klapwanden

Klapwanden are modular folding partitions made up of hinged panels that can be opened or closed to divide a space. When folded, the panels stack or nest against each other, allowing quick reconfiguration and compact storage. They are used as flexible room dividers in homes, offices, retail spaces, and event venues, as well as temporary partitions in construction or studio environments.

In construction terms, klapwanden are typically built on a lightweight frame, with panels attached by hinges. Materials vary and can include wood, plywood, MDF, gypsum board, or composite panels, often faced with paint, wallpaper, laminate, or veneer. Some variants incorporate acoustic cores or lining to improve sound insulation, while others emphasize lightness and speed of installation. The panels may run on floor and ceiling tracks, or be freestanding with support posts for stability.

Operation is simple: panels fold together for storage or when a larger open area is needed, and unfold to create a closed enclosure. Track systems can be ceiling-mounted or attached to a wall, and locking mechanisms or magnetic closures help hold the structure in place when deployed.

Common applications include creating temporary meeting areas, defining zones in open-plan interiors, partitioning exhibition spaces, and providing backstage or dressing-room privacy in theatres. Compared with fixed walls, klapwanden offer greater flexibility and adaptability, though they typically provide less sound isolation and durability than permanent construction.

Variants exist with different hinge configurations, panel widths, and finishes to suit aesthetic and functional requirements.