Välisseinänä

Välisseinänä is a term used in Finnish architecture to describe an interior wall that divides spaces within a building. It is typically non-load-bearing and does not carry structural loads from floors or roofs; its primary purpose is to define rooms, corridors, and service areas. The location and arrangement of väliseinät influence room sizes, privacy, acoustics, and interior layout. In construction, they are usually built as lightweight framed walls using timber or metal studs, with gypsum boards or other interior cladding. They may also be constructed from masonry or concrete for certain applications, though such walls are heavier and less common for standard partitioning. Insulation materials, such as mineral wool or foam, can be added for thermal or sound insulation, and the wall can be finished with plaster, drywall, panels, or decorative surfaces. In addition to dividing space, väliseinät provide mounting surfaces for electrical outlets, data cables, plumbing, and fixtures.

Performance and design considerations: The performance of an interior wall is evaluated for acoustic insulation, fire resistance, and moisture management. Building regulations may specify minimum sound insulation values and fire ratings, depending on the wall's location (e.g., between living spaces, or adjacent to stairwells). Because they can be modified more easily than structural walls, väliseinät are common targets in renovations and office fit-outs. Variants include transparent or semi-transparent partitions, such as glass walls, and modular systems that allow fast reconfiguration of space.