Dorma Variflex Manual Acoustic moveable wall - Amazon offices, Edinburgh

With a steadily expanding workforce of 200+ highly skilled software engineers, space is at a premium at Amazon’s development centre in Edinburgh. Working with architect, Hassell, and contractor, Clark Contracts, Style was specified to deliver a partitioning solution that would enable the open-plan conference and training room to be segregated into smaller rooms, as required.

Installing two Dorma Hüppe Variflex moveable walls either side of a central column, the large area can now be quickly split into two individual rooms.

With an incredible 59db Acoustic rating, this is almost an entirely sound-proofed solution, which means there is no disturbance from events taking place either side of the wall. The fabric wrapped Kvadrat Lloyd finish is the perfect complement to the contemporary interior décor.

“This easy to manoeuvre, manual moveable wall is the ideal solution when you want to quickly sub-divide space and turn one room into two,” said David Louden, Style’s director for Scotland.

“The Variflex panels are manufactured separately to the frame, making it cost-effective to replace a single panel lining if damage occurs, or to update all the panels when the room is re-decorated in the future.

“Further contributing to a low carbon footprint, the Variflex moveable wall has an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) in accordance with ISO 14025 and EN 15804, making it a highly sustainable system.”

Style has also been commissioned to provide the Amazon development centre with a programme of planned servicing and maintenance, helping ensure an extended working life for the moveable walls.

“A regular check-up ensures continued smooth operation, compliance with Health and Safety Legislation, and for acoustic moveable walls, it also ensures its acoustic integrity remains intact,” said Louden.

“Regular servicing also minimises the chance of any minor issue escalating into a more expensive repair later down the line. We have examples of well-serviced moveable walls lasting up to 25 years.”

Amazon’s development centre in Edinburgh is responsible for devising and growing innovations for Amazon around the world with teams of developers, designers and leaders running major parts of Amazon’s business, technology and operations.