Handbook

The design of interior partitions is a highly relevant topic in modern construction, particularly because most apartments are now delivered to occupants without a pre-existing layout. Only after finalizing the apartment’s design project can the decision about walls between rooms be made.

This approach to apartment design is more beneficial as it allows the client and the designer to jointly choose the most advantageous and convenient room and functional zone layout. The main challenge then becomes selecting the appropriate material for constructing these partitions.

Initially, apartment or house owners must decide on the partition’s purpose. If it’s merely decorative, lighter materials like polycarbonate or drywall are suitable. However, if sound insulation is also required, thicker partitions made of brick, foam blocks, or wood will be necessary.

 

I caution readers against an amateur approach to such a crucial task as home layout planning. If the apartment’s space is divided incorrectly, it can lead to various issues in the future, such as:

• Living rooms without windows, lacking natural light;
• Overly narrow corridors;
• Bathroom doors opening into dining rooms or living rooms;
• One or more walk-through living spaces;
• High noise levels or, conversely, excessive light or sound insulation.

To avoid mishaps in setting up interior partitions, let’s first consider the main materials used in their construction.

 

Wood

 

It’s important to distinguish between timber frame constructions and solid wood partitions. The latter is more suited for the interior design of log or timber houses, matching the style appropriately. However, it is an expensive material.

On the other hand, wooden frames, a cheaper option, are initially filled with insulating material and then clad with plywood sheets or paneling.

Using wooden panels as a material has several advantages:

• Good sound insulation;
• Lightweight construction;
• Attractive appearance.

Brick

 

Using bricks ensures durability. Brick partitions can support heavy shelves and hanging cabinets.

However, constructing brick walls without sufficient expertise is challenging, and they are very heavy, requiring a robust reinforced concrete base. Therefore, this material is now considered outdated, replaced by more modern partitions.

 

Concrete Blocks

 

The most popular method for constructing interior partitions in contemporary construction involves foam and aerated concrete blocks. They ensure good thermal and sound insulation and the partition’s sturdiness. Foam concrete blocks are more challenging to plaster, whereas expanded clay concrete blocks are much heavier and provide poorer sound insulation.

As evident, there are various concrete blocks available for partition materials, but proper laying and securing are crucial.

Frame Constructions

 

Besides wood, steel profiles are used for the basis of frame partitions. Steel frames are also filled with insulators like styrofoam, mineral wool, or sawdust, and then covered with plywood or drywall.

These panels are easy to plaster, offering high sound absorption and excellent heat retention.

 

Sandwich Panels

 

Used in the construction of frame houses using “Canadian” technology, sandwich panels consist of a filler layer of styrofoam or polyurethane, covered with a galvanized steel sheet on top. While they retain heat well, their other properties are somewhat contentious.

 

Polycarbonate Partitions

 

Used exclusively for decorative purposes in the interior. They can serve as sliding panels when delineating functional areas. This material is eco-friendly, safer compared to glass, and inexpensive. Additionally, polycarbonate partitions are relatively easy to assemble DIY.

 

Modern Drywall Partitions

 

Drywall partitions have become a popular method for creating various partition modifications. Recently, the use of moisture-resistant panels has proven effective, even suitable for bathrooms and toilets. Typically, a partition consists of two drywall panels mounted on a metal profile, with a filler of mineral wool between them. Generally, the thickness of such partitions doesn’t exceed 10-12 cm but can be smaller.

 

Examples of Combining Materials for Creating Original Partitions

Today, as an interior designer, Olesya Blaschenko, I have outlined the primary materials for constructing interior partitions.

If you need assistance with your apartment’s layout, I am here to help. I will provide you with several sketch plans to choose from and select the necessary construction materials.