Month: June 2025

Acoustic Performance: Single- vs. Double-Glazed Glass Systems

Glass wall systems are helping architects and designers create bold spaces that are flooded with natural light and feel open and spacious. However, understanding the nuances between single- and double-glazed options becomes crucial, especially when acoustic performance plays a significant role in your space’s functionality and comfort. Let’s delve into the key differences and explore the unique benefits each offers.

Single-Glazed Glass Walls: Simplicity and Affordability

As the name suggests, single-glazed glass walls feature a single pane of glass within the framing system. This design is the simpler and generally more cost-effective option upfront. Single glazing excels in visually connecting spaces and maximizing natural light transmission. It’s a popular choice for interior applications where sound privacy isn’t a primary requirement. Our LP, VETRO, HUSH, and ENDURE Series all offer single glazing.

Benefits of Single-Glazed Glass Walls
  • Cost-Effective: The initial investment for single-glazed systems is typically lower than double-glazed alternatives.
  • Sleek Aesthetics: Single glazing often presents a minimalist and seamless visual.
  • Ease of Installation: The simpler construction can lead to quicker and easier installation.

However, when it comes to acoustic performance, single-glazed glass offers limited sound insulation. Sound waves readily pass through a single layer of glass, meaning noise transfer between adjacent rooms can be significant. While suitable for areas where sound privacy isn’t critical, single glazing may not be the best choice for offices requiring focused work, conference rooms needing privacy, or residential spaces prioritizing quiet.

Double-Glazed Glass Walls: Enhanced Performance and Acoustic Comfort

Double-glazed glass walls incorporate two panes of glass separated by a sealed air or gas-filled cavity. This seemingly simple addition dramatically improves the system’s overall performance, particularly in terms of acoustic performance and energy efficiency. The air or gas trapped between the glass panes acts as an insulating barrier, effectively dampening sound vibrations and reducing noise transmission. Our ENDURE, HUSH, and DG Series are all double-glazed systems.

Benefits of Double-Glazed Glass Walls
  • Superior Acoustic Performance: The air gap in double glazing significantly reduces sound transfer, creating quieter and more private spaces. This is a major advantage for environments where acoustics are paramount.
  • Improved Energy Efficiency: The insulating air gap minimizes heat transfer, keeping interiors cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, leading to reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills.
  • Enhanced Comfort: By regulating temperature and reducing noise, double-glazed walls contribute to a more comfortable and productive indoor environment.
  • Increased Property Value: The added benefits of energy efficiency and sound control can enhance a property’s overall value.

While the initial cost of double-glazed systems is higher, the long-term benefits in terms of energy savings, enhanced acoustic performance, and improved comfort often outweigh the initial investment. Additionally, when working with a glass wall partner like MetroWall, choosing a double-glazed system doesn’t mean you should expect a longer lead time. For standard finishes and hardware, we have 3-4 week lead times for all of our double-glazed systems.

The optimal choice between single- and double-glazed glass walls hinges on your client’s specific requirements and priorities. If budget is a primary concern for interior spaces where acoustic performance isn’t critical, single glazing can be a suitable option. However, if you prioritize sound privacy, energy efficiency, and a more comfortable environment, especially in areas like offices, meeting rooms, or residential spaces near busy streets, double-glazed glass walls offer a significant advantage in controlling acoustic performance.

By carefully considering the differences and benefits of each system, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your design vision and functional needs, ultimately creating a space that is both visually appealing and acoustically comfortable. If you’re interested in our glass wall systems, we recommend downloading our brochure and reaching out to our team.

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A Deep Dive into Glass Wall STC Ratings

In today’s commercial environments, achieving optimal acoustic performance is paramount. This is where the Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating becomes your indispensable ally. However, it’s not always clear what these ratings really mean and how that relates to glass walls. So, we decided to put together a blog post that breaks this down.  

What is STC and Why Does It Matter? 

The Sound Transmission Class (STC) is a numerical rating that quantifies how effectively a building element or assembly, like a glass wall system, attenuates airborne sound. In other words, it tells you how much sound a wall, floor, ceiling, door, or window will block from getting through to the other side. This rating is derived from laboratory tests, typically adhering to ASTM E90 and E413 standards, measuring sound reduction across various frequencies relevant to human speech (125 Hz to 4000 Hz). 

In commercial settings, noise pollution directly impacts focus, privacy, and overall comfort. Imagine a bustling open-plan office where every phone call is overheard, or a confidential meeting where discussions spill into the corridor. Without adequate sound insulation, productivity plummets, and sensitive information is at risk.  

A higher STC rating signifies superior sound isolation, leading to: 

  • Enhanced Speech Privacy: Crucial for executive offices, meeting rooms, and healthcare facilities. 
  • Reduced Distractions: Fosters concentration in open workspaces and quiet zones. 
  • Improved User Comfort: Creates a more pleasant and less fatiguing environment for occupants. 
  • Compliance with Building Codes: Many local building codes mandate minimum STC ratings for various applications. To find these codes, visit The International Building Code’s website. Each state also has websites for building regulations.  
VETRO Series with wood ceiling system helps manage sound privacy.
Sound privacy doesn’t necessarily hinge on one building element. Rather, it’s more of a team effort. Additionally, what constitutes acceptable sound privacy will vary from client to client.

Practical Differences in STC Ratings 

While a higher STC number always indicates better performance, understanding the practical implications of different ratings is key for effective design. Here’s what various STC levels mean in real-world commercial scenarios: 

  • STC 25-34: This range offers minimal sound reduction. Normal speech can be easily understood through the barrier. Think of a standard single-pane glass window or a thin interior door in a residential setting.  
  • STC 35-39: At this level, loud speech is audible but generally unintelligible. Normal conversations are muffled but still perceptible. For offices, this offers some basic separation but is inadequate for private discussions. Both the LP and VETRO Series are in this STC range.  
  • STC 40-44: This is where true privacy begins to emerge. Loud speech becomes a faint murmur, and normal speech is largely inaudible. You’d likely hear general office hum, but individual conversations would be difficult to decipher. 
  • STC 45-49: Achieving an STC in this range provides very good soundproofing. Loud speech is not audible, and even loud sounds like music or machinery are only faintly heard. This level is excellent for executive offices, private meeting rooms, and spaces requiring high confidentiality. Our EXTEND Series is in this range at a 48 STC rating.  
  • STC 50+: At this level, spaces approach true soundproofing. Very loud sounds are reduced to background noise, and most sounds are virtually inaudible. This is the realm of recording studios, specialized medical facilities, or high-security meeting rooms where absolute privacy is paramount. Our ENDURE, HUSH, and DG Series all offer STC ratings in this range. 

A graphic that visually breaks down the differences in STC ratings.

It’s important to remember that a change of 1-2 STC points is almost imperceptible to the human ear. A 3-point difference is just perceptible, while a 5-point difference is clearly noticeable. A 10-point increase effectively halves the perceived loudness of a sound. 

Boosting Sound Privacy in Commercial Settings 

While high-performing wall systems form the backbone of a design, they’re not the only elements that can impact sound privacy. Here are the three ways to decrease sound transmission in a space.  

Sound Masking Systems: These systems allow occupants to create background sound that’s engineered to match speech. In doing so, you can mask speech and make distant conversations fade into the background. Having a system like this is helpful in open-plan offices. Not only does this enhance sound privacy, but it also reduces distractions for those who are trying to work. 

Acoustic Ceiling Treatments: Ceilings often act as a significant pathway for sound transmission and reverberation. Hard, flat ceiling surfaces allow sound waves to bounce freely, causing echoes and reducing speech intelligibility. Installing acoustic ceiling tiles, baffles, or clouds made from sound-absorbing materials (e.g., wood) significantly reduces reverberation time and absorbs airborne noise. This creates a quieter, more comfortable environment and prevents sound from flanking over partitions. 

Executive boardroom with glass interiors and large conference room table with blue chairs.

Proper Door and Gasket Specification: Even the highest-rated wall assembly will fail if the doors within it are acoustically weak. Specify solid core doors with high STC ratings (often laminated or specially constructed for acoustics). Crucially, ensure doors are fitted with continuous acoustic gasketing around the perimeter and an automatic door bottom. These elements seal the gaps that typically allow significant sound leakage, ensuring the door’s acoustic performance matches the wall’s. 

By understanding the practical implications of STC ratings and strategically integrating high-performance glass wall systems like MetroWall’s with complementary acoustic solutions, architects and designers can craft commercial spaces that not only look exceptional but also deliver exceptional sound privacy and productivity. Invest in acoustic performance to deliver lasting value to your clients. 

 If you need a copy of our glass wall systems’ STC rating, download our brochure. Or head to the Products section of our website. 

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MetroWall Hosts Events in DMV Community

Our team believes that strong partnerships are built on more than just projects. But rather, they’re nurtured through genuine connection and shared experiences. That’s why we’ve been thrilled to host a series of creative events specifically designed for the vibrant architect and design community. Our DC, Maryland, and Virginia business development manager, EB Srygley has been holding cookie decorating events at firms across the DMV since the start of the year.

What inspired these events?

The idea for the events came from EB decorating cookies with her kids. It was a fantastic way to unwind and tap into her creative spirit. Plus, it’s undeniably delicious! “That’s seriously what sparked the idea,” EB explains. “It got me thinking: What if we could create a similar experience for the architects and designers we work with?” She saw it as an opportunity to create a relaxing setting that let their creativity flow and foster meaningful connections with their community. 

 

Beyond the sprinkles and frosting, these MetroWall events offer some key benefits that we hope resonate with the busy lives of architects and designers: 

  • A Chance to Unwind and Recharge: The world of architecture is demanding. Tight deadlines and the pressure to meet client expectations can be incredibly stressful. Our events provide a welcome respite from the intensity of the day-to-day. These events give A&D professionals a chance to flex their creative muscles without having to worry about deadlines. 
  • Build Meaningful Connections: Relationships need to be nurtured. These MetroWall events create a casual environment for architects and designers to connect with each other and the MetroWall team on a more personal level. “It’s a chance to see us not just as a supplier, but as a knowledgeable advisor and a true partner dedicated to the success of their projects,” says EB.
  • Spark Inspiration in Unexpected Ways: Sometimes, the most creative ideas come when you least expect them. Engaging in a tactile and artistic activity like cookie decorating can be surprisingly refreshing and might even spark new perspectives or ideas that can be applied to their professional work. 
Has anything resonated with you during these events?

“One of the most rewarding aspects of hosting these events is getting to know the architects and designers as individuals, not just clients. Sharing laughter, hearing their stories, and learning about their passions creates a deeper level of understanding and strengthens our collaborative relationships,” says EB.

 

About MetroWall and local baker we use for cookie decorating events.
All cookies are made by a local bakery, MKZ Kookies, which 3D prints all of their cookie cutter designs!
Interested is hosting a cookie decorating event with MetroWall?

We look forward to hosting more of these cookie decorating events. Reach out to EB Srygley and our business development associate, Lily Scanzillo, if you’re interested in hosting one of these events at your firm this summer or in the fall! We’re excited to connect with you! 

Alternatively, you can fill out the Contact Us form right here on our site! 

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Four Benefits of Glass Wall Interiors

As workplaces and workforces evolve, so do our views on the ‘ideal’ office layout for optimal practicality and productivity. Ultimately, the only true solution is an outcome that allows flexibility for the future – a solution like glass wall interiors. We’ve compiled a list of some of the top reasons our clients choose glass wall interiors. 

Impress Staff and Clients

Organizations rely on appearances to make an impact. If you want to attract quality staff and impress clients, you need a space that screams forward-looking, efficient, and welcoming. Glass is also 100% recyclable, and with organizational values becoming an increasing drawcard for both employees and customers, a demonstrable commitment to sustainability is not only important, it’s expected.

One of the benefits of glass walls is that they increase the amount of natural light in a space.

Space that Helps You Do Business Differently

Even though the way work is changing, our human and business needs remain broadly similar. We need an environment that balances the need for confidential discussion and collaboration. Both outcomes are possible when you use glass partitioning to create functional, flowing spaces. The workforce of the future understands that human performance is about much more than ‘carrot and stick’; it’s about understanding where work fits in the bigger picture of our lives, the importance of workplace relationships, and the human needs that have to be met for peak performance. They also know that the built environment – and flexibility of its form and function – is critical to our wellbeing. Think about how you feel in a darkened room, versus how you feel when you stand in an expansive, sunlit space. We know the realities, but somehow workplaces have failed to keep pace with our growing understanding of what makes humanity ‘tick’.

Custom-designed Layouts

The beauty of partitioning is that you create it to your specifications, and it can adapt to your needs. This means if you need particular spaces now and a redesigned layout in the future, you’re talking adaptation rather than renovation. Our ranges, for example, allow us to create hundreds of configurations – whatever your vision, we can deliver. From minimalist and budget-driven designs to high-end, our customizable modules allow us to meet the needs of every conceivable office space. Whatever the size, shape, style, and budget, we can create an environment that meets all your needs. And, being easily demountable, they’re a much more cost-effective solution over the long term.

Custom office space with operable glass wall.

Better for Staff Well-being

Glass partitions provide all the benefits of drywall while allowing natural light to flow freely. People thrive in sunshine and need Vitamin D to fend off stress and anxiety. Just ask the International Well Building Institute. They found that workers’ productivity declines if they’re located more than 7.5 meters from a window. In the same way, we don’t tend to like being locked away from other people – we’re social beasts, in the main. Connection with our colleagues is key to creativity, collaboration, and productivity. Just being able to see each other through an open space makes a world of difference. When you couple that with sound privacy, you get the perfect blend of transparency and privacy.

Ready to specify our glass wall systems? Contact us and tell us more about your project. We’ll be in touch shortly with solutions. 

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