Movable walls are becoming a more popular option in corporate settings as business owners find that they are not only environmentally friendly, but also aesthetically pleasing. More importantly, in an economy that is uncertain at best, they can save a great deal of money. There are many other benefits as well, including all of the following.
Keeping drywall out of the landfill
Using a modular construction in an 18,000 square foot building can keep about 3,000 pounds of drywall out of a landfill. They are 100% reusable, reducing much of the waste associated with future office space reconfigurations. Drywall debris is a major contributor to landfills, with most of it coming from demolition. Modular walls are typically made from up to 65 percent recycled material, and almost all of its material can be reused or recycled.
Because they are cleaner than drywall, they provide better indoor air quality for workers and keep hazardous chemicals out of the air. Drywall consists of a sheet of drywall covered with paper on both sides. When placed in a landfill, it can produce hydrogen sulfide gas over time. This gas, which emits an odor similar to rotten eggs, is toxic at high concentrations. There are several landfills in Canada that don't even accept drywall.
Good for renters and landlords
When it comes to office space, tenants and landlords have two distinctly different points of view. Renters know that they are very likely to move in within three to five years, so they are more concerned with aesthetics than durability. Homeowners want a flexible and durable space. They know that future tenants won't want the same setup.
With drywall, the space must be destroyed and rebuilt on a regular basis. Moving walls eliminate that problem and have the added benefit of allowing homeowners to personalize the space. A conference room can be reconfigured, if necessary, in just a few hours.
Dollars and meaning
The perception persists that movable walls have to be extremely expensive. However, modular construction can cost up to $ 17 less per square foot than conventional construction methods. Projects can also be completed much faster, in almost three weeks in many cases.
Every company operates differently, of course, so it's nearly impossible to make any kind of blanket statement about how much cheaper modular construction is than traditional methods. If a business tends to change its space on a regular basis, using a modular approach is much cheaper than continually tearing down drywall. If a company tends to maintain the same environment, the savings will obviously not be that great.
As more and more companies implement the open office concept, movable walls are becoming more and more accepted. While they may not be for everyone, companies considering a move should at least consider them as part of their new office space design.
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