Construction and Renovation of Existing Buildings

Renovation, remodeling, and repurposing have long had a far greater impact on construction practice than simple greenfield development. In existing office buildings in particular, new ways of working clash with outdated floor plans: deep zones, dark hallways, rigid room layouts, and open-plan structures with poor acoustics. To make such spaces fit for the future, we need solutions that work with the existing structure rather than against it.

This is precisely where glass shines. Transparent partitions channel daylight into interior areas, maintain visual connections, and make spaces appear larger, quieter, and more clearly organized. In the office, this means: more brightness without expanding the floor plan, better orientation without major structural changes, and an enhancement of the space without sacrificing openness. BauNetz Wissen explicitly describes glass partitions as a means of directing natural light into deeper room zones or hallways.

This is also relevant from the perspective of workplace planning. BAuA refers to ASR A3.4 and makes it clear that workspaces should receive sufficient daylight and be equipped with a visual connection to the outside. Transparent interior walls do not replace exterior windows, but they significantly improve the distribution of available daylight within the room. For renovations of existing buildings, this represents real added value.

For glass to function effectively in existing buildings, clear technical guidelines are required. The DIN 18008 series of standards governs glazing in buildings. In workspaces and high-traffic areas, additional requirements under workplace safety regulations and accident prevention laws apply: all-glass walls must be clearly marked; transparent door surfaces must be shatterproof or protected. Safety glass such as tempered glass (ESG) and laminated safety glass (VSG) is not a design feature here, but a fundamental planning requirement.

Acoustics are equally crucial. In an office, transparency alone is not enough. Expert sources show that sound insulation in glass walls is improved through the pane structure, glass thickness, acoustically effective interlayers, and connection details. At the same time, the actual quality of use depends heavily on room acoustics: ceilings, floors, and absorber surfaces must be included in the planning. In open-plan offices, planning is guided by standards such as DIN 18041, ISO 3382-3, VDI 2569, and ASR 3.7.

For existing buildings, this means in practice: good glass solutions are slim, safe, easy to install, and acoustically well-tuned. They allow for phased renovations, reduce drying times, and are suitable for renovations during ongoing operations. It is precisely this combination of precision and minimal disruption that makes them attractive to architects and metal fabricators.

GM MARTITION MONO combined with GM FRAME PROFILES allows for the creation of delicate office partitions with a clean, minimalist look. The GM FRAME PROFILES feature a face width of just 22 mm with a depth of 40 mm, creating flush, precise connections to doors and fixed glazing. This is particularly effective in existing buildings where maximum transparency with minimal visual impact is required.

GM MARTITION LIGHT is particularly suitable for renovations where installation time and construction workflow are critical. The system is based on a glass module principle. This construction method significantly reduces installation time. For renovations in offices, medical practices, law firms, or meeting areas, this is a clear advantage because spaces can be restructured more quickly.

When higher acoustic requirements are the priority, GM MARTITION PLUS offers the most advanced technical solution. According to Glas Marte, the double-shell system achieves a total sound insulation rating of up to Rres,w 49 dB, including the door, thereby combining transparent design with discreet conversation zones, think tanks, or meeting rooms. Especially in modernized open-plan spaces, this provides a compelling solution to the desire for openness without acoustic disturbance.

For ancillary areas within existing buildings—such as modernized restrooms or changing rooms—GM CABINMART effectively complements the office design concept. The system provides privacy without visually overwhelming the space, thereby extending the concept of transparent, high-quality building retrofits beyond the actual workspaces.

In existing buildings, it is not the most radical measure that wins out, but the most precise one. Glass partitions are particularly effective in office settings when they fulfill multiple functions simultaneously: allowing natural light to flow through, organizing spaces, ensuring safety, providing sound insulation, and being easy to install with minimal disruption. For architects, this means greater freedom in repurposing spaces. For metal fabricators, it means systems that connect seamlessly, can be installed cost-effectively, and enhance the architectural value of existing buildings. This is precisely why solutions such as GM MARTITION MONO with GM ZARGENPROFILE, GM MARTITION LIGHT, and GM MARTITION PLUS are so relevant for construction and renovation projects in existing buildings.