When it comes to glass, the first thing that comes to people´s minds is windows, and how important that is for the energy efficiency of a building. When glass is thoughtlessly used, it can contribute to summertime over-heating or wintertime heat loss, impacting the overall energy consumption of the space. On the other hand, when it is well used, glass contributes to the comfort and enjoyment of the building and reduces the use of electricity and cooling, depending on the season.

However, glass has different applications and plays an important role in commercial spaces, from custom glass, custom mirrors, door closures, furniture, shelving, wall partitions to railings. Glazing helps achieve a more advanced and modern look and enhances the design and functionality of the space.

Glass Partitions

Glass partitions have become an excellent option in commercial spaces, providing an easier and more cost-effective way to create and divide spaces. Specifically speaking of office spaces, glass partitions contribute to creating more productive workspaces, promoting connectivity and a feeling of openness among workers.

Advantages of using glass partitions

1. Glass has scalability and translucent properties.

2. Glass gives a natural light into the workspace.

3. It is more affordable than other building materials like drywall.

4. Helps reduce ambient noise with the features of an open-plan office.

5. It gives a more aesthetical workspace look, making it more appealing for workers and clients.

6. Glass partitions reduce the need for additional lighting.

Types of partitions

Single glazed: This type of glazing is formed as the name suggests with a single layer of glass and is usually fastened with aluminum profiles. It allows the greatest transfer of natural light, giving an open space with good visual appearance but at the same time helping with noise reduction.

Double glazed: As the name implies, this glazing is made up of two layers of glass panels. The only difference between single glazed is that having two layers of glass significantly improves the sound reduction of the space, creating more private and quiet environments.

Frame-less glass partitions: This type of partitions can be used with single or double-glazed, but giving a seamless, minimalist and continuous appearance since there is no frame that supports the glass. Wet Joints (Silicon) is one option for joining frame-less glass, this offer better acoustic properties and another way to join glass is with a dry consisting of pre-fabricated joining tape or strips.

Framed glass partitions: This type of glass partition is very popular since it provides strength and rigidity to glass panels using aluminum profiles. Furthermore, framed glazed partitions are mainly used when sound reduction is needed, such as meeting rooms.

Types of glass

Tempered glass: is one of the most used glazing types in commercial spaces and especially for partitions. It is stronger than annealed glass (standard glass) and has higher residual stresses. A good property of this glazing is that when it breaks is safer since it breaks into small pieces. In addition, Tempered glass is used for glass-door and does not need a frame at all.

Fire-rated glass: This type of glass has the same appearance as annealed glazing but has special properties that help control the spread of fire and smoke, and prevent it from cracking or shattering for a specified period of time. Building codes are specific about where each is to be used in order to make the space safer. In general, fire-rated glass must withstand temperatures up to 500 F before it shatters.

Acoustic Glass: This type of glass has significant sound reduction properties. This glazing is made up of two layers of glass that are then joined together with a middle layer designed to absorb sound. It can be used in single glazed or double glazed settings.

Here are some examples of interior glass partitions that we have made in some offices. Most of them are made of tempered glass for its good strength and resistance properties. We always recommend the use of glass partitions in commercial spaces since it is the most cost-effective option that brings elegance and more light into space and increases collaboration and motivation in the environment. Besides, a popular option for many companies is to have their logos, colors or any graphics on the glass, to add a unique design and style.