The Strategic Material of the Future | How can Internal Aluminium Partitions Transform Commercial Spaces?
Alexandra works in the marketing department, and in 2014, bought her first house, which turned out to be somewhat of a ‘project’. Since then, the whole house has needed renovating, which has helped her gain a knowledge of basic DIY, decorating and making the best of a small space.
Property developers must future-proof their projects in the rapidly evolving commercial landscape by adopting lasting design trends. Among these trends are natural lighting, aluminium features, broken-plan/flexible working zones , sustainable materials, and conscious consumerism. Internal aluminium partitions offer a transformative solution that embraces these trends, providing versatile, eco-friendly, and adaptable spaces.
This article highlights the importance of incorporating particular design trends into modern commercial spaces. Natural lighting, intelligent zoning and innovative features will create fit-for-purpose buildings with a smaller impact on the wider world.
In this guide:
Discover what is important at the consumer-level. Are you optimising your use of space?
Don’t sleep on the aluminium trend – now a strategic material, its popularity is set to last.
Durability, sustainability, style and versatility make aluminium advantageous in 2023.
Design flexible, functional workspaces that satisfy eco-conscious consumers & stakeholders.
Aluminium partitions can be customised to suit your project – see how Origin can help.
What do Brits really think about office design trends?
We surveyed working Brits and asked what they considered important in an office environment. Unsurprisingly, respondents ranked ergonomics in the top three. However, natural light and innovative design features took the first and second places, respectively.
To meet these growing needs, create functional, flexible interior spaces. Incorporate wide windows and glass partition doors. Open space can compromise sound insulation – a factor ranked fourth in our independent survey. Not to mention, open office space can create unnecessary distractions.
Occupational health should also be a top priority for your customers. Extensive research indicates that daylight illumination is crucial for health, mood and productivity in the workplace – 95% of our respondents agree. Failing to optimise natural light in a workspace may be detrimental to your clients and their employees.
Finally, we're increasingly witnessing the impact of the working environment on productivity and mental health. 84% of respondents reported that a modern office layout boosts productivity. Meanwhile, 95% agree that partitioning systems are conducive to collaboration and a healthy working environment.
Invest in aluminium – the strategic material of the future
Since July 2023, the EU has listed aluminium as a strategic material. Strategic materials are raw materials significant to a government or nation. Industries that process or utilise these strategic building materials can enjoy streamlined procedures, permissions, government subsidisation, or tax relief. There’s no better time than now to invest in aluminium.
Aluminium is widely used in industries worldwide, is abundant in the Earth's crust and can be infinitely recycled. The material has a high strength-to-weight ratio and is durable, versatile and resistant to oxidisation. Its low specific heat and heat capacity makes aluminium a perfect low-impact alternative to replace PVC or wood in windows and doors.
Alexandra Giles-Brown – Head of Marketing for Origin, comments that "for years, Origin have known about the benefits of aluminium for use in construction. Market trends have indicated a significant shift away from the likes of uPVC and timber because they're difficult to recycle and can offer shorter lifespans".
Following the classification of aluminium as a strategic material, it will become readily available and more affordable. Awareness and interest will trickle down to the consumer – creating further demand for this already popular material.
While developers generally benefit from the wider availability of aluminium, investing in a quality partitioning solution that stands the test of time will be crucial. Staying ahead of UK building regulations will also become a top priority as we progress towards climate-positive development. A premium manufacturer such as Origin helps you stay ahead of the curve while maximising domestic resources.
Why developers should choose aluminium for the next commercial project
Aluminium boasts an exceptional level of sustainability. Its recyclability is second to none; 75% of all aluminium ever produced is still in circulation. Furthermore, owing to growing recycling initiatives, we currently recycle up to 90% of the aluminium we use.
Aluminium's thermal efficiency is another valuable asset, contributing to lower energy consumption. The material's low carbon footprint significantly reduces the environmental impact of your project. Finally, its availability and categorisation as a strategic material also helps ensure responsible resource management. Choosing slimline aluminium doors can help you deliver on a growing demand for eco-conscious developments.
Durability is a cornerstone of successful commercial properties and is one of aluminium's finest characteristics. Its impressive robustness guarantees structural integrity, while its resistance to weathering and corrosion reduces the need for extensive maintenance. Choosing aluminium for your commercial project offers a significant advantage in today's competitive market.
"Origin has always exclusively used aluminium for its doors and windows for a number of reasons. Its inherent strength and durability reduces how frequently it will need replacing whilst offering the slimmest sightlines and most widespread aesthetic appeal", explains Giles-Brown. Innovative aluminium powder coating technologies now also provide limitless options for stylish homes, offices, dealerships or food halls.
Not convinced by aluminium as a strategic building material yet?
Discover why Origin choose premium aluminium
The benefits and use cases for Origin Internal Doors in commercial spaces
Create flexible workspaces that allow natural light to travel across the office, showroom or studio. Clients can enjoy the benefits of daylight illumination and powerful soundproofing with triple-glazed aluminium partitioning systems.
Flexible workspaces are the way forward for businesses, promoting focus, productivity and collaboration. Pods, partition panels, Corner Configurations, and Internal Doors can fit any commercial space. Partitions with a narrow aluminium frame are even available for the widest apertures. View all our custom options in our Internal Door Configurator.
Find the perfect Internal Door configuration for your project
Explore our product specifications today
Origin internal room dividers are market-leading for sustainability, quality and responsiveness. Locally manufactured, thermally efficient, 100% recyclable and built to last, our aluminium and glass partition doors satisfy both the eco-conscious stakeholder and consumer.
How to choose the right aluminium partitions for a commercial property development
With the growing availability of aluminium comes rising competition and drastic variances in quality. The importance of choosing a responsible door supplier will become increasingly apparent.
Alexandra Giles-Brown advises that "specifiers will need to be more careful and check credentials thoroughly. For example, at Origin, we are BES 6001 accredited, which demonstrates our commitment to sustainable sourcing in construction".
When we say unbeatable lead times, we mean it. At Origin, we build our custom products to order and deliver in as little as 24 hours, if necessary. With over 150 RAL colours and fully customisable internal door shades and finishes, there are even more reasons to choose Origin to supply your next commercial project. Our internal door range is 100% British-manufactured, and we're so confident that our product will deliver on quality and appeal, that we offer up to a 20-year guarantee on all Origin Doors and Windows.
Are you ready to upgrade your commercial space with aluminium partitions?
Discuss your project with us today
What to read next
Guide to finding a door installation service for your project
Choosing an aluminium door design for a commercial development
Sources
AlCircle. (2023, March 8). European Union press for aluminium listing as a strategic raw material. Retrieved from https://www.alcircle.com/news/european-union-press-for-aluminium-listing-as-a-strategic-raw-material-96337
Aluminum Association. (n.d.). Recycling. Retrieved August 9, 2023, from https://www.aluminum.org/Recycling