designers to help them select the product best suited for their building type considering factors that affect their building.

Amy DeVore, business development manager for Construction Specialties, comments on this role that manufacturers can play in providing new design options. “We redesigned the wall panel system because we recognized a need to provide solutions that weren’t available in the market. With rapidly changing trends, it is important to create products that solve frequent problems related to design and installation. As a result, we have a simplified wall panel system that we can confidently offer to design professionals knowing it will significantly add value by reducing installation time and expand the aesthetic options.”

Photos courtesy of Construction Specialties

Wall panel systems are available in solid and simulated woodgrain finishes that can enhance workspace environments in traditional or creative ways to create bold designs embraced by the people in the building.

WALL SURFACE CASE STUDY

Photo courtesy of Construction Specialties

Project: United States Department of Energy Forrestal Building Collaboration Center
Location: District of Columbia
Architect: Peck, Peck & Associates

The Project: The United States Department of Energy (DOE) staff aims to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. Housed in the Forrestal Building in Washington, D.C., the DOE wanted to provide hard-working staff with an upgraded and relaxing meeting space. With a tight timeline, the DOE approached Peck, Peck & Associates to design a working lounge that gave staffers this change of scenery without leaving the building.

The Challenge: The DOE design team had just four months to create the working lounge on the open ground level of the Forrestal Building headquarters. The goal of the working lounge was to provide employees and visitors with mental escape from the traditional office environment. The design team had to meet specific requirements while using the lounge’s four walls to make a major impact. The space required the wall materials to be easily maintained, durable, and removable in the event of a maintenance issue or the need to access the wall behind the panels.

The Design: Using a custom-configured wall panel system, the design team created a lounge area that resets the standard for a government workspace. The team selected one wall as a focal point for the design, installing wall panels with a simulated maple woodgrain pattern that was a perfect match with the new lounge furniture. The wall, which spans 30 feet long and 12 feet tall, features a demountable attachment system. This created a fast and easy installation that allowed the design team to mock up and finish the lounge walls in a short period of time without compromising the quality of the end result.

Results “Working with these new wall panels made installation easy and stunning,” says Alexis Peck of Peck, Peck & Associates. Incorporating the varied reveal width “saved time by eliminating the contractor’s need to measure 2 inches from every single panel that was placed. Our approach to the design was to make everything flexible so we could make minor revisions in the field without notice.”