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.
Believe Hanging Room Dividers Are Practical? Think Again
Hanging room dividers can seem like a sleek choice for splitting one space. However, here’s why hanging room divider panels aren’t always the right decision in certain situations.
At Portable Partitions Australia, we offer hanging room dividers like our Track-Mounted Operable Walls as well as acoustic screens and portable room dividers that make optimising space easy.
Read on to learn why hanging room dividers may not always be the best option for your space.
Reason #1: Some hanging room dividers require structural modifications.
Many commercial spaces restrict alterations like drilling or ceiling attachments.
In Australia, the National Construction Code (NCC) regulates how changes to commercial ceilings are made. Compliance with the NCC is non-negotiable, which means you might need approvals from building owners or local authorities.
These modifications pose risks, potentially interfering with building essentials like HVAC systems, lighting and fire sprinklers. Seismic design requirements, as mandated by the NCC, add another layer of complexity, making it clear that these alterations often aren’t practical or feasible.
Comparing the need for structural changes with something like an overhead privacy panel, a movable office screen delivers visual appeal without requiring ceiling attachments.
Portable Partitions offers solutions that avoid these issues with freestanding options.
Here, there are no permits or construction required. Our retractable room barrier options are easily assembled with the tools we provide. Ideal for lease-sensitive or bustling areas, our products prioritise functionality while keeping disruption to a minimum.
Compared to a ceiling hanging barrier, our partitions unfold, connect and roll into place in minutes. They require no mounting or drilling, so there’s little downtime. Businesses and other institutions can tackle layout challenges without interrupting their day-to-day operations.
Reason #2: A ceiling-mounted separator can’t adapt to changing floor plans.
Once installed, a modular hanging divider stays fixed and limits how teams move or grow.
These hanging wall dividers become a permanent part of the layout and make it inflexible. If you want to move workstations or rezone a space, you face a big task. You’ll need to uninstall and reinstall the mounted privacy shield. This rigidity poses challenges in dynamic workplaces, especially since offices, clinics and training rooms demand adaptability for optimal productivity and space utilisation.
Our space-saving room panel options let you segment large spaces without permanent fittings.
You can divide a large room into two distinct spaces without drilling into the ceiling. Whether a multipurpose hall needs breakout zones or a warehouse requires different work bays, our freestanding systems are an adaptable alternative to hanging room dividers or even modular wall systems.
Portable Partitions products are built for easy reconfiguration.
We have reliable options that roll in, fold up and shift to accommodate specific tasks, offering both flexibility and functionality.
Our partitions come equipped with castor wheels, locking features and linkable panels to let your team reshape rooms without any hassle. When floor plans change, your partitions adapt accordingly, without the need for technicians.
Reason #3: Overhead panels may require additional construction work.
These vertical hanging screen options may need require structural beams for support. This can be a problem if your space doesn’t allow building or you don’t have the time to get a construction permit or get permission from your landlord.
On the other hand, wall-mounted modular wall options can be a more practical alternative since these panels don’t attach to the ceiling. With no physical barriers overhead, these dividers keep essentials like lighting and ventilation unobstructed and fully operational.
At Portable Partitions, our wall divider panels and freestanding office partitions enhance shared workspaces by offering reliable and secure solutions. Crafted with an emphasis on stability and compliance with safety standards, options like office desk dividers foster secure yet functional spaces that suit different layouts.
At Portable Partitions, our products are for practical use.
We understand that commercial, educational and healthcare settings demand more from their dividers. We use durable materials for easy cleaning and robust use, allowing our partitions to be moved without damage.
Whether it’s an 8 panel room divider or something else, these options are tailored to meet the industry’s stringent demands, ensuring they hold up over time in fast-paced environments.
Our products also provide privacy and flexibility through features like adjustable panels and sturdy construction. Manufactured locally in Australia, our choices come with a 3 Year Warranty and are ready for Next Day Dispatch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are hanging room dividers used for?
Hanging room dividers are commonly used to create separate areas within open spaces. They find their place in offices, studios and shared environments where defining zones is key. Attached to the ceiling or hooks, a suspended room screen for shared spaces serves as a visual barrier to distinguish areas without permanent walls.
At Portable Partitions, we provide hanging room dividers as well as freestanding, mobile room dividers that don’t need ceiling mounts. Our partitions adapt quickly to changing needs, providing functional privacy in dynamic commercial environments.
What are hanging room dividers made of?
Hanging room dividers are typically crafted from lightweight materials like fabric, plastic or acrylic. Some utilise beaded strands or wood panels for visual distinction, but they often lack the sturdiness for soundproofing and impact resistance.
With this, Portable Partitions offers acoustic solutions that provide privacy. Our designs allow for quick reconfigurations, maintaining both performance and ease of use.
Where can I buy portable room dividers in Australia?
Portable room dividers can be purchased directly from us at Portable Partitions. We manufacture and supply a variety of freestanding, mobile partitions suitable for spaces like offices, schools and healthcare facilities. Designed to be robust and simple to set up, our products require no permits. Our panels are made locally in Australia, so every step from manufacturing to delivery meets high standards.
Solve spatial challenges with smart, flexible solutions.
Portable Partitions offers versatile room dividers that adapt to your unique space needs without overhead suspension. For facilities seeking flexible and hassle-free solutions, our freestanding room dividers are an alternative to hanging dividers.
Our products empower organisations to create adaptable, privacy-enhancing spaces while saving time and cost compared to traditional renovations.
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