Many lightweight partition types and materials? How to choose?

When it comes to changing the layout, you must first understand the types of partitions. The most common types of partition construction methods now include light partitions and mud construction partitions. You can choose the appropriate partition construction and decoration according to the house structure and space requirements. There are so many types of partition materials, how to choose?

Article directory

• What is a drywall partition?
• Why use drywall partitions?
• Comparison of light partition materials and costs?
• Introduction to partition materials?
• Frequently Asked Questions about Light Partition Construction
• Why choose Startek?

 

What is a drywall partition?

 

Light partitions refer to partitions built indoors using lightweight materials (such as wood, metal frames, bricks, cement, etc.). The purpose of light partitions is not to support the weight of the structure, but to divide space, increase sound insulation performance, and provide more privacy.
Using light partitions, the space can be effectively divided into multiple small spaces to meet the needs of different uses, such as: offices/conference rooms, commercial spaces, exhibition venues, wards and even home spaces.

 

Why use drywall partitions?

With the advancement of the times, construction methods, and changes in housing, building floors are high, and the requirements for lightweight partition materials have increased. Light partitions have gradually become the mainstream method of modern partition wall construction.
drywall partitions are popular because they are removable, adjustable, affordable and easy to install.

 

 

Light partition materials and cost comparison

Judging from the appearance alone, it is not easy to distinguish partition walls, but the materials and construction methods of light partitions are different. This is also reflected in the price, sound insulation, waterproofing, fireproofing, earthquake resistance, weight resistance and other items. In addition, the length of construction time will also affect the quotation and project progress.

UnderstandHow to calculate the cost of light partition

 

 

Introduction to partition materials?

1. Technology light partition - Electronic Control Glass (an upgrade option increasingly chosen by designers)

Electronic Control Glass (PDLC, Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal)It is transparent when powered on and atomized when powered off, and can instantly switch between privacy and lighting status. But compared with the five traditional light partitions to be introduced below, the difference between Electronic Control Glass is not in "material", but in "positioning" - it is not a "partitioning wall", but a thinking spatial element.

Why do more and more designers consider Electronic Control Glass as their first choice? Three things that traditional light partitions cannot do:

• spatial elasticity: Traditional partitions are fixed after being installed, and must be removed again if the use of the space changes in the future; Electronic Control Glass can be switched with one click, and the same wall can be used as a conference room privacy wall during the day and an open display space at night.
• Design sense and differentiation: Traditional partitions can only handle "separation" needs; Electronic Control Glass makes the "partition itself" a highlight of space design - suitable for commercial spaces, office conference rooms, and study rooms or master bedrooms of high-end residences.
• Smart home integration: Startek’s Electronic Control Glass can integrate dormakaba (access control), Clestra (high-end partition system), JEB (office furniture), and IoT control—both offices and smart homes in the AI era need this kind of “thinking wall.”

The construction speed is also several times that of traditional light partitions: Electronic Control Glass is about 50㎡/day/person, which is almost 5 times that of wet lightweight grouting (10㎡/person/day). No dust contamination, no subsequent paint maintenance.

The differentiation of STARTEK: One of the few integrators in Taiwan who can span building materials and electronics. We not only sell Electronic Control Glass, we translate photoelectric technology into architectural language and integrate multiple international high-end systems. National impact resistance certification, 5-year warranty that can be extended to the longest 10 years in the industry, winner of the 2022 Golden Ship Trophy Award of the General Chamber of Commerce of the R.O.C. in the ESG category, and performance in many large-scale cases such as Taiwan Rapid Transit Bureau and BenQ headquarters; international expansion is in progress (Dubai in the Middle East assists local agents to open sales outlets and uses STARTEK liquid crystal dimming film actual products as product experience, and California in the United States assists local cooperative manufacturers in construction).

Suitable scenarios: commercial spaces (meeting rooms, showcases, brand headquarters), high-end residences (study, master bedroom, bathroom), medical spaces (clinic rooms, examination rooms), hotels (suites, SPA).

 

2.Light Partition - Steel Light Partition

Some people also call it light steel frame partition, which is divided into dry type and wet type. Both use light steel frame as the skeleton and then seal it with different boards. The wet type construction method will fill in lightweight concrete; the dry type will fill it with sound-absorbing cotton.

 

3.Light Partition-White Brick Wall

White brick walls are light in weight and have a texture similar to that of traditional red brick walls. The construction speed is faster and the price is lower than red brick walls constructed with soil and water. However, white brick wall materials have poor waterproofing and sound insulation effects, and are not suitable for partition walls that require waterproofing such as bathrooms and kitchens.

 

4.Light Partition-Ceramic Wall

Ceramic walls are made of a mixture of cement and ceramsite and are cut into pieces and shipped piece by piece. Although they are easy to construct and waterproof and earthquake-resistant, due to transportation considerations and high transportation costs, few people choose ceramsite walls as partition walls.

 

5.Light partition-wooden wall

Wooden walls, which are quick to construct and cheap, are the most well-known partition construction method. However, due to reasons such as poor earthquake resistance, fire protection, and poor sound insulation, they are mostly used for small-area walls such as bedrooms, dressing rooms, and study rooms, and are designed with different shapes.

 

6. Mud construction compartment - red brick wall

Red brick walls constructed with traditional earth-and-water construction have better sound insulation than drywall partitions, and are also better waterproof and fireproof. However, red brick wall partitions are heavy, which places a heavy burden on the building structure and is not conducive to earthquake resistance. Therefore, they are now mostly used on outdoor walls or as wall-mounted reinforcements.

 

7. Mud construction compartment - RC wall

RC wall is a reinforced concrete wall, which has good earthquake resistance, fire resistance and sound insulation performance. However, it is heavy and easily burdens the building structure. Nowadays, it is mostly used for interior and exterior walls and partition walls of buildings, and is rarely used as a partition choice for interior decoration.

 

Frequently asked questions about light partition construction:

Q:How long does it take for light partition planning, construction and completion?
A:Wet and dry light partition construction methods will affect the construction time. The difference lies in whether grouting will be performed during the construction process. Wet light partitions require multiple processes and construction time. Glass partitions can be completed in just one day. There are no consumables, dust pollution, and no subsequent maintenance (painting), which is a huge saving in manpower and financial resources.

Q:How to calculate the construction cost of light partition?
A:The price of a dry drywall partition is about NT$2,500-5,000 per square meter, and the price of a wet drywall partition is about NT$5,000-7,000 per square meter. The cost of a glass partition wall including construction and materials is about NT$1,000 to NT$2,000.

Q:Will the sound insulation effect of light partition be poor?
A:The sound insulation effect of light partitions is related to the construction method of the partitions and the material of the light partitions. Among them, Electronic Control Glass partitions, wet partition walls, and ceramsite walls have the best sound insulation effects.

Why choose Startek?

Startek has many years of experience in the Electronic Control Glass industry, understands the differences between traditional building materials and light partition materials, and provides consumers and owners with the most professional Electronic Control Glass consultation. If you want to know more, click hereWelcome to consult, or call+886-2-7756-0773, services will be provided by dedicated personnel.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Electronic Control Glass

Q1: How much does Electronic Control Glass cost per square meter?

The price per square foot of Electronic Control Glass depends on factors such as product series, size, and whether it is laminated. Startek provides a total of 5 series from entry-level to high-end (Startek1-2800K, 2-3000K, 2-4800K, 3-5000K, 3-EX dark series), which can be selected according to the use situation (shower room, office conference room, commercial display). Detailed price pleaseRefer to the 5-step quote guideOr make an appointment for consultation at our Dunhua North Road showroom.

Q2: What is the difference between Electronic Control Glass and ordinary glass partitions?

Generally, glass partitions are "always transparent" - privacy needs rely on curtains, matte films, and roller blinds. The Electronic Control Glass can be switched between transparent/atomized with one click, no additional curtain box is needed, and there will be no 2-3cm light leakage. In the long run, the elasticity and beauty of Electronic Control Glass cannot be achieved by traditional glass partitions.

Q3: Will the Electronic Control Glass be damaged? How long is the warranty?

Startek offers a basic 5-year warranty that can be extended to the industry’s longest of 10 years. The Electronic Control Glass has passed the national impact resistance certification and 80,000 switch test (CNS-1183 / GB/T 35847-2018). We have several large-scale case sites in Taiwan (MRT station, BenQ headquarters, etc.), and will expand overseas markets starting in 2024 (Dubai, the Middle East, assists local agents in opening sales stores, and California, the United States, assists local cooperative manufacturers in construction). The technology is mature and stable.

Q4: Is Electronic Control Glass suitable for use in bathrooms?

suitable. Startek's OYSTER glued type (Startek1-2800K warm color entry-level model) is specially designed for the bathroom environment. It uses a double-layer special ultra-transparent glued film + EVA intermediate film, which is waterproof, explosion-proof, and impact-resistant.

Q5: How long will the construction take? Will it have a big impact on the existing space?

The cost of Electronic Control Glass is about 50㎡/day/person, which is almost 5 times that of wet lightweight grouting (10㎡/person/day). There is no dust pollution and no subsequent paint maintenance is required. Before construction, we will send personnel to conduct on-site inspections and provide complete construction drawings, which can be downloaded.Technical description and construction specifications。