Office Glass Partition Systems: Laminated vs Tempered and Door Types

The quest for flexibility and transparency in office interiors has made glass partition systems indispensable for modern workplaces. Choosing the right glass type and door mechanism is critical for both employee comfort and long-term costs. In this guide, we discuss the differences between laminated and tempered glass, acoustic performance criteria, and the advantages of various door types with concrete data.

Basic Glass Types: Laminated and Tempered

Laminated and tempered glass, the two most common options in glass partition systems, offer different features in terms of safety and durability. Tempered glass is produced by heating it to 650-700°C and then rapidly cooling it, giving it approximately 4-5 times higher impact resistance than standard glass. When broken, it shatters into small, blunt pieces, minimizing the risk of injury.

Laminated glass, on the other hand, is formed by bonding two or more glass layers with an interlayer, typically 0.38 mm to 1.52 mm thick, made of PVB (polyvinyl butyral). Thanks to this structure, even if the glass breaks, the fragments remain adhered to the interlayer. In terms of acoustic performance, laminated glass provides 3-5 dB more sound insulation than tempered glass of the same thickness. For example, a 10.8 mm thick laminated glass (5+0.76+5) offers approximately 34 dB sound reduction, while tempered glass of the same thickness remains around 30 dB.

Acoustic Performance in Single and Double Glazed Systems

The need for privacy and focus in offices makes acoustic performance a primary criterion. Single glazed systems typically use 8 mm or 10 mm thick tempered glass and provide sound insulation between 28-32 dB. While this value is sufficient for reducing open-plan office noise, it is ideal for private conversations.

In double glazed systems, there is an air gap ranging from 12 mm to 20 mm between the two panes. This gap significantly reduces the transmission of sound waves, allowing for higher total values of 38-42 dB. For example, a configuration of 6 mm tempered glass + 12 mm air gap + 6 mm tempered glass provides 40 dB sound reduction, ideal for meeting rooms. While the total thickness of double glazed systems reaches 24-26 mm, their weight increases to 30-35 kg per square meter, requiring more robust support profiles.

Using laminated glass also provides an advantage in double glazed systems to enhance acoustic performance. Hybrid solutions, where the inner glass is laminated and the outer glass is tempered, can offer up to 44 dB of sound insulation. This type of configuration is particularly preferred between meeting rooms in open areas with intensive workstations like Nine.

Door Types: Sliding and Hinged Systems

In glass partition systems, door selection is crucial for space utilization and ease of access. Sliding door systems operate with aluminum track profiles capable of supporting glass panels weighing 40-60 kg. Track width typically ranges from 70-100 mm, and installation height can reach up to 2700 mm. Sliding doors are advantageous in narrow corridors and small offices as they do not occupy space when opened. However, they offer 2-4 dB lower acoustic performance compared to hinged doors, as the track gap can lead to sound leakage.

Hinged door systems use stainless steel or aluminum hinges that can open 180 degrees. These doors can support glass panels 8 mm to 12 mm thick, and in double glazed systems, the total weight can reach 80 kg. The biggest advantage of hinged doors is the sealing provided by the gasket seals installed around them. This allows for sound insulation of up to 42 dB. The disadvantage is that they require at least 90-100 cm of clear space due to their opening radius.

The glass thickness and type used in both door types directly affect acoustic performance. For example, a sliding door using 10 mm tempered glass provides 30 dB sound reduction, while using 10.8 mm laminated glass in the same system increases this value to 34 dB. In hinged doors, values above 40 dB can be achieved with double glazing.

Installation Time and Demountability

The installation time for glass partition systems varies depending on the project size and the chosen system. For single glazed systems, the average installation time for a two-person team in a 10 square meter area is 4-6 hours. In double glazed systems, this time increases to 8-12 hours due to the weight of the glass panels and connection details. Profile systems are generally aluminum extrusion, and screw-fastened or clip-on systems are used for installation.

Demountability is an important factor, especially in rented offices and businesses that frequently relocate. Modular glass partition systems can be disassembled and reassembled up to 90%. In these systems, glass panels are secured to aluminum profiles with compression gaskets and do not require screwing. Disassembly takes approximately 60-70% of the installation time. For example, disassembling a 20 square meter area takes 3-4 hours, while reassembly can take 5-7 hours.

Another factor affecting the demountability rate is the fasteners used. In screw-fastened systems, profile holes can be damaged during disassembly, reducing the reusability rate. Clip-on or compression gasket systems, however, can be disassembled and reassembled multiple times. Therefore, in offices seeking flexibility, glass partition profiles compatible with modular furniture systems like Tube should be preferred.

Considerations When Choosing Glass Partitions

When choosing a glass partition system, the acoustic requirements of the space should first be determined. While 30-35 dB is sufficient for open-plan offices, values of 40 dB and above should be aimed for in meeting rooms and executive offices. Accordingly, double glazed laminated systems offer the highest performance.

For safety, tempered glass should be used as standard in all office areas. Laminated glass is preferred as an additional safety layer, especially in meeting rooms and glass doors. Regarding door types, sliding doors are better for narrow spaces, while hinged doors provide better acoustic performance in wider areas.

Installation and demountability affect long-term costs. Although modular systems have a slightly higher initial investment cost, they provide 30-40% savings during relocation and restructuring. Therefore, modular solutions should be prioritized in businesses where office layouts frequently change.

Conclusion

In office glass partition systems, the choice between laminated and tempered glass depends on the balance of safety and acoustic performance. Tempered glass offers high impact resistance, while laminated glass provides a 3-5 dB advantage in sound insulation. Double glazed systems are ideal for meeting rooms with acoustic values above 40 dB, while single glazed systems are sufficient for open-plan offices. Regarding door types, sliding systems save space, while hinged systems offer better sound insulation. Modular and demountable systems increase office flexibility, creating a long-term cost advantage.