Specification Guidance
Movable Wall
Specification Guide
A comprehensive guide for architects and specifiers on how to correctly specify a movable acoustic wall or operable partition system — covering acoustic ratings, panel construction, track systems and stacking configurations.
This guide covers glass and solid panel systems, specification under NBS L20 and the key technical decisions required at each stage of the specification process.
Step-by-Step
How to Specify a
Movable Acoustic Wall
Follow these seven steps to correctly specify a movable acoustic wall or operable partition system for your project.
Define the Acoustic Requirement
The first step in specifying a movable acoustic wall is to define the acoustic performance requirement for the space. This should be based on the intended use of the divided spaces, the client brief, and any applicable standards or regulations. For schools, refer to BB93. For offices, consider the level of speech privacy required. For conference and event spaces, consider the noise levels generated by simultaneous events in adjacent spaces.
Determine the Opening Size
Measure or calculate the clear opening width and height required. The opening width determines the number of panels required and the overall system weight. The opening height must account for the finished floor level, ceiling height, and the depth of the track housing above the ceiling. Structural limitations, existing services and ceiling construction must all be considered at this stage.
Consider Room Size & Space Planning
The size of the divided spaces must be considered in relation to the intended use. Meeting rooms should be sized to accommodate the required number of occupants with appropriate furniture. Classrooms must meet BB93 requirements for space per pupil. The stacking space for the panels when open must be incorporated into the floor plan — this is often overlooked at the design stage.
Assess the Ceiling Structure
Top-hung operable wall systems require a structural support capable of carrying the combined weight of the track and panels. This is typically provided by a structural steel beam or reinforced concrete beam above the ceiling. The ceiling structure must be assessed by a structural engineer to confirm it can carry the required load. ModernGlide can provide structural loading information for all systems to assist with this assessment.
Select the System Type
Choose between solid panel systems (MG100, MG200) for maximum acoustic performance, glazed systems (MG500, MG600, MG700) for light transmission and visual connection, or Crittall-style glazed systems (MG900) for a contemporary aesthetic. Consider whether an electric system (MG100E) is appropriate. The selection should balance acoustic performance, aesthetic requirements, budget and the specific needs of the building type.
Coordinate with Building Services
Ceiling-mounted services — including lighting, sprinklers, HVAC diffusers and smoke detectors — must be coordinated with the operable wall track position. Services should not obstruct the track or the panel travel path. ModernGlide can provide track details and clearance requirements to assist with services coordination. This coordination should take place during the design development stage, not after services have been installed.
NBS Specification
ModernGlide products are available through NBS Chorus, the UK's leading specification platform. Architects can access pre-written NBS specification clauses for all MG Series products through the ModernGlide NBS listing. Our technical team can also prepare bespoke NBS clauses for specific project requirements. Download NBS clauses and supporting documentation from our Architect Resources section.
Technical Support
Need Specification Advice?
Our technical team can review your project drawings, advise on system selection and assist with NBS L20 clause preparation.
Contact Technical TeamPanel Systems
Glass & Solid Panel Systems
ModernGlide offers both solid acoustic panel systems and glazed partition systems. The choice between glass and solid panels depends on acoustic requirements, aesthetic preferences and the intended use of the divided spaces.
Solid Acoustic Panels
Solid panels provide maximum acoustic performance. Ideal for conference rooms, boardrooms, classrooms and high-performance acoustic separation. Available in a wide range of finishes including fabric, vinyl, veneer and lacquer.
Best for
High acoustic performance, privacy, education, conference
Glazed Partition Systems
Glazed systems allow natural light to pass between divided spaces, maintaining a sense of openness. Ideal for corporate offices, meeting rooms and spaces where visual connection is important alongside acoustic separation.
Best for
Offices, meeting rooms, light transmission, modern aesthetics
Crittall Style Glazed Systems
Crittall-style glazed sliding folding partitions provide a contemporary steel-frame aesthetic with glazed panels. Ideal for design-led office interiors, restaurants, hospitality and retail environments where aesthetics are a priority.
Best for
Contemporary design, hospitality, retail, design-led interiors
Stacking Configurations
Stacking Arrangements
When the operable wall is open, panels stack in a designated area. The stacking arrangement must be designed into the floor plan at the outset. Insufficient stack space is one of the most common specification errors — always allow adequate space for panels when open.
Pocket Stacking
Panels fold into a wall pocket and disappear completely from view when open. Provides the cleanest aesthetic but requires space within the wall construction for the pocket. Ideal for high-specification interiors.
End Stacking
Panels stack at one or both ends of the opening when open. The most common stacking arrangement. Requires clear floor space at the stack end(s) for the panels when open.
Parking Bay Stacking
Panels stack in a separate designated bay adjacent to the opening. Used where end stacking would obstruct circulation or where the opening is very wide. Requires a dedicated parking bay in the floor plan.
Split Stacking
Panels split and stack at both ends of the opening simultaneously. Used for wide openings where stacking at one end only would create an excessively deep stack. Requires stack space at both ends of the opening.
Track Systems
Track System Types
The overhead track system carries the weight of the panels and guides their movement. Track selection depends on the stacking arrangement, room layout and the number of panels required. All ModernGlide top-hung systems use a concealed overhead track system that can be integrated within the ceiling construction.
Single Track
A single overhead track carries all panels. Used for simple straight openings where all panels stack at one end. The most common track arrangement for standard applications.
Multi-Track
Multiple parallel tracks allow panels to be routed to different stacking positions. Used for complex room layouts where panels need to be directed to different areas. Allows more flexible room configurations.
Pass Door Integration
Track systems can incorporate integrated pass doors within the operable wall system. Pass doors allow access between spaces without opening the full wall. Available in both solid and glazed configurations.
Acoustic Rating Guide
What Rw Rating Do You Need?
The required acoustic rating depends on the intended use of the divided spaces. Use this guide to select the appropriate performance level for your project.
Full Acoustic Performance GuideReady to Specify?
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Contact our technical team for specification advice, NBS L20 clauses, acoustic performance data and CAD drawings for movable acoustic wall and operable partition systems.