Location : Lake Stevens, WA
Product : Excel 741 Operable Partitions
Architect : NAC Architecture
The Glasshouse, Manhattan New York – Case Study
The Glasshouse is a 35,000 sq. ft all exterior glass wall event space overlooking the Hudson River in Manhattan. The Design Team wished to maintain this exterior view from within by using a 15’ tall moveable acoustic glass wall system: let the outside in. This design objective required solid acoustic panels and glass panels that could be interchanged freely in order to configure the meeting areas as dictated by specific requirements. This need required the design and installation of a fool proof grid of intersecting overhead track & intersections (2200 lineal feet), special width solid and glass panels (3 widths) and a flexible expandable panel closure system. As an overhead track structural steel was not part of the initial project design the Moderco distributor, Value Added Group, designed and installed a complete steel strut support system.
The Glasshouse, Manhattan New York – Case Study
Moderco
The Advanced Learning Library is a state-of-the-art library located in Wichita, KS. The largest operable wall on this project is very unique in that the wall is Crystal glass on top with the bottom 36” being a solid Signature. This rare combination helps in achieving the 12’7” ceiling height requirement as well as a rare aesthetic touch. More importantly, the outstanding acoustical performance of the wall enables them to separate their sometimes-noisy lobby from their main library which requires absolute silence for readers or open the entire area up for large events. In addition, this wall allows for multiple configurations allowing or not allowing guest to use the stairs.
Product : Crystal 241 molded together with Signature 841
Architect : GLMV Architecture
The Holdsworth Center in Houston Texas – Case Study
The Holdsworth Center is a well-known facility where educators meet to learn advanced teaching techniques, individually and in groups. Acoustics, privacy and a comfortable aesthetically pleasing environment is required. The single panel 841 steel panel face in the serving area was factory custom prepared to allow for the field installation of vertical wood brightwork pieces by the millwork craftsmen thus creating a visual focal point for the area. Necessary acoustic qualities were maintained. Acoustic Crystal Glass 242 systems were used to divide classrooms & maintain the desired “openness” of the teaching area. If custom finishes and acoustic glass wall systems are part of your requirements contact Moderco (1.800.363.3150) or RPC.
Product : Moderco Signature 840 & 841 (solid panels). Moderco Crystal 242 (glass panels)
Architect : Lake Flato Architects, San Antonio Texas
Spinologics Montreal
Spinologics, a Canadian company based in Montreal, is all about people. Founded by three orthopedic surgeons dedicated to improving people’s lives through the development of surgical tools and techniques, they brought this philosophy of people first with them when designing the interior of their corporate offices. Not a large area but one filled with dynamic activity, teamwork, visual interaction, and the need for acoustical privacy. A Crystal wall system from Moderco was the perfect solution. The Moderco distributor, Cometal, had to modify a confined existing space for the wall and a storage area. Portions of the existing permanent walls were demolished; a custom designed track system was designed & installed on a new structural support system & the permanent wall were acoustically insulated and painted, all with minimal disruption to Spinologics operations. The result is an extremely happy & satisfied customer. Projects do not have to be large to be of significance. The capabilities of our distribution are far more than just operable walls. The desire of both Moderco and Cometal in all projects is to have a satisfied customer. We believe we have succeeded.
Product : Crystal Glass STC 44 Acoustical Wall System
Architect : A custom design project from Cometal & Moderco.
The Glasshouse- Moderco
The Glasshouse, Manhattan New York – Case Study
The Glasshouse is a 35,000 sq. ft all exterior glass wall event space overlooking the Hudson River in Manhattan. The Design Team wished to maintain this exterior view from within by using a 15’ tall moveable acoustic glass wall system: let the outside in. This design objective required solid acoustic panels and glass panels that could be interchanged freely in order to configure the meeting areas as dictated by specific requirements. This need required the design and installation of a fool proof grid of intersecting overhead track & intersections (2200 lineal feet), special width solid and glass panels (3 widths) and a flexible expandable panel closure system. As an overhead track structural steel was not part of the initial project design the Moderco distributor, Value Added Group, designed and installed a complete steel strut support system.
City Bank Miami- Moderco
The National Bank of Miami wished to modernize and update their 2 levels of existing offices located on the 19th floor of The Miami Tower. Included was a complete redesign of their reception area. The owners and Architects wanted to create an immediate “Wow” effect, make the area inviting and warm by taking advantage of Miami’s abundant morning sun. The Moderco Vision single panel “see-through” glass panel system was selected as meeting all design and aesthetic requirements. Folding Walls of Miami had to overcome many non-standard issues such as the project being on the 19th floor of a downtown tower, the existing floor was not level requiring modifications, the installation of track within an existing ceiling and accounting for the installation of a 5/8” thick marble floor. But the desired effect was achieved as Moderco Vision truly delivered the goods as light pours into the room highlighting the new interior furnishings.
Product : Moderco Vision 121
Architect : Gensler Architects of Miami
Moveable Wall Specifications Mostly Truth But Sometimes Fiction
One of the most common requests all manufacturers receive from specifiers is for a product “comparison” to a specified or preferred product. And what all manufacturers do is dissect their product and in some form, provide objective facts about what they propose to supply as compared to what the specification details & calls for. The decision makers then, after comparing the specification to the alternate product, make a selection based on this information. Specifications quite properly, contain a lot of “details” and too often, meeting or complying with these “details” is the bottom line by which acceptability is measured and determined. Manufacturers will be rejected because they do not comply with “all” specified features. Is this correct and fair? Holding every manufacturer to all of the specification requirements? Moderco says NO!
When evaluating, what the specifier should be aware of are those not so subtle hidden requirements included by the specified company that are there only to eliminate competition. Meaningless requirements. Some examples as it pertains to moveable walls.
Detail
One manufacturer includes the following regarding steel track: “Bracket must support the load bearing surface of the track”. Why do they include this – will the track fail if the load bearing surface is not supported? Is the track prone to failure when loads are applied? They do not include this requirement when they specify aluminum track. Why not? Why is this requirement included?
Truth
It is true that the support bracket that they use on their steel track systems is designed such that the bearing surface is supported. But this bracket is their standard design. It has no specific extra benefit or value to the consumer. This an attempt to portray their standard bracket design as a specific need that all must comply with in order to be acceptable. But the requirement is there only to eliminate competition. Nothing else. In addition when it is convenient they will “direct mount” (screw) this same track directly to a wood header without the requirement for a “load bearing” support system.
Detail
One manufacturer, when one of their specific steel track systems is specified, includes: “Aluminum track is not acceptable”. Why not? The majority of this same companies track systems are aluminum. Why must the only acceptable track be manufactured from steel when this particular track and application is specified?
Truth
This is an attempt to eliminate competition by making just steel track acceptable. They know that competitors will bid using a standard aluminum system when this application – right angle turn – is needed. The manufacturer does have aluminum right angle track systems that provides the same operation and stacking and are vastly superior in operation and results. Aluminum track is perfectly acceptable to them when it is convenient. The material from which the track is manufactured should not be a determining requirement.
Detail
One manufacturer specifies their astragals as being “roll formed steel astragals”. They follow this up with “Rigid plastic or aluminum astragals or astragals in only one panel edge are not acceptable”. Why not? The astragal is there to align panels and create an acoustical barrier between panels. As long as it functions in such a manner and is guaranteed by the manufacturer as to durability and performance, why is the material from which it is made an issue? How can one manufacturer dictate the materials that another manufacturer uses to make his product when the design has proven itself in the laboratory and field?
Truth
A manufacturer must or at least should, make it’s astragal from the material that was used to attain the panels laboratory STC rating. This particular company manufactured many of their astragals at the time their sound tests were conducted using aluminum, they subsequently changed to steel, and now say that aluminum is not acceptable but use the same sound test. Hard to have it both ways. But it does not matter as long as the astragal performs as required. Aluminum, steel, plastic, location etc. are not an issue – only durability, guarantees and results should be the considerations.
There are other specific requirements contained in various manufacturers specifications designed only to eliminate competition. Examples are ways that panel skins are attached, the mounting of hinges, pass door details etc. all of which should not be included or be a determination as to a manufacturer’s ability to perform.
When evaluating a product, when comparing a product, when specifying a product, we suggest that you look past some of the “not acceptable selling points” that manufacturers include in specifications in order to give them an edge: to eliminate competition. For the most part any of the 6 or so companies manufacturing operable walls that you may be considering, will be reliable, reputable and competent, providing time proven, performance driven products. Do not eliminate any sources by including in your specification “talking points” designed only to eliminate competition and offered by those who do not have your best interests at heart.
To paraphrase (for you country fans) Kris Kristofferson wrote “mostly truth but partly fiction.” This is what too many specifications contain these days. Implied fiction. Let RPC and Moderco assist you in preparing a truthful specification that does not include statements that are designed to discourage or eliminate competition & that if you wish identifies equal products from competitors.
The Holdsworth Center, Austin, TX
The Project:
RPC worked with Lake Flato Architects early on in the design of the operable walls. This is a site with 8 different buildings, 3 used for training where teachers or educators come for intense training. Other buildings included sleeping quarters for those attending and presenting.
The intent was for all of the operable partitions to be custom, especially the folding partition in the Event Room and the folding partition to close off the Servery when not in use. Crystal Series 242 glass folding partitions were used in Classrooms. The Event Room was a Signature 840 with custom wall covering. What made this partition unique was the fact that they wanted a tapered glass window system between the overhead support and the roof. The support was not to be seen and was boxed with wood to appear as a timber, spanning the Event Room.
The Servery folding partition was Signature 841 with steel faces left
unfinished for a wood slats to be attached to the faces. Because there were many areas in and around this area of the building with high end mill work, it was recommended that the millwork supplier/installer apply the 1” wood slats to the steel faces to keep all of the wood in the visible area from the same run. The partition was bi-parting with the stack areas jetting into the eating area to keep the primary track as close to the serving area as possible per the architects wishes.
The pictures speak for themselves. These partitions turned out incredible. Keeping the architects wishes first and foremost and trying to
give them what they wanted and more was of the utmost importance. This, along with a highly skilled and professional installation crew, was key to the success of this product for this project. These partitions were focal points for this project.
The Team
| Architect: | Lake Flato Architects, San Antonio TX |
| Contractor: | The Beck Group |
| Moderco Partner: | RPC, Inc |
| The Product: |
Moderco Signature 840
Moderco Signature 841
Moderco Crystal 242
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| Panels: | Single Panel, Center Point Panel, Paired Panel |
| Stacking: | Side Stacking, Center Stacking |
| Glass: | ¼” Clear Tempered |
| Wall Covering: | Wood Slats, Full Height Markerboard, Custom Fabric |
| Frame Finish: | Tuscan Black |
| Track: | Tuscan Black – Type 23T, Type 45T |
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- Moderco Signature Series
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- Moderco Signature Series
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- Moderco Signature Series
MODERCO Inc. Announces Construction of new Facility to Support Growth.
We are so proud of our partner Moderco. They have begun the exciting process of building a new facility to support the growth of their business.
MODERCO Inc. Announces Construction of new Facility to Support Growth
Moderco, an International and 40 year experienced manufacturer of Moveable Wall Systems, today announced plans to construct a new manufacturing facility, beginning the summer of 2021, within the Greater Montreal Area. The new manufacturing plant and corporate offices will be located in the heart of a developing area adjacent to the new Montreal/St. Hubert regional airport. The facility will consolidate into one location the three existing separate plants that are presently required to meet the growing demand for Moderco’s products as experienced over the past few years. In addition, it will provide for the growth of Moderco and the manufacture of new products and features.
“Our Architects and consultants have designed a building and environment wherein our associates will remain central to our success. We will incorporate our 40 years of success and experience in all aspects of the moveable wall industry including robotic assembly, automation, AI, material management, quality and inventory control into one location. Combining the skills of our valued associates with the most current manufacturing methods and equipment available, will allow us to maintain and significantly increase our planned growth” said Stephan Julien, President and CEO of Moderco. “We were extremely fortunate to locate such a nice and well-served location. The location and enhanced operational efficiencies will help us to continue to grow and develop and provide exceptional service and product”.
Jean Martin (JM) Roy, VP of Sales and Marketing commented : “Our entire office area, combined with a sales training and presentation area, will allow us to showcase and demonstrate all of our products. In addition we will have, in partnership with a prominent acoustical engineering company, a fully accredited acoustical testing laboratory where we will be able to quickly sound test all of our planned new products as well as have existing products retested in order to keep current with the most recent test procedures. One of the most pressing problems in our industry is extreme variations throughout a year in product demand. Alleviating delivery problems associated with these variations is an important part of the incorporated manufacturing processes allowing us to keep pace with our client’s needs.”
All at Moderco are looking forward to the relocation to our new facility in the Fall of 2022. For additional information about the new Moderco manufacturing facility, Moderco in general, Moderco products or Moderco distribution please contact info@moderco.com or call 800.363.3150.
About Moderco.
Moderco is a privately owned company that specializes in the design, manufacture and sale of operable (moveable) partition systems. Moderco was established in 1980 and has been manufacturing partitions since. Products are sold throughout the world through a network of reliable, fully trained, local installing distributor partners. Moderco is the largest supplier of operable partition systems to the Canadian market and has held this position consistently for the past 25 years. We are ranked third in North America in terms of sales volume. We offer an extensive ranger of manual and electric operable partition systems as well as accordion doors, moveable glass partitions with additional products soon to come. We offer acoustic and non-acoustic systems with a varied range of STC values.