Operable walls (sometimes called movable partitions) are reconfigurable wall systems that allow you to divide or open up large spaces as needed. They provide physical separation and, depending on the design, they can also improve acoustic and soundproofing, visual privacy, and daylight control.
Our clients typically choose operable walls when they need multipurpose rooms (e.g., conference centers, training rooms, banquet halls, schools, and larger office spaces) that sometimes need to be split or combined on a flexible basis. They enable more efficient use of square footage, adaptable layouts, and can support better long‑term value in a space by allowing you to change it as needed.
We’ve built this detailed guide to operable wall systems (using our partners at Moderco as a reference point) to help you understand what you’re buying, what trade‑offs to expect, when these systems are most appropriate, and how to plan for installation and maintenance.
Pros and Cons of Operable Wall Systems
Here are the advantages and limitations of Moderco’s operable walls, so you can make an informed decision that accommodates your needs.
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Pros |
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Advantage |
When It Matters |
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Flexibility / Adaptability |
Ability to reconfigure rooms and combine or divide space as needed. Good for offices, events, and meeting rooms. |
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Acoustic Control |
Can provide noise dampening for quiet and privacy. |
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Aesthetics & Light |
Glass‑based systems (Vision, Crystal) allow daylight and openness; solid systems offer many finishes to match decor. |
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Durability & Long‑Term Value |
Moderco’s more premium lines (Signature) are built for repeated use, with steel reinforcement, strong frames, and a good warranty. |
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Cons |
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Limitation |
What to Watch Out For |
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Cost |
Premium systems, custom finishes, high STC ratings, and double glazing all increase cost. |
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Weight & Structural Requirements |
Heavier panels (glass, thicker skins, higher panels) require strong overhead support, robust tracks, and careful engineering. |
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Acoustic Seals Complexity |
To get full STC, seals must be well-designed and maintained. Gaps or irregular floors/ceilings degrade performance. |
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Storage Space Needed |
When “open” (i.e., when removed or stacked back), panels need space. Sometimes, storage rooms or wall recesses are required. |
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Maintenance |
Moving parts (tracks, wheels, seals) wear, the finish may be damaged over time, and cleaning may be more involved, especially for glass or delicate finishes. |
Determining If Your Commercial Space Is A Candidate for Operable Walls
Operable Walls Specification Requirements
To ensure your operable wall system performs well (acoustically, operationally, and aesthetically), several technical and on‑site requirements must be met. At Benhar Office Interiors, we’ll take a look at your space and verify that you meet the specifications before moving ahead.
Preliminary inspections by the Benhar team typically look at:
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Aspect |
Moderco Requirements / Best Practices |
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Track & Support Structure |
Track must be properly supported from the ceiling or overhead beams. Must be aligned, level. For heavier panels or high heights, beams must have minimal deflection. Moderco’s more premium lines (Signature 800, Crystal) require robust track and suspension systems. |
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Floor Flatness & Clearance |
The floor under the wall must be flat and level within specified tolerances, so that bottom seals operate correctly. Clearances for bottom seals (fixed, manual, automatic) must be accounted for. |
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Ceiling Height & Panel Height |
You’ll need to verify the ceiling height. For some systems, standard heights are ~12‑12′‑3″ for glass systems; for solid systems, heights up to ~30‑33′ are possible with Signature/Excel, but only if the structure supports it. |
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Panel Width & Operation Style |
The width of panels affects weight, ease of operation, and stacking depth. Also, whether panels are single, paired, continuously hinged, or telescopic closures. Consider the operation type: manual vs electric; paired vs single. |
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Seals & Acoustic Criteria |
To achieve the specified STC, the correct type of seal is needed (top fixed/flexible, bottom automatic/manual, astragals between panels). Ensure seals are well installed and maintained. |
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Finish Coordination and Damage Prevention |
Delicate finishes (glass, veneers) must be protected during transport, installation. Mock‑ups are helpful, especially for decorative or custom finishes. Gloves, corner guards, etc. |
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Storage / Stacking / Pocketing |
Where do panels go when the wall is open or half-closed? Need space for stacking/pocketing panels. Ensure access for handling. |
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Safety, Code, & Accessibility |
In NYC, you may need to ensure safety glazing for glass systems; fire code compliance, egress paths are maintained; threshold/hardware meets ADA; and electrical safety if motorized. Also, permits may be needed. |
Operable Wall Finishes
The surface covering (skin or finish) for operable walls is a crucial element that affects durability, aesthetics, cost, ease of maintenance, and even acoustics. The most common surface coverings for walls include:
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Material |
Best Features |
Cons |
Ideal For |
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Vinyl |
Easy to spot clean and durable in high-traffic areas |
May scratch, fade, or otherwise degrade over time |
Corporate offices, educational institutions, hospitality venues, and healthcare facilities |
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Fabric |
Adds warmth and visual variety to the space |
Significant maintenance requirements, more expensive than other finishes |
Large conference rooms, educational halls, event venues, and offices |
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Carpet |
Great for sound cancelling |
Difficult to clean thoroughly, can stain, more challenging to replace |
Performing arts centers, religious institutions, design-centered spaces |
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Customer Owned Material (COM) |
Customizable to your exact specifications, matches your aesthetic ideally |
Depends on the fabric, but also requires significant maintenance and can be difficult to replace |
Design-centered spaces, luxury offices, hotels, and apartment buildings |
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Steel |
Easy to maintain |
Extremely heavy and can be expensive, more difficult to install |
Warehouses and buildings with industrial designs |
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Wood veneers |
More cost-effective than solid wood, adds texture to your design |
Less durability, vulnerable to moisture |
Board rooms, restaurants, banquet halls, high-end showrooms |
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Marker or Tack Boards |
Highly functional, especially for meeting rooms, task areas, and collaboration zones |
Can stain and easily scratched |
Multi-functional collaboration spaces |
Moderco Operable Wall Systems: Practical Examples
Here are several hypothetical scenarios, and our recommendations on which Moderco system might be best:
Scenario: A large conference center in Manhattan, where large meeting rooms are split into smaller ones, with frequent use, need for speech privacy.
Recommended system: Signature 800, solid panels, high STC (50‑55), automatic bottom seals, protective edge trim, durable finish (laminate or steel)
Why it works: High STC ensures privacy; durability needed for frequent use; finishes resist wear; strong structure to handle tall panels and heavy loads.
Scenario: An executive suite with glass walls, wanting openness but also occasional privacy, and natural light.
Recommended system: Crystal 200 glass acoustic operable walls with internal blinds; medium-width panels; standard heights if ceilings permit
Why it works: Provides light, transparency, aesthetics; blinds give privacy when needed; STC 44 is relatively good for many office environments.
Scenario: An open plan office where there’s occasional need to isolate for meetings, but acoustics are less critical; want a modern, transparent look.
Recommended system: Vision 100 non‑acoustical glass operable panels; simpler finishes; manual operation; modest heights
Why it works: Less cost, lighter systems; aesthetically pleasing; works well when privacy is secondary.
Scenario: School or university multifunction room: occasional banquets, classroom divisions, etc., a mix of glass and solid.
Recommended system: Excel 700 series for solid divisions; perhaps mixed with glass panels or a solid‑glass hybrid in places; durable finish (vinyl, steel)
Why it works: Solid walls where sound matters; maybe glass where daylight or observation is needed; durable surfaces for high usage.
Reach out to learn more about Moderco operable walls.
Work With Us
Overwhelmed by the multitude of options and considerations? You don’t have to be. At Benhar Office Interiors, our team prides itself on maintaining expert-level knowledge on all our products and how to incorporate them into our designs.