Operable Walls & Partitions Walls
Divide large, tall and open spaces quickly and easily.
PPA’s Track-Mounted Operable Walls are the solution to divide space and achieve soundproofing. A system of acoustic panels designed to move independently of each other until fitted together to form a continuous wall, these high-density walls are ideal if you want the flexibility of a wall that can retract when needed.
PPA’s Track-Mounted Operable Partition Walls are the easiest to use in the Australian Market. They are popularly used to divide floor space as needed in classrooms, meeting rooms, medical facilities, retail, offices, and convention centres.
When budget or building permits are a barrier, the next best option is a Wall-Mounted Operable Wall. Available in sliding and folding designs, wall-mounted operable walls are fixed to a wall at one end and operate on wheels. These walls are not sealed from floor to ceiling like the Track-Mounted version and, therefore, cannot achieve soundproofing, but they offer sound dampening alongside the flexibility of dividing space with a wall that can retract as needed.
At PPA, we have strived to become the leading supplier of the highest-quality walls at the most competitive price in the Australian Market. Our commitment to quality and speed means we are continuously delivering orders faster than our competitors without compromising on quality, giving you peace of mind in your project timelines.
Track-Mounted Operable Walls
Track Mounted Operable Walls create the freedom to adapt and modify your environment as you desire, by easily dividing space to utilise the functional capacity of any space.
Our operable wall systems offer floor-to-ceiling acoustic coverage delivering a CSIRO-approved rating from 41dW+ through to 50dW+, providing superior soundproof and functionality. All models incorporate a 10mm trim around the perimeter of the frames with a 20mm interlocking profile with a rubber and magnetic seal to provide a completely airtight seal. All PPA Operable Walls come with retractable standalone top and bottom seals, as well as rubber sweep seals for superior acoustics.
This product is highly customisable with an expansive range of finishes and configurations to effectively accommodate a variety of environments and activities, designed to open and close seamlessly for total ease of operation.
Have questions about buying an Operable Wall? Chat with a specialist
Track-Mounted Operable Wall – 90 Series
The 90 series is our lightest streamlined model consisting of a 90mm panel profile designed for applications requiring a moderate to high acoustic performance, whilst also being our most affordable solution to acoustically dividing space.
Panel thickness: 90mm
Maximum Panel Width: 1200mm
Minimum Panel Width: 700mm
Acoustic Rating: 41dW+ to 47dW+
Weight Per SQM: 32-39kg
Height Up To: 3000mm
Stacking Configurations Available: Side, Centre, Double-Side, Remote
Track-Mounted Operable Wall – 100 Series
The 100 series is our premier model designed for environments requiring high acoustic performance and large-scale operable walls.
Panel thickness: 100mm
Maximum Panel Width: 1200mm
Minimum Panel Width: 700mm
Acoustic Rating: 48dW+ to 50dW+
Weight Per SQM: 40-56kg
Height Up To: 6000mm
Stacking Configurations Available: Side, Centre, Double-Side, Remote
Track-Mounted Operable Wall Technical Information
Track Fixings
The guiding track requires either a steel, concrete or timber beam for the required track work to be fixed.
All proposed fixings will require job-specific calculations from a certifying engineer to confirm the structural beam holds the specified weight of the operable wall, depending on dimensions.
Panel Stacking
There are 4 different stacking configurations to complement different wall types, applications and storing requirements.
Centre Stacking: This is the most common and simplest stacking system available consisting of a single 4-wheel roller located centrally in the panel. When stacked away the panels will sit horizontally against one end of the vertical track work.
Side Stacking: Each panel is hung with two rollers, allowing for ease of operation as panels are push along aligned with the above track. The panels are stored horizontally to one side at one end of the track in a stacking bay.
Remote Stack: Similar to the side stacking configuration the panels are hung with two rollers, but the panels are stored away from the main track in a remote stacking bay.
Double Side Stacking: Like the side stacking system, this configuration is used for multiple corresponding operable walls operating on the same track work.
Seal Systems
Our Operable Wall seal system consists of both top and bottom retractable seals that expand creating contact with both the above track and floor, maintaining our acoustic barrier of 41Rw to 50Rw.
As our operable walls don’t require a track on the floor, these expanding seals operate on an internal jack system, locking the panels into position to ensure lateral stability.
Closure System
Our track-mounted operable wall systems include an expanding jamb panel. The expanding panel traditionally creates the seal at the stacking bay end of the operable wall with an overlaying telescoping panel with a ballon seal strip that expands to lock the wall into position.
Inset Pass Doors
When a full height door is required in the operable wall, an inset pass door is an available option for wall configurations above the height of 2400mm. All doors are complete with a removable handle for enhanced security.
Finishes
Our operable walls are highly customisable, specially made to suit your desired requirements offering a diverse range of panel finishes. Finish options include Acoustic Fabric, Vinyl, and High Pressure Laminate. The perimeter frame is made using anodised steel, with the option for powder-coating available if required.
If you require a custom variation not listed in our range of finishes, we can actively source it for you. Alternatively, if you have sourced a specified finish yourself, we will fit it to your wall as required.
Wall Mounted Operable Walls Configurations
Have questions about buying an Operable Wall? Chat with a specialist
Folding design
Units up to 3.75m high – 5.6m long
Our folding walls are the most flexible of them both, allowing you to open and configure your Operable Wall in any shape or form.
With each panel moving independently, this futureproof design works best if multiple configurations may be needed overtime. It also is more efficient in terms of cost per wall length.
Sliding design
Units up to 3.75m high – 4.6m long
Our sliding or telescoping Operable Wall design only opens in a straight line, but the whole wall can still pivot from the mounting point for added flexibility.
The simplicity of these operable walls comes at the cost of less wall length per dollar spent when compared to a folding design due to the slight overlap between panels.
How to choose between our range of Operable Walls
Have questions about buying an Operable Wall? Chat with a specialist
Wall Mounted Operable Wall
- Can be installed from 3 days of purchase
- No Landlord or Building Permits Required
- Up to 3.7m high and 5.19m long
- Affordable separation from $276/m²
- 5cm HVAC and Sprinkler Friendly gaps at top and bottom of the partition
- Available in folding or sliding configurations.
- Acoustic fabric finish available in 7 colours.
Track Mounted Operable Wall
- Soundproof floor to ceiling partition wall
- Landlord and Building Permits Required
- Up to 7.5m high, unlimited length
- Superior separation from $990/m²
- Sound Insulation Coefficient up to 44db
- Retractable top and bottom acoustic seals
- Centre, Side or Remote Stacking options
- Multiple finish options per architecture req.
Operable Wall Technical Information
Panels
Panel Edges
| Wall Mounted | Track Mounted | |
|---|---|---|
| Panel Thickness | 50mm | 65 – 100mm |
| Panel Width | 1200mm | 700 – 1200mm |
| Panel Height | 2560 – 3730mm | 2000 – 6000mm |
| Panel weight / STC | System cannot be noise-rated due to gaps around it. This product is sound dampening, not soundproofing. 24kg per panel | 90 Series: Acoustic Rating: 41dW+ to 47dW+ Weight Per SQM: 32-39kg Panel thickness: 90mm 100 Series: Acoustic Rating: 48dW+ to 50dW+ Weight Per SQM: 40-56kg Panel thickness: 100mm |
| Panel Edges | Clear anodised aluminium frames | Clear or powder coated anodised aluminium frame |
| Surface Finishes | Pushpin accepting acoustic fabric finish in cloud grey, charcoal, navy blue, beige, balck, red and green | Acoustic Fabric, Acoustic Panel, High Pressure Laminate, Vinyl, and Whitebaord finishes available |
Installation Requirements
| Wall Mounted | Track Mounted | |
|---|---|---|
| Ceiling track | No | Yes |
| Floor track | No | No |
| Track fixing | No track needed | Timber, concrete or steel |
| Ceiling surface | Doesn’t Apply. Wall Mounted operable walls have a 5cm gap between the top of the partition and the ceiling. | ±5mm |
| Floor surface and levels | Flat, even and made of only one material, not where different floor materials join like carpet joining a hard surface. For example, carpet only is ok. | ±5mm |
| Mounting Wall | Wall doesn’t need to be structural as the connection is not weight bearing. It only needs to stop lateral movement. | Doesn’t apply. |
| Installation provided | DIY | Installation supplied |
Acoustic Performance
| Wall Mounted | Track Mounted | |
|---|---|---|
| STC Performance | Not measured | Rw 36 – 44db |
| Finish NRC | 0.5 | 0.4 – 0.75 |
| Acoustic Seals | None | Retractable top & bottom seals |
| Top Seal (mm)/Pressure (kg) | None | 22.5mm / 35kg |
| Bottom Seal (mm)/Pressure (kg) | None | 22.5mm / 35kg |
Stacking & Closure System
| Wall Mounted | Track Mounted | |
|---|---|---|
| Stacking system | Folding or telescoping mechanism | Centre, side or remote stacking |
| Closure system | N/A | Expanding panel with rubber bulb seals |
| Doors | Embedded door available | Embedded or full height door available |
Budget and timeline estimation
| Wall Mounted | Track Mounted | |
|---|---|---|
| Budget estimation | From $276/m² | From $990/m² |
| Time to installation | 3 – 15 days from date of order | 6 – 8 weeks from date of order |
| Warranty | 3 year product warranty on defects in materials and workmanship from the date of delivery | 1 year product warranty on defects in materials and workmanship from the date of delivery |
| Maintenance | Available on request | Available on request |
| Customisations | Material and design customisations available. | Full customisation available |
Benefits of Track-Mounted Operable Walls
Flexible Environments
Need to improve acoustics or divide a large space in two? Our range of hand-built operable walls offer a unique alternative to divide open spaces while keeping them modern and aesthetic. If you need to open the space up again simply stack panels together to close the wall.
Our operable walls are completely customisable and designed in a range of dimensions and finishes that suit the functional criteria of any project and business while doing a brilliant job at dividing your large, open area.
Soundproofing Required?
Your best option for “soundproofing” is a track mounted operable wall system. Built floor to ceiling with a higher panel thickness and sealed panel joints, acoustic operable walls are the clear choice for a superior sound rating ranging from 41dW+ to 50dW+.
As a general guide, the sound rating of PPA’s 90 Series Track Mounted Operable Wall will deliver acoustic performance between 41dW+ to 45dw+, tested to ensure the sound of normal voices carrying through the wall are reduced to levels barely intelligible. The acoustic performance of PPA’s 100 Series Track Mounted Operable Wall will deliver acoustic performance between 45dW+ to 50dw+, whereby loud and raised voices are barely intelligible.
Production Time
At PPA, we have strived to become the leading supplier of the highest-quality acoustic operable walls at the most competitive price in the Australian Market. Our commitment to quality and speed means we are continuously delivering orders faster than our competitors without compromising on quality, giving you peace of mind in your project timelines. Our current lead time is 4–6 weeks. Installation time depends on the size of your wall and can generally be completed within 1–3 days.
If Building Works Are Not Permitted
Wall mounted on one side and supported on their own caster wheels, we manufacture our gravity based Operable Walls to roll smoothly with no ceiling or floor track required, making daily operation simple and easy.
By working without ceiling or floor tracks, this range eliminates the need for structural beams and landlord permits if that is a barrier for you.
Loved by Staff & Facility Managers alike
Teachers, nurses and office managers operate our operable walls on a daily basis in different environments like classrooms, offices, meeting rooms and convention centres, and it is not uncommon that once they’ve bought and tested one they decide they need some more.
Unlike other systems that are slow and cumbersome to open or close, our operable partitions have been designed with our end users experience in mind as well as to meet stakeholders expectations by giving facility managers a fast alternative to urgent business requirements.
Multiple Applications
Popular business applications of our Australian made Operable Walls are:
- Improving acoustics in meeting rooms and offices
- Dividing classrooms in Schools and Universities
- Organising retail and industrial warehouses of
- Hospitality venues like hotels, restaurants, and casinos
- Recreational and reception centres
Operable Walls FAQs
What are operable walls, and how are they used?
Operable Walls create the freedom to adapt and modify your environment as you desire, by easily dividing space to utilise the functional capacity of any space.
Our sliding and folding operable wall systems are wall-mounted at one end and operate on wheels. They can be built as high as you need (up to 50mm from ceiling height) and comprise a 50mm gap at the bottom where the wheels operate. This variety of operable wall will effectively dampen sound but will not achieve soundproofing as the top and bottom aren’t sealed.
Alternatively, our track mounted operable walls are a soundproof floor to ceiling partition wall which can be made up to 7.5m high with unlimited length. They have retractable top and bottom acoustic seals and are custom built with centre, side or remote stacking options. Please note that a structural beam is required for the installation of the track. If not present, you must arrange the construction of a structural beam.
How do temporary walls differ from permanent walls?
Temporary walls refer to moveable partition walls which can be used in place of a permanent bricks and mortar wall when building works are not permitted, or the need to divide a room is not long-term. Using temporary walls removes the need for building permanent walls. They are also easy to install and remove without much hassle.
Are movable walls soundproof?
Our operable wall systems offer floor-to-ceiling acoustic coverage delivering a CSIRO-approved rating from 41dW+ through to 50dW+, providing superior soundproof and functionality. All models incorporate a 10mm trim around the perimeter of the frames with a 20mm interlocking profile with a rubber and magnetic seal to provide a completely airtight seal. All PPA Operable Walls come with standalone top and bottom retractable seals, as well as rubber sweep seals for superior acoustics.
Can wall partition panels be customized?
Yes, our operable wall partition panels are highly customisable, specially made to suit your desired requirements offering a diverse range of panel finishes and frame and head track powder-coating to incorporate our product into your environment effortlessly.
If you require a custom variation not listed in our range of finishes, we can actively source it for you. Alternatively, if you have sourced a specified finish yourself, we will fit it to your wall as required.
What are the advantages of using movable walls?
Movable walls, or operable walls, offer flexibility in space management, easy operation, soundproofing, and cost efficiency. Building a permanent wall would require a significantly greater budget than that required for an operable wall, without the flexibility of a movable wall. They enable dynamic layouts and are ideal for spaces that require frequent reconfiguration to maximise use.
Do movable walls require professional installation?
Track mounted operable wall systems require professional installation, whereas folding or sliding operable walls can be easily installed without professional assistance.
Operable Walls available Australia wide
Manufactured in our local factory, our Operable Walls are delivered daily to our customers Australia wide to locations including Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide and New Zealand. Get in touch for accurate shipping times or check our delivery page.
Why Hanging Room Divider Panels Are Great For Your Space
If you’re still on the fence about getting hanging room divider panels for your space, then you’re in the right place.
At Portable Partitions Australia, we offer hanging room dividers in the form of our Track-Mounted Operable Walls. We also offer a variety of freestanding and wall-mounted room dividers, acoustic screens and more that are designed to suit different layouts.
Read on to learn more about hanging room divider panels before you buy them.
Reason #1: Wall-to-floor hanging room divider panels offer excellent soundproofing.
If you’re redesigning an office space, a restaurant or a classroom, soundproofing is a must to help with productivity, improve the customer experience and lessen distractions. When it comes to acoustics, the ideal choice are our Track-Mounted Operable Walls.
These hanging wall dividers not just hanging but they also feature thick panels and sealed panel joints built from the floor to the ceiling, resulting in an impressive acoustic performance.
Our 90 Series Track-Mounted Operable Walls, for example, have a rating of 41dW+ to 45dw+, which means normal voices are barely audible from the outside. Meanwhile, our 100 Series Track-Mounted Operable Walls have ratings from 45dW+ to 50dw+, meaning raised voices are barely intelligible.
Our Acoustic Portable Room Dividers are another option.
If you want a mobile office screen that also offers acoustic features, you can check out our 360 Degree Folding Acoustic Portable Room Divider. While they don’t provide the same soundproofing performance, they still help dampen sounds thanks to their honeycomb cell core and specialist acoustic fabric.
They’re quick to set up and highly versatile, able to rotate 360 degrees so you can have them L-shaped, curved or in a straight line.
Reason #2: Hanging room divider panels are customisable to suit different styles and purposes.
Unlike suppliers that offer operable walls with limited finish options, our hanging panels can be customised so they don’t just divide your space but also improve the aesthetics.
You can choose between different finishes like acoustic fabric, vinyl and high pressure laminate. What’s more the perimeter frame is made using anodised steel for superior durability. You can also choose powder-coating if you need it.
If you have a specific in mind for your space that’s not among our options, no need to fret because we can source it for you or fit it to your wall if you have sourced a particular finish yourself.
Whether you’re looking for a 5 or 8 panel divider, there’s no need to look anywhere else. At Portable Partitions, we’ve got you covered.
Reason #3: They can be installed quickly.
While there are different kinds of wall-to-floor hanging room dividers available on the market, several models have production times that take months, which can really affect your operations if you need them right away.
Meanwhile, at Portable Partitions, we have a production time of only 4 to 6 weeks for our Track-Mounted Operable Walls. To top it off, they can be installed between one and 3 days, which can vary depending on the size of your walls.
You can also choose their heights, which can be up to 7.5m high with unlimited lengths. On the other hand, our Wall-Mounted Operable Walls are available as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 8 panel room divider options.
The Portable Partitions Difference.
We offer Next Day Dispatch, so you can shift and reconfigure these panels right away or as your needs change, all to save both time and money.
There’s a reason why offices, schools, hospitals and clinics throughout Australia trust these solutions for creating adaptable spaces swiftly.
Built for both short-term and long-term use, our dividers also come with a 3 Year Warranty. The durability of these products, along with others like office acoustic solutions, is manufactured locally in Australia to ensure reliable performance day after day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What materials are commonly used for these panels?
Our hanging room dividers have clear or powder coated anodised aluminium frames and the surface finishes are available in acoustic fabric, acoustic panel, high pressure laminate, vinyl and whiteboard finishes.
With options like our office desk dividers and much more, we combine aesthetic appeal with privacy features, meeting the needs of both public and private spaces.
How are their stacking and closing systems?
At Portable Partitions, you can choose between centre, side or remote stacking for our Track-Mounted Operable Walls. As for the closing system, they feature expanding panels with rubber bulb seals.
How is the installation?
Our hanging room divider panels, or Track-Mounted Operable Walls, can be installed by our team or by your builders. Just reach out to our team by using the chat feature on our site or by calling 1300 731 397.
Portable Partitions, where flexibility meets functionality.
Whether you need hanging room divider panels, mobile room dividers or acoustic screens, you can easily adjust spaces to meet changing needs without the delays with Portable Partitions’ comprehensive range. Our versatile solutions make rearranging environments swift and efficient, the overall setup being ideal for high-traffic and variable-use areas like hospitals, offices and educational institutions.
Our reputation for reliability and quality has made us a trusted supplier across various sectors, including government and healthcare, especially since we deliver quality products when needed.
Simplify your spatial challenges with our quick-to-deploy, adaptable solutions today. Contact us for a quote today, whether it’s for a floor to ceiling room divider or something else.
