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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Leverage MetroWall’s Expertise to Simplify Test Fits

Test fits (or preliminary space plans) are a foundational component of design and build projects. Not only do test fits help tenants determine if a commercial space is the right fit for their needs and their budget, but they also give architect and design teams the opportunity to think deeply about materials and systems they’ll want to use and how to implement them.  

 In our experience, test fits also enable our architect and design clients to identify unique challenges in a space. Discovering and learning about these problems early on gives them time to find solutions that meet the tenant’s expectations and their design needs. This ensures suitable space and glass wall systems are chosen and minimize unforeseen challenges that could drive up costs or extend the timeline of a project. 

Preliminary space study for a tenant in real estate management and development.
Preliminary space study for a tenant in real estate management and development.

 

As a result, once an architect or designer decides they want to use MetroWall’s glass wall systems in their project, we recommend getting our team of experts involved in the design process as soon as possible. Being involved during the test fit stage helps us better understand the design intent, the desired aesthetics, and the functionality required from the glass wall interiors.  

Once MetroWall is spec’d, our architectural representatives offer valuable insight on our glass wall systems, guidance based on previous experience, and coordinate with our team to find solutions tailored to the project. A few topics we frequently discuss with our architect and design clients during the test fit stage include: 

  • Acoustic and STC ratings 
  • Sustainability 
  • Door types and function 
  • Custom components (if required) 
  • Security needs 
  • Review of other project components (e.g., flooring, ceilings, etc.) 

Of course, there is plenty more to talk about, but in our experience, every project is different and comes with its own unique challenges. In addition to offering guidance and collaborating with A&D teams to find solutions, we provide quick turnaround budgets to manage tenant expectations and help A&D teams maintain their design intent. 

A good example of this can be seen in the project we collaborated on with HLW International at the International Flavors & Fragrance Inc. IFF wanted glass wall interiors that would deliver a bold and modern aesthetic. But they also had specific olfactory requirements for their testing environments that needed to be met. Our team worked with the HLW designers to create airtight glass booths by utilizing single-glazed versions of our DG system with framed doors, drop seals, and custom Bespoke sniffing windows mounted in the doors.  

Airtight Bespoke sniffing window built into MetroWall’s DG glass wall system
Airtight Bespoke sniffing window built into MetroWall’s DG glass wall system

 

Working closely with the A&D team early on not only enabled us to come up with an ideal solution but also ensured that our project managers, production team, and installers were aware of the details of the job, making for a frictionless experience.  


MetroWall is redefining architectural design and build standards for glass wall interiors. Download our brochure to learn more about MetroWall and how our proprietary, integrated process can make a difference on your next project.  

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Leverage MetroWall’s Sustainable Products

Building with sustainable products is becoming more important by the day. With climate change high on the agenda, many of us in the construction industry are thinking of ways we can build and design spaces that don’t just do good for the occupants but do good for the planet too. When it comes to interior design, there are several factors to consider, one of which is whether or not you’re incorporating sustainable products. Drywall is are construction industry stalwart, but is there a superior choice available? We say, yes.

Glass Partitions are a worthwhile choice for several reasons. Not only can glass maximize the use of space, increase productivity and boost staff well-being, it can also make for a greener build.

1. Glass and Aluminum is Recyclable

Glass and aluminum are two of the most sustainable materials around. They’re fully recyclable and can be used over and over again without a drop in quality.

2. Glass Production Creates Less Waste

The amount of waste produced during the manufacture of glass is low and most of the waste can be collected, remelted and used to produce new glass.

3. Glass Cna Reduce Energy Consumption

Glass facilitates the flow of natural light, which doesn’t just contribute to increased staff wellbeing but also saves on the amount of energy used.

4. MetroWall is a Domestic Manufacturer

We probably *could* reach out to Europe or China for our glass manufacturer, but we don’t. Our manufacturing facility is based in Congers, NY and we have built a domestic supply chain. This helps us lower our carbon footprint and offer competitive lead times.

5. MetroWall End of Life Options

Our glass wall products are inherently sustainable, and the glass and aluminum used to make these materials are easily recycled.

Download our HPD and LEED documentation for more information about how our products can contribute to your sustainable designs.

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Glass Wall Interior Solutions for Architectural Design

Offices from the dim and distant past were dark and cavernous spaces. No longer. These days, glass wall interiors are designed to seamlessly integrate with the most ambitious architectural designs to create inspiring interiors. At Metrowall, we work with some of New York’s most innovative architects to bring clients’ visions to life – glass solutions for the most beautiful, functional spaces.

And while glass partitions are a familiar sight in commercial office interiors, we’re seeing them increasingly commissioned for condos and lofts, hotels and more – an incredible way to create distinct areas without losing that feeling of true space.

Engineered and Tested

But we’re not just focused on the aesthetics – important though they are – our glass partitions and doors are expertly engineered and tested to the nth degree, so you can be assured of a top-quality product.

From experience, we expect and welcome a wealth of questions when specifying glass partitions. That’s why we have specialist technicians on-hand to provide comprehensive answers and offer their professional advice, so you can choose the perfect product for your specific needs.

And with years of experience and knowledge to their credit, our sales teams and installers are vigilant for potential problems, so that we can head them off at the pass. Our expertise isn’t just invaluable, it all comes as part of the end-to-end MetroWall service.

Carefully designed and installed by dedicated teams, we’re all about world-class customer service and impeccable outcomes.

Competitive Lead-Times

We also help minimize disruption and support project efficiency by delivering a comprehensive service that happens mainly off-site. With production occurring elsewhere, you’ll only see us when we appear to measure and then deliver and install the finished product in double-quick time.

Of course, that’s only if you’re a MetroWall customer, because our lead times are the best in the business. Just three weeks from ordering to installation to transform office spaces and workplace ambiance.

A Broad Range of Product Offerings

We offer a wide range of glass wall products for architects and designers to choose from. Here’s a brief breakdown of our offerings:

  • ENDURE Series: This system is built for high-traffic environments. Think healthcare, financial institutions, and education. The system offers single and double glazing, an STC of 51, and can support walls up to 14 feet!
  • HUSH Series: This system offers a 50 STC rating and allows you to future-proof a space. Not only can the HUSH seamlessly transition back and forth between single and double glazing, but it can also be easily upgraded. So if you initially decided on a single-glazed partition and decide you need or want a double-glazed one, we can add a second pane of glass.
  • VETRO Series: If you need versatility, the VETRO is the way to go. It’s a single-glazed system that is compatible with all opening and door types.
  • LP Series: If you’re looking for a more minimal look, this system is for you. The LP Series’ bottom track is less than an inch wide and high, making it one of the smallest profiles on the market.
  • EXTEND Series: This system is the solution for flexibility. This operable wall allows end users to quickly reconfigure their space. But unlike many operable walls, the EXTEND uses a floor track, and that means you can save on engineering costs.
  • DG Series: This system is a high acoustic performer with a 50 STC rating. This is a favorite in EDU environments.
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