ROOM LAYOUTS WITH SCREENFLEX DIVIDERS

Screenflex dividers are a mix of durability, stability, sound absorption and functionality all rolled into one product that is amazingly versatile and affordable all at the same time.

In order to pull off this feat of engineering Screenflex's product designers make a compromise in the wall's support system. Small legs and caster wheels along the length of the dividers (not a tripping hazard) bear the units weight. Self Leveling casters maintain weight distribution on uneven flooring. Note: although you may feel your faculties flooring is perfectly level, most likely it is not. Wide (29 1/2") end frames at each end of a freestanding divider support the unit from tipping. These units are quite stable even when used in a straight line configuration. Screenflex dividers are very safe and are designed with children in mind.

This stability is achieved by the clever design of a waist high bar welded to the dividers framework which creates a wide steady base that also provides a convenient handle for moving the dividers about.

It is important to understand this endframe when configuring space, as it can be somewhat of an obstacle. Imagine a capital I. When viewed from above the divider is a long line with an endframe on each end resembling the serifs of the I.

The endframe is not removable and will not fold along side of the divider. The endframe is always 90 degrees, or at a right angle, to the panels. With this in mind two or more dividers cannot meet at a corner. The endframes can only meet end to end.

Does this mean dividers can only be use in long straight lines? Not at all. Remember that every panel is hinged to allow 180 degrees of bending options.

If you wish to make a corner between two dividers, simply connect them together end to end, and then position your turn at the nearest panel that will turn in your desired direction. Also, you can butt the end of any divider, at a right angle, up against another divider anywhere along its length, as long as you avoid two endframes from colliding, which would leave you with a gap.

Some points to keep in mind when designing divider configurations: endframes are not removable! These endframes support your divider. Without them the divider would fall over just as if you tried to balance a sheet of plywood on its edge with nothing supporting it. Panels are hinged and can be set at any angle up to 180 degrees (from completely closed, to straight open) Panel hinging alternates; first left, then right-hand turns. This will limit your positioning choices, but can almost always be overcome with creative planning.

The simplest, and most economical, method for dividing a space into 4 classrooms is to use one long divider turned to create an L shape then use another divider with the same L shape inverted. Move the two dividers together so that they meet at the corners. You will have created a large plus sign. Why not use 3 dividers instead? One long divider plus a shorter divider on either side? You could, but three dividers compared to two dividers of combined equal length would be more expensive.

Another popular layout that is economical and provides a more enclosed classroom is created by making a large L shape and positioning it along an interior wall of your space. Position another divider with the same 90 degree bend next to the first divider, but move it down the wall a bit to leave a gap of about 3' wide for a doorway. You can continue to stack rooms in this manner along your wall for as many rooms as you need and have space for. If you are done adding rooms and you need to close off the last room in the run, use a shorter straight divider for the last wall.

To think of the dividers as only a straight span of X amount of feet and inches would be terribly limiting to say the least. Think more along the lines of folded paper fan and you've got the right idea.

These are the basics for economical room divisions. Dividing space for more non-traditional applications is a bit more complex. This is where I come in. Please call me or send a request (email, fax, postal or smoke signals). I'd be happy to send you a plan/s in 2D, 3D, and color 3D. If you need to present the idea to a group, they make for a powerful visual aid.

My goal is to find for you the correct dividers for your needs. I strive to use the least number of dividers in the most economical configuration possible. If I you can find a way to divide your space efficiently and economically then I’ve done my job and we both stand to gain from the experience.

There is no cost to my service and the plans are usually done with 24 hours. Just provide me with a quick sketch and some room dimensions. You can use one of our planning forms available from our web site or you can jot something down and fax, mail or email it to us.

Here are a few things that help the process move along and will insure you will get the best plan for your space.
? Provide me with the overall measurements of the space and an indication of which part of the space you'd like to see our dividers in.
? The height of the dividers to wish to use.
? Location of your doors and windows (windows don't necessarily hinder the placement of Screenflex dividers, neither will they interfere with your rooms heating and A/C). As a rule we will not enclose or block any doors for obvious fire and emergencies reasons. If doors are for closets, please indicate. Obstructions in the space i.e. post, columns, semi-permanent furnishings.
? What are you trying to accomplish? Examples might be: “5 classrooms for 1 adult and 8 children in each room” or
“Divide space in half with a door option in the middle” or “We want to block off from view a storage area where we stack folding tables and chairs” or “A meeting room in each of the four corners of the space for about 35 teens each”.

Note: Screenflex suggests the capacities of: 20 sq. ft. per child, 15 sq. ft. per juvenile and 10 sq. ft. per adult.

Please contact me any time for questions or comments.

Steve Bonesz
Planning Department
sbonesz@screenflex.com, 800-553-0110