Have you ever wondered about the key differences between framed and frameless partitions when deciding which to install in your office, home, or retail space? While the presence of a frame may seem like the most obvious distinction, each type offers unique benefits and serves different purposes. In this blog, we’ll explore both framed and frameless partitions in depth to help you make a more informed choice.
Frameless Partitions
What Are Frameless Partitions?
Frameless partitions are glass panels that divide spaces without the use of traditional framing. These panels are held in place using clear glass polymer which creates a minimalist, sleek appearance that maximises natural light without confining areas of the room.
Benefits of Frameless Partitions
Aesthetic Appeal
Glass partitions without frames can give spaces an elegant and contemporary look. They give a lightness and airiness to the space compared to opaque partitions that can make a room appear smaller. Frameless glass partitions allow for an unobstructed view which contributes to a visually appealing atmosphere.
Maximised Natural Light
Frameless glass partitions reduce the need for artificial light in a room by maximising the amount of natural light that enters spaces. In spaces like offices, this can contribute to a healthier and more productive environment.
Versatility
Frameless partitions are highly versatile and adaptable. They can be used as fixed panels to segregate a room or as sliding doors to create private spaces. This adaptability means you can work with various configurations to get the set up you need in your office.
Easy Maintenance
Compared to framed glass partitions, frameless are super easy to clean and maintain. With no small areas to collect dust or debris, a simple wipe down every so often is enough to keep them looking pristine.
Sound Control
While glass creates an open and spacious atmosphere, partitions made from it can also offer acoustic insulation, making them ideal for office environments or residential spaces where privacy and noise control are essential.
Versatile
Frameless glass partitions come in a range of sizes, making them fully customisable to different spaces. They also come in different glass thicknesses, and single, double, and triple glazed offering different acoustic performances.
Applications of Frameless Glass Partitions
Due to their openness and versatility, frameless glass partitions are perfect for a range of applications, including:
- Modern offices: Used to create open, collaborative spaces, frameless glass partitions help maintain privacy while ensuring an aesthetically pleasing space for employees. It’s perfect to create professional conference rooms and offices in the office.
- Executive offices: Frameless partitions are often used in executive offices for a minimalist design. They offer privacy without compromising the high-end look of the office.
- Retail: Frameless glass partitions can create divide departments and segregate displays in shops whilst keeping the overall atmosphere of the space. They’re great for boutiques and upscale shopping spaces.
- Art galleries and museums: Used to create barriers around exhibits, art galleries often use frameless glass partitions to ensure the safety of the artifact without reducing visibility.
- Hospitality: Businesses like high-end hotels, restaurants, and bars use frameless glass partitions to create private areas in their spaces. It’s a great way to add lounges, dining spaces, and reception areas in a sophisticated way.
- Residential: Frameless partitions can be used in residential buildings as a way to separate certain areas of the home. For example, separating the bedroom from the bathroom, or a bar from the rest of the room.
Frameless Glass Partition Products
Now we’ve covered everything about frameless partitions, lets look at some product solutions offered by Komfort.
Polar Kreate
The Polar Kreate system is a versatile, relocatable office partition solution. It’s flexibility and adaptability allows designers to create dynamic workspaces with interchangeable panels. It offers a floating panel effect with no visible framing to achieve a sleek aesthetic.
Polar 54
This frameless partition offers a 54mm wide glass partition, both single and double glazed. It’s ideal for modern office environments with its frameless design and minimal trackwork. It delivers excellent acoustic performance of up to 47dB (Rw) and accommodates glass thickness from 10mm to 14.8mm.
Polar 101
The Polar 101 is a premium double-glazed partition designed for high acoustic performance, achieving up to 54dB (Rw). It’s ideal for loud or demanding work environments and accommodates a variety of different glass types.
Framed Partitions
What Are Framed Partitions?
Framed partitions are glass panels enclosed within a frame made of materials such as aluminium or steel. The frames provide stability and support for the panels whilst allowing for creative customisation.
Benefits of Framed Partitions
Structural Stability
A framed partition provides added support and rigidity to support its strength and durability. Within the frame, it can accommodate different materials such as glass or acoustic panels.
Aesthetic Appeal
Framed partitions provide the openness that frameless partitions do, however the framing can be customised to match the overall design of the office to give a sophisticated look.
Privacy options
Privacy can be maintained with the use of frosted glass or tinted panels that obscure visibility while still allowing natural light into the space. You can also add decorative film for branding or aesthetic purposes.
Energy Efficiency
With the improved use of natural light, framed glass partitions can help with energy efficiency by reducing the need for artificial light through the day. This can lead to a long term saving on energy bills.
Applications of Framed Partitions
- Commercial offices: Framed partitions are ideal for creating cubicles or individual meeting rooms. They can also be used to create a visual separation between main offices and other rooms with enhanced durability and sound insulation.
- Retail: Stores often use framed partitions to differentiate between different product zones, giving a structured appearance and streamlined shopping experience.
- Healthcare: Framed partitions can be used in the healthcare industry to provide privacy and sound insulation, especially with frosted glass features. They are often used in hospitals or clinics.
- Industrial settings: In industrial settings, framed partitions can be used to hold thicker, more durable partitions for controlled environments.
Frameless Glass Partition Products
Here are some of the framed glass partition products available at Komfort.
As a contemporary, industrial-style partitioning system, the Kross Glaze 600 is perfect for dividing open spaces in commercial and residential spaces. It has an acoustic rating of up to 41dB (Rw) and offers 54mm framed glazing.
The 600 Series is a versatile partitioning system designed for simplicity and efficiency, offering both solid and glazed panel options. It provides acoustic ratings up to 40dB (Rw) and suits a variety of environments while allowing for customisation through finishes and accessories.
The Kameo 75 partition system is great for offices as it features a unique radiused style with a steel stud, plasterboard construction, and framed in aluminum. It offers acoustic performance of up to 43dB (Rw) and fire protection ratings of 30/30.
What’s the Best Solution?
In conclusion, glass dividers are a great option for commercial and residential spaces. When deciding which to choose, it’s important to think about the specific needs of your space. Framed partitions offer better structural support and enhanced sound insulation whereas frameless partitions create a sleek, modern appearance and promote an airy atmosphere.
If you’re stuck between framed and frameless partitions, we can help. Give us a call and we can discuss your requirements and help guide you to the best option for you.
