Other settings may similarly require durability but may have a different aesthetic in mind. In these cases, extruded aluminum trim may be used with gypsum board to create defining lines along a wall surface or at the intersection of wall elements. Reveals are particularly popular in that regard and can be provided in a thin, minimalistic manner to simply reinforce vertical or horizontal lines, or to create an artistic accent on a wall. For a bolder, more three-dimensional profile, two-piece assemblies are available that allow a squared, rounded, or oblong shape to be inserted into a reveal that protrudes past the wall surface and creates a different shadow line and overall look.

INTERIOR GLASS PARTITIONS

In many cases, interior designs are enhanced by an alternative to opaque interior walls, specifically the use of interior glass partitions to create a sense of openness and transparency. This works quite well to connect adjacent spaces or for the free passage and sharing of daylight and views between spaces. The benefits of daylighting have been well-documented in many different studies. In workplaces, it has been shown to improve productivity and morale by having a connection to the exterior compared to working in a windowless enclosure. In healthcare settings, it has been shown to improve recovery times and aid in healing. When daylight can be used to replace electric lighting, then energy savings can also be realized. Hence, interior glass partitions are a design tool that can be used to foster all of these benefits.

Architects and designers considering the use of interior glass partitions in commercial buildings can select from three basic types, discussed as follows:

• Framed Partitions: The common means to support a glass partition is to use an aluminum framing system. Some can be thick and noticeable and make their own design statement. Others can use a low-profile frame and vertical extrusions, which set them apart from traditional framed partition systems by providing greater visibility and daylight diffusion. Such systems can be designed with an all-vertical panel appearance with a top and bottom rail. Alternatively, they can incorporate a free-positioning grid system to create both horizontal and vertical framing configurations to be visually consistent with the building design. The nature of this framing system, when attached to the adjacent walls, floor, and ceiling, allows for greater acoustic privacy and strength, particularly if one-inch insulating glass panels are used. This may be particularly important in government buildings, law firms, executive offices, human resource departments, conference rooms, and similar situations.

  Framed partitions can be specified with low-profile framing (e.g., 1-7/8”) to minimize the appearance of the frame. The framing itself can be finished in a choice of standard or special-order colors such as matte black, satin anodized, brushed nickel, or powder coat colors. The glazing can be selected from standard choices of monolithic, insulating, or laminated glass and installed readily using a dry-glazed system. Doors can be incorporated that are either made from glass or wood and installed in a pivot style. Doors can be sized up to 10 feet in height and 36 inches wide.

• Frameless Design: Many contemporary office interiors can benefit from all glass partitions with minimalist designs. Concealed glass channels with no vertical extrusions can produce expansive glass spans that are conducive to dynamic workspaces and be customized to the specific needs of a project. Such systems are ideal for conference rooms, office fronts, study rooms, waiting rooms, and lobbies. Frameless design offers greater transparency and facilitates daylighting being spread throughout building interiors. Frameless glass partitions can be used up to 12 feet in height using 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", or 3/4" thick tempered glass. The perimeter framing is minimized and available in a variety of finishes to blend in with the surroundings including matte black, bronze anodized, satin anodized, polished brass, polished stainless, brushed stainless, and black powder coat.

  Depending on the type of frameless system selected, doors can be provided in a variety of ways. Standard-height doors (up to 9 feet tall) can be pivoting or sliding using a variety of door handles and hardware. Some systems are designed to accommodate full-height doors (up to 10 feet tall) using full-length door rails for a cleaner, more contemporary look and less interruption of views.

• Freestanding Partitions: In some cases, the space where a glass partition is desired has a high ceiling or no adjacent walls to attach to. In that case, configurations are possible using a combination of stainless-steel end posts, center posts, and corner posts in standard and custom sizes. They are commonly available in 5-foot, 6-foot, and 7-foot post heights. The posts are available in shaped depths and narrow widths with as little as ¾” face trim. This provides an expansive all-glass look with no top rail required. The glass can be as tall as 8 feet and doors can be installed that are sliding or swing style. Such systems are ideal for commercial interiors with high or exposed ceilings or large open areas such as transportation hubs, education, sports stadiums, healthcare, and government buildings.

Overall, the use of interior glass partitions is an effective and appealing option for creating dynamic and vibrant spaces that allow for better daylighting and visual connectivity.

Photo courtesy of © Lawrence Anderson; CRL

Interior glass partitions are available in systems that are framed, frameless, or free-standing to suit the needs of a particular interior design.

DURABLE INTERIOR DESIGN

Interior designs that are valued for their quality and visual appearance need to be durable to withstand the rigors of everyday use. It has been said that “exteriors face the elements; interiors face the occupants." While architects are familiar with designing exteriors to withstand the weather and other aspects of “the elements”, the design of interiors similarly needs to consider the effects of building occupants using, and sometimes abusing, that interior. That means designing spaces with materials that are appropriate to their level of use and anticipated conditions. Might some of those materials cost a bit more than others? Of course, they will, but investing in quality products at the outset of a new or renovated building project will most likely reduce maintenance and operational costs later. This not only saves money for the building owner or operator, but it also helps to curb carbon emissions by not requiring the removal and replacement of materials and systems later on.

The good news about durable interiors is that style and aesthetics don’t need to be sacrificed to achieve good performance. That has led to the trend of selecting from materials and systems that achieve both good visual appeal and long-term durability. This is manifest in a number of ways, with two examples discussed as follows:

• Wall Protection: Protection of walls in buildings is not limited just to foot traffic and people, but also needs to address protection from moving equipment, cleaning equipment, deliveries, and things needed for special events. One approach is referred to as targeted wall protection where a specific set of products is used that are designed to absorb impact and protect the underlying portion. By targeting the most vulnerable areas, protection can be added by using corner guard or wall guard products specifically where they are needed. Taking the concept of wall protection further, sheets of rigid wall covering have been used where large surfaces need to be made more durable and easier to clean. Most of these products offered in the U.S. are Class A fire-rated with many choices of product types, finishes, and colors to enhance, rather than detract from, an interior design scheme. For wall areas that need some protection but desire a softer look, resilient, textured wall covering is available. A thicker wall covering with special top coatings makes for a very durable product that is quite cleanable and resilient against stains, markings, and graffiti. From a design standpoint, there are textured wall coverings available in a variety of colors and patterns that can be combined with other wall protection products from a manufacturer for a total coordinated look.
• Artwork and Imagery: There is a popular trend to incorporate more imagery and artwork into building interiors. However, the challenge becomes how to do that without it getting deteriorated or damaged while it’s on the walls. Perhaps the best solution is to have high-resolution imagery printed on the back side of a transparent, but durable polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) plastic panel. The panel acts as a protective coating for the artwork/ imagery and the wall behind it as well. It allows for large, oversized images that can be selected by a designer or owner to cover a portion of a wall or an entire surface. Images can include stock or original artwork, photographs, logos, mascot images, or any other type of graphic feature.

A growing interior design trend that has been directly related to human health and welfare is the use of biophilia in buildings. Defined literally as a love of living things or a love of nature, biophilic design is a concept focused on increasing occupant connectivity to the natural environment in creative ways. When direct links to the outside aren’t practical or feasible, then the use of large-scale graphics and imagery that portray scenes from nature can be used.

Such large-scale, biophilic imagery can be incorporated into an overall interior design strategy in a number of different ways. The first is to use digitally printed art or imagery back printed on clear protective sheets. This technique allows nature scenes to be turned into whole-wall imagery or uses large-scale graphics to create inspiring biophilic designs. Along with truly endless design capabilities, this approach also provides high-impact durability to wall surfaces. Since the graphic is back printed on the protective sheet, there is no worry about the image being scratched over time. That means high-resolution photographs, artwork, or any other biophilic graphic can be printed and incorporated onto as large a wall space as a design may call for.

All of these materials and others that are used as part of a building interior can be balanced between their visual and physical design aspects and their long-term ability to retain those attributes.

Photo courtesy of Inpro

The use of protective wall coverings can add to the short-term and long-term appeal of a space.