There was a time, not so long ago, that open-plan office designs were all the rage. The general idea was that having all your employees in the same space all the time would not only boost collaboration but also save money by reducing building and furniture costs.
Despite the benefits, many employers are finding that open-plan settings also have significant drawbacks. A lack of physical barriers often leads to higher levels of noise pollution, reduced privacy, and constant distractions. Fortunately, you can overcome all these issues by investing in a modular wall system customised to suit your needs.
Defining Modular Wall Systems
If you’re already calculating the costs of adding a few more brick walls to your current open plan set-up, you may want to hold off on that until you’ve read this post. Modular wall systems may be a more effective and affordable solution.
Essentially, modular wall systems can be defined as one (or a few) temporary walls that make use of several interlocking panels, which can be assembled or changed around to create different customisable exhibition spaces. Simply put, you can ditch the brick for a temporary wall which you can move around as you need.
One of the top reasons modular walls are so popular is that they are so versatile that you can use them in any open-plan setting. Whether you’re running a gallery, open office, or want to divide a workshop, the good news is that there’s a modular system for you. In addition to being able to add privacy to your space, the modular wall system is also more cost-effective and less permanent than building brick walls.
Modular wall systems are typically designed for speedy and simple installation. Being able to move them around and increase their size as you need are stellar advantages that make it easy to see why this system is becoming a top go-to option.
Some users opt for extra features, which can include the following:
- User-friendly hanging displays
- Custom surface coverings
- Integrated lighting
Simplicity and Ease of Use
There are several very good reasons to invest in a modular wall system if you need to add functionality to your open-plan design. We’ve listed the most significant.
Versatility and Customisability Guaranteed
Residential and commercial spaces differ significantly. That means a one-size-fits-all approach may not work for your unique space and needs. Fortunately, modular wall systems are versatile and customisable. Your installer will therefore be able to design your modular wall system based on the needs of your space.
Some of the more popular ways that Australians are using modular systems are listed as:
- Residential settings: Modular walls can be used to create retaining and boundary walls, or as acoustic fencing in residential courtyards.
- Exhibitions: Easy to create temporary structures to divide booths or create privacy at events such as trade shows, art exhibits, product launches or pop-up booths.
- Commercial spaces: Modular walls can also be used long-term in busy commercial spaces such as hospitals, offices, and schools.
- Home office: Modular walls can be used to create a home office, creating privacy from the rest of the home.
- Retail settings: Can be used in retail stores or shows to create branded backdrops for promotional displays.
Affordability is Guaranteed
If you’ve ever done any building on your property, you’ll know how expensive and time-consuming building a brick wall can be. Fortunately, modular walls can cost up to half the price of a conventional wall. Maintenance is cheap, and you have the added advantage that you can move the wall to where you need it, which you can’t do with a brick wall.
Minimises Noises
Ever worked in a space where you wish the noise would settle down so that you could hear yourself think? The noise associated with working in an open-plan office studio or workshop can be distracting and influence overall productivity. Fortunately, modular walls offer an effective way to minimise the harmful effects associated with noise pollution.
Simple to Integrate Technology
You can also use your modular wall system as a support for technology in the new, smaller offices you’re creating. This can be done by mounting office accessories such as whiteboards and TVs or monitors. Power and data cables can also be added to improve the overall functionality of temporary walls in exhibitions, workspaces, and trade shows.
Final Thoughts
Redefining the space in your open plan office or gallery has never been easier. All it takes is the addition of a modular wall system, which is quick and easy to install. The versatility of these systems enables the installation of a modular wall in either residential or commercial settings.
Several benefits of adding temporary walls include instantly adding more private office spaces, a reduction in overall noise pollution, and they can even be used to successfully integrate technology into the space. With so many advantages on offer, a modular wall system may just be the solution you’ve been looking for!
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.