Zoo Utilizes Movable Wall to Tame Flexible Space Demands

Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island is home to more than 130 rare and fascinating species from around the world.  It serves as a destination for visitors as well as an important educational resource. Recently, the Zoo created a dedicated Education Center designed to provide a dynamic environment for the myriad of learning and programming offered to their visitors.  The new education space needed to accommodate changing activities and group configurations, making an operable wall an important part of the overall design.  Modernfold distributor, Willco Sales & Service, Inc., was readily available to partner with the architect Saccoccio and Associates, Inc. and the GC Pariseault Builders, Inc.

The original design called for an Acousti-Seal Encore Automated electric wall. As the project moved forward and the submittal process began, the team identified a complication with the structural support requirements and sought counsel on the best path forward.  The Willco sales team was able to understand the client’s ultimate goal, counsel the GC, and make a revised proposal to meet all needs.

Revised Solution Keeps Project on Track

By serving as a solution-oriented partner, Willco’s new solution was Modernfold’s Acousti-Seal Premier operable wall system.  This manual, paired panel solution would still provide the necessary space flexibility and with a system that any instructor or facilities crew member could easily operate.

Modernfold’s Acousti-Seal Premier wall came with a 50 STC rating offering sound control benefits to occupants on both side of the wall when deployed.  Group A on one side would have little sound interference from Group B on the other side.  The specified SM2 bottom seals and the 6-inch expandable assisted with maintaining strong acoustical performance of the wall.

Tailored to the education space, the revised system incorporated markerboard for interactive learning.  And the selected covering fabric was Carnegie Durable Woven in Abbey which is known for its high performance and cleanability. The wall was complete with a Type III pocket door to fully conceal the wall when not in use.  Dark bronze hinges and trim complemented the aesthetic.

Collaboration Kept the Project Moving

Despite the mid-project changes, both project management and installation went smoothly. “Willco has worked with Pariseault Builders to provide space management solutions for over 25 years and are proud to have completed another successful project with them,” said Scott Walker, General Manager at Willco.  “Saccoccio and Associates have also specified Modernfold partitions on many projects that Willco has completed across Rhode Island.  Willco Sales and Service looks forward to working with Parisealt Builders and Saccoccio and Associates for many more years to come.”

The project is ultimately a story of collaboration, problem-solving, and flexibility. The Roger Williams Park Zoo Education Center demonstrates how thoughtful collaboration can preserve design intent rather than simply eliminate features. Today, Modernfold’s Acousti-Seal Premier Paired 50 STC system provides the Roger Williams Park Zoo Education Center with a flexible, acoustically rated room-divider solution that can adapt to different programs and uses for the community.