GLYDE Architectural Acoustic Systems

09/06/2026

Pro Tip, courtesy of Tyrone Hare, GLYDE Architectural Sales Manager

Into every architect's life a client comes who wants their project to include operable walls with "as high acoustic value as possible". If we spec an operable wall above Rw50 for a greater level of separation, there are a number of factors that need to be considered.

The most notable consequence of chasing "as high acoustic value as possible" is day-to-day operation of the wall. To achieve the highest-level ratings, the panels become inherently heavier and are difficult to operate on a semi-regular basis.

A second consequence is that every panel is only ever as good as its acoustic partner: the seals. Most builds above an Rw53 need to double up on seals. Where a standard operable wall system incorporates retractable bottom seals for ease of operation, some higher-rated walls require a combination of retractable seals plus fixed sweep seals. Coupling fixed sweep seals with heavier panel weight can result in these highly rated systems incurring drag along the floor.

Here's a practical framework for getting the balance right without over-specifying:

First, carefully read your acoustic report and discuss it with the client around expectations. The desire for an extremely high level of separation should never override safe and simple operation for all users. An acoustic rating of Rw50 or greater may also be unnecessary for how the space will actually be used and the sound management it requires.

Second, weigh the variables of operation, acoustics, and budget. Operable walls with very high ratings typically incur very high costs and 5 points or more can be due to a good or poor installation along with integrity of the surrounding based build and flanking.

Finally, avoid incorporating passdoors into operable walls unless absolutely required (they will always be a weak point for sound leakage) consider other paths of egress into the space.

An operable wall should always close to the rear of any stack recess rather than to the face of any joinery cupboard doors.

Consider Side or Remote stacking rather than Centre stacking for all walls over Rw49. Individual panels are far more user friendly than Centre stacking hinged pairs with less risk of finger entrapment. This also delivers the bonus of not having the full wall weight as a live point load, reducing the extent of overhead structural support required.

Make sure your specification delivers performance that genuinely serves your client's needs, not just the highest number on paper. Talk to a GLYDE expert about your next project.

19/05/2026

A Pro Tip from Architectural Specification Manager Carlos Siliezar: Spaces that work for everyone.

Teaching. Meeting. Community. All in the same room.

When a space needs to flex, the acoustics need to flex with it. Our work at All Hallows' School is a great example of design and function coming together to create rooms that perform beautifully no matter who's using them or why.

GLYDE's acoustic solutions quietly do the heavy lifting, so your design vision stays intact.

🔗 glydearchitectural.com.au

05/05/2026

Perth, we're coming for you! 🙌

The GLYDE team will be at LEA Unleash 2026 from 13–15 May, and we are so ready for it.

There's nothing quite like the buzz of connecting with fellow learning environment professionals who share the same passion for bold, thoughtful design.

Come find us at Booth 28 and let's chat about how GLYDE's architectural acoustic sliding systems can help bring your design ideas to life — no matter how ambitious.

See you there! 👋

📍 Booth 28 | Perth | 13–15 May 2026

21/04/2026

We have some exciting news to share: GLYDE Architectural is moving! 🎉

In July 2026, our Melbourne operations will relocate to 965 Taylors Road, Dandenong South.

This isn't just a change of address, it's a launching pad for what's next in Australian acoustic operable walls and acoustic sliders. The new facility gives us more space to push harder on innovation, refine our systems, and develop the kind of flexible space solutions that make architects' visions possible.

We look forward to sharing more about what's coming. Stay tuned. Reach out if you have questions. Our phone numbers and email addresses are not changing.

09/04/2026

GLYDE's April Specification Pro Tips from Tyrone: For operable walls, the closure method matters more than you think.

Specifying the correct closure system for an operable wall can have some surprising ramifications and the right choice depends entirely on your design intent. From egress requirements to acoustic performance, much can change depending on the project brief.

For a typical operable wall separating two spaces, an Expander Panel is the standard solution. This retractable mechanism on the end panel delivers a 250mm throw, sealing tightly into the receiving jamb to achieve optimal acoustic performance and the best possible Rw rating.

Need egress? That changes things.

If occupants need to pass between spaces, a Door Panel replaces the Expander Panel to allow egress. There is a trade-off. Unlike the tight seal of an expander, any passdoor panel introduces a weak point for sound leakage. A worthwhile compromise when egress is a code or design requirement.

But what about a fully glazed operable wall where acoustics are critical?

A Door Panel introduces acoustic leakage. An Expander Panel requires a solid board, defeating the purpose of a fully glazed system. It seems like a dead end.

It isn't.

You want the GLYDE Expander Jamb.

GLYDE's unique Expander Jamb mechanism moves the 250mm throw to the receiving jamb itself — not the panel. This means you can specify a fully glazed Optica operable wall without compromising on acoustic performance or visual appeal.

Fully glazed. Full acoustic seal. No trade-offs. Discover what's possible with a bit of GLYDE ingenuity.

02/04/2026

17/03/2026

Noise kills focus. Great acoustic design gives it back.

GLYDE's acoustic sliding doors and operable walls are built for the complexity of modern learning environments. We give consultants and builders the precision they need, and designers the freedom they want.

Performance brief? ✅
Design intent? ✅

Both? That's the GLYDE difference.

02/03/2026

GLYDE Pro Tips, by Tyrone Hare, Architectural Sales Manager:

Latch side clearance can be a significant challenge for architects when working through DDA compliance on a project.

Latch side clearance refers to the unobstructed space required on the latch side of an acoustic slider to allow individuals, particularly those using mobility aids, to reach the handle and pass through the doorway with ease.

Under AS1428.1, this clearance typically needs to see 530mm from the latch side to any adjacent wall. This sounds easy in theory. However, it can become tricky when you have intersecting sliders, limited egress paths, or simply not enough room to offset the slider opening by 530mm.

So, how do we achieve a DDA compliant entry way into the space whilst maintaining the original design intent?

The addition of a simple 530mm nib wall can be a great solution. Unfortunately, this does not work is all instances, as some openings can be quite limited in width and not able to accommodate the 530mm imposition.

Another option is to set the handle back by 530mm, fixing it through the slider panel as opposed to the lead stile of the frame. This option has been common practice over the years, but still has a few Achilles heels.

First, and very popular, many building surveyors are recently taking this method to task and raising queries through the purview of the practice being deemed a performance solution. Like all performance solutions, this leaves a large portion of the approval in the hands of a surveyor's interpretation, never a guarantee when developing a design in its initial stages.

The second issue is more blatant. When we set the handle back 530mm, we lose that 530mm from the opening still, as the slider handle cannot recess beyond the wall or cavity that limits it.

Both handle setbacks and nib walls have their place, however the simplest and most effective solution to latch side clearance issues has been the GLYDE Evolve system.

The Evolve suite sees a jamb hung passdoor acoustically sealed into the lead stile of the Acoustic Slider panel. When closed, the Evolve swing door takes care of all the latch side clearance and DDA compliance issues for egress into and out of the space.

When the Evolve door is pinned back and the slider is fully recessed back, we benefit from the entire opening width unimpeded by posts or slider intrusion.

Talk to the GLYDE team to learn more about the Evolve system. We’ll make it easy for you to get compliance without compromise.

18/02/2026

“Basic” in school design doesn’t mean boring. It means building from a strong foundation.

When the School Infrastructure NSW (SINSW) Pattern Book was released, our design team saw an opportunity to meet a need, and got to work.

Say "hello" to Calme, our newest bottom-rolling acoustic slider, designed for open-plan classrooms and collaborative learning spaces.

Calme features:
✔ Flexible layouts
✔ Strong acoustic performance
✔ Anti-slam & anti-jump safety features
✔ Flush floor tracks
✔ Easy, smooth operation
✔ Australian made

Calme helps schools create adaptable, noise-controlled spaces that still feel open and connected.

General Learning Spaces. Specialist Units. Libraries. Study hubs. Wherever learning happens, Calme moves with it.

Easy operation. Feature rich. Integrated compliance. Calme.

Talk to our team to learn more or visit https://glydearchitectural.com.au/acoustic-slider-systems/calme-bottom-rolling-acoustic-slider

03/02/2026

Open when you need it. Quiet when you don’t.

Modern learning spaces demand flexibility with collaboration, acoustic control, clear sightlines, and accessibility, all working together.

GLYDE systems are designed to adapt, helping learning environments shift effortlessly throughout the day.

Discover more at glydearchitectural.com.au