With considerable experience working on projects for the education sector, Optima has developed a thorough understanding of the performance challenges associated with these environments. Our glazed and solid partitions can be used to compartmentalise large areas within a school, university or library to create private spaces and quiet areas for study.
Good acoustic performance is essential for learning; it aids communication between teachers and students and improves study activities.
All of our partitions offer reliable acoustic control and are tested for acoustic performance in a UKAS accredited laboratory. We can comply with the acoustic requirements for schools set out in the Department for Education's BB93 – Acoustic Design of Schools: Performance Standards.
We understand the need for adaptability in school or university environments, where space is at a premium and often used in different ways. Our glazed partitioning systems are fully demountable, helping to create flexible spaces that can be quickly and easily transformed and reconfigured when needed to be.
Robustness is another important consideration when specifying glass partitions within a school, college or university. Glazed partitions within these environments need to withstand onerous treatment.
Our Technical Team can advise on glass thickness and maximum heights in accordance with the requirements that are set out in the Department for Education and Skills' SSLD1 document (Standard Specifications, Layouts and Dimensions).
The Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method for Schools (BREEAM Schools) is the standard tool for assessing the environmental impact of a school.
As part of the BREEAM Schools assessment, the different construction elements within a proposed building are rated using information from the BRE Green Guide to Specification. All of Optima's glazed partitions achieve an 'A' summary rating, which is the most environmentally friendly rating.