Doors, Partitions & Architectural Hardware: A Complete Specification Guide

The door and partition layer of any building is where architecture becomes experience. It defines how people move through space, how acoustics behave, how privacy is maintained, and how fire is contained. Yet it is one of the most under-specified categories in Vietnamese construction — with many projects defaulting to generic hollow-core doors and basic aluminum frames simply because premium alternatives are not well understood.

This guide covers the full spectrum: from frameless glass partition systems to fire-rated acoustic doors to precision pivot hardware — everything architects, interior designers, and procurement teams need to specify correctly.

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1. Glass Partition Systems

Glass partitions have become the defining material of modern commercial interiors. They allow daylight penetration, maintain visual connectivity, and project a sense of openness without sacrificing acoustic privacy.

System Types

System Type	Glass Thickness	Acoustic Rating	Max Height
Single-glazed frameless	10–12mm	Rw 32–36 dB	3.5m
Double-glazed frameless	2×6mm + cavity	Rw 42–48 dB	4.2m
Framed aluminum (slim profile)	8–10mm	Rw 34–38 dB	5.0m
Full-height demountable	10–12mm	Rw 38–44 dB	Floor-to-slab
Switchable (smart glass / PDLC)	10–12mm	Rw 32–36 dB	3.0m

Key Specifications to Request

• Acoustic rating (Rw): Conference rooms require minimum Rw 42 dB; open offices can accept Rw 34 dB
• Glass type: Laminated safety glass (VSG) mandatory per TCVN 7455 for floor-to-ceiling installations
• Profile finish: Anodized aluminum (silver/black/bronze) or powder-coated to RAL color
• Fire rating: If the partition forms part of a fire compartment, specify EI30 or EI60 rated glass

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2. Interior Door Systems

Door Types by Application

Door Type	Core Construction	Acoustic Rw	Fire Rating	Best Application
Hollow core flush	Cardboard honeycomb	22–26 dB	None	Budget residential
Solid core flush	Solid wood composite	32–38 dB	None	Premium residential, offices
Acoustic door	Multi-layer mineral	42–52 dB	Optional	Recording studios, boardrooms
Fire-rated door	Mineral core + intumescent	28–34 dB	EI30/EI60/EI90	Stairwells, plant rooms
Pivot door	Solid core, large format	36–42 dB	Optional	Statement entries, villas
Sliding door (pocket/barn)	Any core	28–38 dB	Optional	Space-constrained areas

Pivot Doors: The Architect's Statement Piece

Pivot doors have surged in specification for premium villas and boutique hotels across Vietnam. Key considerations:

• Pivot hardware load capacity: Must match door weight — large format doors (3m+ height, 200kg+) require floor-spring pivots rated accordingly
• Slab reinforcement: Floor pivot point requires structural reinforcement in the concrete slab — coordinate early with structural engineer
• Leaf width: Maximum practical width without engineering intervention is typically 1,400mm
• Finishing materials: Veneer, lacquer, stone veneer inserts, or full metal cladding are all achievable

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3. Operable & Demountable Partition Walls

For conference centers, hotel ballrooms, and flexible office spaces, operable partition systems allow spaces to be reconfigured quickly.

Performance Benchmarks

Parameter	Standard Grade	Premium Grade
Acoustic rating (Rw)	45–48 dB	52–58 dB
Panel thickness	80mm	100–120mm
Panel width	600–1200mm	600–1500mm
Ceiling suspension	Top-hung single track	Top-hung twin track
Pass door	Optional	Standard
Fire rating	None	EI30 optional

Vietnam Specification Note

In HCMC and Hanoi 5-star hotel projects, acoustic Rw ≥ 52 dB is now the de facto standard for ballroom dividers. Request the manufacturer's tested STC/Rw report, not just the calculated value — real-world performance can differ by 5–8 dB.

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4. Architectural Hardware

Hardware is the most tactile element of any door system — it communicates quality instantly. Premium hardware from European manufacturers (Dorma Kaba, ASSA ABLOY, FSB, Häfele) differs from commodity hardware in material grade, surface treatment longevity, and precision engineering.

Hardware Specification Checklist

Component	Budget Spec	Premium Spec
Handle material	Zinc alloy die-cast	Solid stainless steel 316 or solid brass
Finish durability	Lacquer (2–3 year)	PVD coating (15–20 year)
Hinge type	Standard butt hinge	Concealed SOSS hinge or piano hinge
Door closer	Surface-mounted	Overhead concealed (Dorma ITS)
Lock cylinder	Standard pin tumbler	High-security 6-pin with anti-pick
Smart lock integration	None	Bluetooth/RFID/hotel card compatible

Common Specification Errors to Avoid

• Specifying SS304 for coastal projects — Always specify SS316 (marine grade) for properties within 5km of the coastline
• Mixing hardware brands — Handle, hinge, and latch systems from different manufacturers often create tolerance conflicts
• Ignoring fire door hardware requirements — Fire-rated doors require CE-marked hardware with matching fire rating; standard hardware voids the door's certification

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5. Vietnam Regulatory & Climate Considerations

• Fire code compliance: TCVN 3890:2009 and QCVN 06:2022/BXD require fire-rated doors at stairwells, lift lobbies, and between fire compartments. Penalty for non-compliance can result in failed inspection and project delay.
• Humidity: Hardware finishes must withstand RH ≥ 85% in coastal provinces. PVD-coated or solid SS316 hardware is recommended. Avoid chrome-plated zinc alloy in humid zones.
• Thermal expansion: In southern provinces where temperatures regularly exceed 35°C, allow for thermal expansion in aluminum partition frame joints to prevent panel warping.

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6. Project Type Specification Matrix

Project Type	Recommended Partition System	Door Spec	Hardware Grade
Corporate HQ	Double-glazed demountable, Rw 46+	Solid core acoustic	Premium European
5-Star Hotel	Full-height glass + operable walls	Fire-rated + acoustic	PVD-coated luxury
Boutique Villa	Frameless glass + pivot doors	Large-format pivot	Architectural grade
Serviced Apartment	Slim-frame aluminum	Solid core flush	Mid-grade SS304
Healthcare Facility	Hygienic polymer partition	Antimicrobial door	Surface-mounted closer

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