The decade of the '90s has become one of the most volatile business decades in recent memory. Companies who are forced to compete in the global marketplace are quickly learning that survival dictates restructuring, downsizing or "rightsizing." Those facilities that are adaptable to this changing business environment work with the facility manager in accommodating this change.

Decades ago, the introduction of suspended ceiling systems was welcomed as a great step forward. In place of standard fixed construction, the suspended ceiling allowed the facility manager complete access and flexibility for repair work, or for the addition of electrical, communication, data and HVAC lines.

Years later, attention was focused on providing the same level of access and flexibility at the floor line, and raised floor systems were developed to satisfy this requirement.

But what about the facility managers need for access and flexibility in his vertical wall requirements? It makes a great deal of sense to provide a systems approach to vertical walls, enveloping the office environment with access and flexibility in all three planes.

A variety of wall "systems" have been developed over the years to accommodate these needs, each with unique benefits designed to meet specific interior wall requirements. Movable, demountable, operable, retractable, portable and systems walls are all terms of similar, yet uniquely different solutions to meet this challenge.

As a guide for building owners, facility managers and architects, the various types of systems can be grouped and defined as follows:

Operable walls, also known as retractable walls, are usually the most expensive type of systems because of the support mechanism required to suspend the panels. Operable walls are generally individual panels hung from an overhead support with rollers. The panels are simply rolled into an open or closed position, either by hand or via a power-operated mechanism in the overhead track. Panels may be hung individually, as pairs, or as a group. This type of wall system requires structural support, so it cannot be moved from its original installed position. Panel surfaces vary from steel with a baked enamel finish to fabric covered tackable surfaces and Formicar type laminate surfaces. Because of the complexity of the system, and the need for overhead support, prices for a typical operable wall are in the $20 to $45+ per square foot range. Operable walls are commonly used in areas that need to be divided instantly, by the building occupants. Excellent for use in hotel meeting rooms, gymnasiums, restaurants and classrooms, it's not unusual for an operable wall to extend to ceiling heights of 30 to 35 feet and higher. Sound Transmission Classification ratings are typically in the 38 to 52+ range. Operable walls are usually not fire-rated, and do not have power carrying capabilities.

Portable walls are also in the upper price range of the various wall systems, with typical prices in the $100 to $150 per lineal foot range, installed. Portable walls are individual panel units complete with a self-contained head and base. Panels are held in place by pressure, can be carried to a new position and installed very quickly. Most types require ceiling strengthening because of the upward pressure of the ceiling channel. Portable walls are commonly used in areas which need to be divided often, but in different layouts. These systems are popular in restaurants, hotel meeting rooms and in schools to subdivide classrooms. STC performance is typically limited, but since the system is used more as a divider than a permanent wall, sound control is not a major concern. Typically not available fire-rated, and these types of systems do not have power carrying capabilities.

Movable walls are unitized panel assemblies connected at the joints with small panel connectors (also called "post caps"), or narrow reveals that may be slotted to accept hang-on furniture. The base and ceiling runners and trims are installed separately, and run continuously; panels are moved as assembled units. Typically the panel units and connectors are provided in a factory baked enamel finish. Movable walls are used to displace conventional fixed walls in all types of layouts. The systems are completely engineered including several types of door units and glazed assemblies. Because of the modularity of the system, door and glazed units are typically interchangeable with solid panel units. Since the panels are moved as assembled units, these types of systems move very quickly and are ideal for locations that require weekend or over-a-vacation changes. Movable walls generally have respectable STC performance, in the 39-43 range. Because of their factory painted finish, they provide a great deal of abuse resistance. Accessibility into the wall cavity varies by manufacturer. Some provide excellent accessibility, others have virtually no access except at the cavity between adjoining units. Electrification is normally handled at the joint cavity, and may require special "slim-line" electrical boxes depending on the thickness of the system. Unitized assemblies typically do not allow for split finishes -- panels have to be the same on both sides of the unit. However, a wide variety of panel colors and finishes are generally available. Depending upon the finish selected, movable walls are in the $100 to $125 per lineal foot price range, installed.

Demountable steel walls consist of metal-faced gypsum panels that are suspended from a separate stud and track framework. Ceiling runners, floor tracks and studs are installed similar to standard drywall construction. The systems are moved by disassembling and removing individual panels, trims, studs and tracks. Normally finished in baked enamel, some of the systems offer a wide variety of specialty finishes, including powder-paint for hospital and cleanroom applications, vinyl-clad steel for a less institutional appearance, and chalkboard or markerboard surfaces for classroom applications. Demountable steel walls do not move as quickly as movable wall systems, but are less expensive and can provide better performance. Most often this type of system is used to replace standard drywall in offices, schools and hospitals. Prices generally range from $80 to $100 per lineal foot, installed, for the basic system with upcharges for specialty finishes. Because the panels are installed individually on each side, greater design flexibility can be achieved. STC performance in usually excellent; some can exceed 50. Many of these systems can provide fire ratings in the one and two hour range. The steel-faced gypsum panel provides excellent impact resistance and structural stability.

Demountable gypsum walls consist of vinyl-covered gypsum board that snaps, clips, screws or is suspended from a stud and track framework. Similar to demountable steel walls, the ceiling and floor tracks run continuously, studs extend from floor to ceiling. The systems are moved by disassembling and removing individual panels, trims, studs and track. Depending upon the method of panel attachment, some systems are "progressive," meaning panels are installed sequentially and cannot be individually removed. Other systems are "non-progressive," meaning each individual panel is point accessible without disturbing panels adjacent to it. Some systems will accept both vinyl-clad gypsum and steel-clad gypsum, offering the facility manager and the design team a great deal of flexibility. Priced in the $30 to $60 per lineal foot range, installed, demountable gypsum systems are the most economical of all the systems and compete head-to-head with standard construction. The systems are used in a wide variety of applications including schools, offices, hospitals and lease-tenant space. STC performance is comparable to standard drywall (36 STC), but performance can be enhanced by installing sound absorption batts in the wall cavity. STC ranges from 35 to 50+, depending on the system configuration.

Speed of installation - Most systems can be installed much faster than standard drywall construction since the mudding, taping, sanding, priming and painting are eliminated.

Return on investment - Many of the systems are considered "office furniture" by the IRS and can be depreciated in a fraction of the time of standard construction.

Privacy - As indicated above, STC ratings up to 50 are possible.

Environmental impact - Through the use of movable systems, a great deal of the waste generated in office reconfiguration is eliminated. Good for the environment, and an added cost savings to the building owner.

Cost savings - The end-user realizes a substantial cost savings each time he takes down and reuses the system.

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