Partitioning experts Style, sole UK distributor for Dorma Hüppe has seen a noticeable increase in demand for glass partitions from within the education sector.

Their products combine transparency with acoustic privacy, glass systems effectively create bright, open spaces which can be quickly reconfigured to meet the teaching demands of the day.

Another trend in the education sector Style has witnessed is a shift towards fully automatic moveable walls, allowing teachers to change the space available at the push of a button.

Automatic movable walls avoid any manual handling and ensure the most effective acoustic seal is formed every time.

Mike Fine, Style’s director for the Midlands said: “At Style, we have carried out a huge number of moveable wall installations in the education sector, and the current trend is undoubtedly towards transparent, adaptable space that creates a fresh and inspiring atmosphere.”

“Clearly, it’s essential classes and activities can still run undisturbed, and the beauty of Dorma Hüppe’s glass moveable wall systems is that they provide outstanding acoustic integrity – up to 52dB Rw for glass and 59dB Rw for opaque elements.”

Semi-automatic systems, where panels are manually moved into place before seals automatically expand to form an effective acoustic barrier, have been common place for some years now.

However, fully automatic systems not only allow quick and safe reconfiguration of space, but also reduce the risk of damage to the wall, as there is no need for human contact.

This, combined with a periodic visit from a trained technician as part of a Style service contract, ensures reliable long-term operation even under constant daily

Photo credit: Ramanoski Architects