QbiQ acquires German partition wall manufacturer Intek
We are delighted to announce the partnership between QbiQ B.V. and Intek GmbH, a leading German manufacturer of partition walls.
This step strengthens QbiQ’s position in the European market and further expands the company’s innovative product portfolio.
The InteK brand and production will remain completely independent, with both companies taking over each other’s specialties.
These include the production of glass, flush glazing, invisible door frames, fire-resistant systems, and minimalist concepts. Both brands will benefit from this deal.
Nothing will change for customers, suppliers, and partners in the short term: all existing agreements will remain unchanged. “With Intek, we are bringing in a strong brand and an experienced team,” said the management.
QbiQ Wall Systems at BAU 2025: Innovative Wall Systems and New Collaborations
From 13 to 17 January 2025, the BAU 2025 in Munich, the leading international trade fair for architecture, building materials and systems, is upon us. This year, QbiQ Wall Systems is proud to participate in this prestigious event. With our innovative solutions in the field of modular wall systems, we will show how functionality, sustainability and design go hand in hand.
Discover Our Innovations
At BAU 2025, QbiQ Wall Systems will present the latest developments within our product range. Our modular glass wall systems combine sleek design with minimalist design, exceptional acoustic performance and flexibility. Visitors will have the chance to take a closer look at our products and experience how we offer customised solutions to suit the needs of modern working environments.
Invitation to Dealers
A key focus of our participation in BAU 2025 is to expand our dealer network. We are actively seeking new collaborations across Europe, with a particular focus on the Nordic countries, England, Ireland, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. As a QbiQ dealer, you will benefit from high-quality products, excellent support and a strong brand that stands for quality and innovation.
Visit us at BAU 2025
We cordially invite you to visit our stand at BAU 2025. Here you can not only see our products, but also meet our team in person. Be inspired by our solutions and discuss opportunities for cooperation.
Stand number: Hall C5,533
Location: Messe München, Germany
Date: 13-17 January 2025
Why choose QbiQ?
QbiQ Wall Systems is all about quality, sustainability and innovation. Our products are manufactured with attention to detail and meet the highest standards. Together with our partners, we strive to shape the future of interior design.
Want to know more about QbiQ Wall Systems or make an appointment during the exhibition? Get in touch with one of us today.
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Jaap ScholtenJaap.scholten@qbiq.nl | Nathan Langeraknathan@qbiq.nl |
We look forward to meeting you at BAU 2025!
QbiQ @Building Green Copenhagen on October 30th and 31th.
Join QbiQ at Building Green Copenhagen for an Inspiring Session on Circular Economy and Cradle to Cradle Certified® Innovation.
We are excited to announce that QbiQ Wall Systems will be participating in Building Green Copenhagen on October 30th and 31th.
On the first day our Brand Manager will deliver an insightful presentation about the role of Cradle to Cradle Certified® in driving sustainable product innovation. She will highlight how C2C goes beyond the ambitions of the EU Green Deal, pushing boundaries in green product development and responsible manufacturing. In addition to this talk, we will be present throughout the event at a joint stand of the Cradle to Cradle Product Innovation Institute (C2C PII). Here, we will be showcasing our latest green building solutions and demonstrating how our wall systems contribute to a circular future.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn more on how Cradle to Cradle Certified® is reshaping the future of sustainable architecture and building materials. We look forward to seeing you at Building Green Copenhagen!
Let’s meet at Stand 92
Fontys Eindhoven nominated for school building of the year.
The Fontys Eindhoven campus, a project by NUDUS, Barcode Architects, Hollandse Nieuwe Architecture & Interior design, Okra en Silo is one of the nominations for the Architectenweb Award 2024 School Building of the Year. Congratulations to the entire design team from QbiQ Wall Systems, one of the partners of the Architectenweb Awards!
iQ Single walls, closed doors and glass framed doors were used in the Fontys buildings. In top of that, fall-through, 60-minute fire-resistant walls with a height of 3.20 metres were installed on the vide edges in building R13. So that in accordance with the design by project architect Tim Brans, an atrium was created that forms a social heart in the building. ‘In the building, you see a lot of activity and gathering around the atrium; it’s incredibly nice to see that it is also being used as we once put it on paper.’
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Circular construction in practice: Bureau Kroner reuses QbiQ partitions for the third time
Bureau Kroner, an architecture firm based in The Hague, recently opened their new office at Leemansplein. In fitting out the working environment, QbiQ’s system walls were used for the third time; a great example of circular use of materials. Mark Graafland, architect and owner of Bureau Kroner, talks about it in this interview.
Moving with vision: QbiQ partitions as a sustainable choice
‘We have moved three times in a relatively short period of time,’ begins Mark. ‘From 2007 to 2018, we had an office in the centre of The Hague, in an old warehouse of a bread bakery. After more than a decade, we had outgrown the building. Our idea was to buy a new building in the Binckhorst and occupy it with some other firms. Something like that takes time, so we moved to a temporary location in the Binckhorst, a large office that would eventually be redeveloped. We arranged that huge space so that we could all work on one big floor. We thought of that as the quiet room. The rule was simple: here you don’t talk, you work in concentration. If you want to talk, you do it in one of the three meeting rooms. That’s where we used QbiQ’s system walls for the first time. They fitted perfectly onto the band grid of the system ceiling. We knew then that we wanted to take these walls with us to the new location later, and we discussed this with QbiQ.’
Moving meeting rooms
‘Unfortunately, our plan for our own office at a location in the Binckhorst did not go ahead, but we did have to move out of the building we were in at the time,’ Graafland continues. ‘Our next temporary location was Bink36, an old, large PTT maintenance office, where all kinds of companies were located together. We took the glass QbiQ meeting rooms one-by-one. QbiQ dismantled the walls, lifted them out of the building with a removal lift and brought them to the new location. We gave the rooms their own ceiling because we were in a very high space without suspended ceilings there. For QbiQ, this was also a first. You have to imagine that the glass is joined with a kind of rubber string, which is quite strong. To get that loose, that was a practical challenge for a bit. But in the end it worked.’
From temporary accommodation to a permanent office
After three years in Bink36, Bureau Kroner finally found a space to buy: a casco industrial building on Leemansplein. ‘In fact, it was a very large, empty, industrial box. Of course, that’s a treat for us as architects. We could furnish it completely according to our own views. In the design, we again took into account the reuse of the glass partitions of QbiQ, so again we were able to put down the concept of a large quiet room, and separate rooms for consultation,’ says Graafland. ‘Although we could not fully reuse all the spaces, we did reuse materials for our meeting rooms. Some of the material went back into the chain, but most of the fronts were repurposed.’
Graafland added: ‘QbiQ also had new experiences. This time they first brought the walls to their own factory, cleaned them completely there, and then rebuilt them at our site. It still looks like new, and we have been using these walls for more than six years now. So it can simply be achieved.’
Sustainability as an integral part of the design
In their new office, Bureau Kroner has further committed to using sustainable materials that are easy to disassemble and reuse. ‘For example, we used wooden walls and beams that are screwed, and a steel structure that you can dismantle again. This means that if we were ever to move again, we could take everything completely apart again,’ explains Graafland.
Vision on sustainability
Although it is not necessarily cheaper economically to reuse the walls, Bureau Kroner consciously chose this option. ‘We think it’s a waste to just leave an investment in a rental building that probably won’t be used by the next tenant. Using your own stuff as long as possible is in line with our vision of sustainable and circular building,’ Graafland continued.
Sustainability is deeply embedded in Bureau Kroner’s work. ‘We are constantly looking for innovative, sustainable materials that are also future-proof and circular. We also focus strongly on the social side of sustainability, through participation and multifunctional use of buildings. We do not approach sustainability as a dogma, but look at each component individually to see how it fits into the sustainable use of a building. This vision is also reflected in the way we have designed our own office. Although you might not immediately think it is a paragon of sustainability, it is intrinsically right there. You can see this, for instance, in the reuse of the QbiQ walls, which are still perfectly adequate after three moves and are an important part of our sustainable design,’ concludes Graafland.
Close collaboration between Bureau Kroner and QbiQ Wall Systems
Marianne van der Sande, Brand Manager at QbiQ Wall Systems, added: ‘In order to make the QbiQ partitioning concepts fit well with the changing working environment and Bureau Kroner’s desired working method, close cooperation and expertise was a requirement. We achieved the desired sound insulation by applying double-glazed walls with a thickness of 100 mm, incorporating 12 mm acoustic laminated glass on both sides. The glass modules, frames, doors and, where possible, the profiles were repeatedly used in iQ Structural, QQ2 and again iQ Structural principles, respectively. The smart design of the QbiQ profiles makes this all feasible.’
Quote Mark:
‘QbiQ rebuilt partitions three times. They look like new, allthough being used for over 6 years. So it can be achieved.’
QbiQ at Building Green Germany: Building a Sustainable Future Together
On June 19 and 20, QbiQ participated in Building Green Germany in Hamburg. This conference is entirely focused on improving sustainability and circularity within the construction industry. Marianne van der Sande, Brand Manager at QbiQ Wall Systems, attended the event. In this blog, she shares her insights and experiences, and explains why participating in this event is so crucial for the future of sustainable building.
The urgency of sustainability in construction
The construction industry urgently needs to change to reduce its impact on the climate. At Building Green, visitors learn about the issues affecting nature and climate, but more importantly, how organizations can make a positive difference. This way, we move from talking to action and take concrete steps toward a smaller ecological footprint. During the sessions, architects shared their best practices and the pitfalls they encountered while designing leading circular projects. The keynote lecture by Michael Braungart, the founder of the Cradle to Cradle concept, was also well attended.
The Dutch pavilion: innovations in sustainable construction
QbiQ participated in the Dutch pavilion of NBSO Hamburg, along with fifteen other innovative Dutch companies. Under the motto “Constructing a sustainable future together,” we demonstrated how to create a healthier living environment while minimizing the negative impact on the environment. Naturally, we presented our Cradle to Cradle Silver certified concepts. We showcased our iQ PRO Eco biobased solid walls and our Cradle to Cradle certified glass partitions. Moreover, we represented the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute.
Inspiring conversations and valuable connections
During the conference, we had plenty of opportunities to engage in conversations with like-minded individuals: people with a green heart looking for opportunities to build differently. The green heart is also beating faster in Germany! Beautiful connections emerged within the Dutch group of entrepreneurs in the pavilion. We helped promote each other’s products, and who knows what wonderful outcomes might result. It was also remarkable to note that Germans believe the Netherlands is ahead in sustainable innovations.
Networking events and special construction projects
On the first evening, Hamburg Invest, Copenhagen Capacity, and the German Smart City Association organized a networking event. On the second and final evening, we visited Roots, a special construction project by Garbe in the Hafencity, followed by a dinner. These events also offered extensive opportunities to exchange ideas and gain inspiration for future projects.
Looking ahead to Building Green Copenhagen
At the end of October, QbiQ will go to Building Green Copenhagen, an event with more than 8,000 visitors, 130 speakers, and 170 exhibitors. The theme of this edition is ‘Sustainable Construction and Architecture.’ We believe it is important to demonstrably invest in the philosophy of how we can build sustainably, especially as an official certificate holder on behalf of the Cradle to Cradle Product Innovation Institute. The edition in Hamburg was great, but the conference in Copenhagen is said to be even bigger. I am really looking forward to it!
Speed dating?
We hope to meet you in Copenhagen. Contact us for a speed date with Marianne van der Sande and discover how QbiQ can contribute to circularity in your projects. Together, we are building a greener future!
May we continue to inspire you in the meantime? Follow our LinkedIn page.
Workplace Synergy
Workplace Synergy
Choosing the partition that is the most optimum for your design depends on the floorplan, the acoustic and/or legal requirements and of course your aesthetic wishes. Chances are that you will need to install different types of partitions in your project. If only because of fire compartmentation, extra protected escape routes, fall-proof situations or increased sound insulation demands.
Profile height of 33 mm in view
Characteristic for QbiQ partitions is the profile height of only 33 mm in view. Consequently, the profile is identical in appearance on the floor, ceiling and walls. The use of these minimalistic profiles enhances the feeling of openness and transparency.
Synergy
The 33 mm profile is consistently applied to all QbiQ wall systems. As a result, different types of QbiQ (glass) walls can be excellently combined with optimal synergy. Where different wall types meet, a minimalistic connection is created. Preferably a futuristic glass-glass connection. Whether it’s a corner or T-connection or a connection to the facade; the QbiQ system provides the optimal connections.
Sustainability
All partitions and doors are Cradle to Cradle Silver certified. 100% circularity thanks to the use of laminated glass and circular materials. Every part of the wall is separable and endlessly reusable.
Would you like to know more about the unique features of QbiQ partitions?
Feel free to contact us. Our specialists will be happy to assist you.
QbiQ introduces the iQ WOOD!
QbiQ presents the iQ WOOD. A wooden partition wall with single or double glass.
The warm and natural look of wood combined with the flexibility of an aluminium partition wall.
Unique wall combination
iQWOOD is a glass wall system built up from a combination of aluminium and wooden profiles. By working with aluminium (click) profiles, we retain the strength of a flexible partition wall.
Thanks to the unique combination of materials it is possible to create a minimalist, wooden partition wall with maximum rigidity and a profile height of only 33 mm.
A door element in the wall system consists of a solid wood frame that can be combined with various QbiQ door types.
Sustainability
The inner core of the iQ WOOD is Cradle to Cradle Silver certified. The FSC wood used is available in European Oak and Abachi. The wood is not nailed down, but blindly attached to the aluminium (click) profiles. The glass is ‘dry’ mounted by way of a glass rubber. This makes the wall completely remountable and the system fits seamlessly in our circular partition wall range.
Single or double glass
The iQ WOOD is available in a single and double glass version with wall thicknesses of 40 mm and 98 mm respectively. The double pane variant has higher sound insulation values and is therefore particularly suitable for situations with high sound requirements.
Glass
The laminated glass with a thickness of 12.76 mm can optionally be fitted with an acoustic damping film.
In both versions, the glass panels are connected to each other with a fully transparent 0-joint. This eliminates the need for vertical jambs and results in a beautiful glass wall with an open and natural character.
Naturally, iQ WOOD can be perfectly combined with other QbiQ wall systems.
More info at: iQ WOOD Single or iQ WOOD Structural
iQ WOOD Single wooden wall system with aluminium core.
iQ WOOD Structural. Double glass wall system with aluminium core and wooden cladding.
QbiQ Smoke-resistant walls
With fires, the development of smoke is often more threatening for persons in the immediate environment than the fire itself. The build-up of smoke can cause persons to become disoriented and even lost in a familiar and trusted environment.
In addition, the smoke during a fire is always toxic and causes respiratory problems, panic and a considerable reduction in the ability to function. In a situation in which every second counts, this can result in a life-threatening situation.
New requirements of the Dutch Environment and Planning Act
In order to reduce the number of victims of smoke development with fires, new requirements have been established in the Dutch Environment and Planning Act in regard to the spread of smoke in buildings.
The strict requirements of this Act pertain to the smoke resistance of compartments. Here, a distinction is made between cold smoke (environment temperature) and warm smoke (up to a maximum of 200 degrees Celsius). Which classification is required depends on the type of building and use.
Sleeping accommodation buildings
For buildings in which sleeping accommodations are present, such as hospitals, hotels and day care centres, the walls, doors and frames must be S200 certified. S200 stands for the smoke resistance of warm smoke up to 200 degrees Celsius.
Buildings without sleeping accommodations
In buildings that do not have sleeping accommodations, such as offices, for example, doors, walls and frames must be Sa certified. Sa classified walls are smoke resistant to cold smoke.
Walls classified as smoke resistant
Before walls and doors can be designated at smoke resistant, they must be tested by an independent inspection institute that is accredited by the government. The tests of smoke permeability must be carried out in accordance with the EN 1634-3 standard. The result of the test determines which classification the walls and wall parts fall under. The results of the test are established in an inspection report that evidences the achieved performance. A wall that is tested on smoke permeability or smoke resistance can be classified as S200 or Sa.
Sa classification
A wall that is Sa classified means that it and its accompanying elements fulfil the standards for smoke permeability of smoke of environment temperature, also referred to as cold smoke.
S200 Classification
A wall that is S200 classified means that it and its accompanying elements fulfil the standards for smoke permeability of smoke of a high temperature of a maximum of 200 degrees Celsius, also referred to as warm smoke.
When a wall meets the requirements for S200 classification, it is also Sa certified.
Certified smoke resistant glass walls
QbiQ offers a complete range of Sa and S200 certified walls. These smoke resistant glass walls are part of the iQ PROTECT range which consists of several safety walls. This includes fire-resistant sliding glass doors and impact-resistant walls.
iQ PROTECT Smoke Sa
iQ PROTECT Smoke Sa glass walls are suitable for placement where Sa Classification is required. This applies to buildings without sleeping accommodations, such as offices. Here, it is assumed that it concerns the temperature of the environment, or cold smoke.
The fully transparent glass walls meet the latest, strictest requirements that have been established for the smoke resistance of walls and doors in utility buildings. iQ PROTECT Smoke Sa walls have an all-around profile of only 33 mm in view. Vertical jambs in smoke resistant wall systems are not required which results in the high degree of transparency.
The iQ PROTECT Smoke Sa can be equipped with aluminium frame doors with single or double joints. These door and frames can also be certified, of course.
iQ PROTECT Smoke S200
iQ PROTECT Smoke S200 glass walls are suitable for placement where S200 Classification is required. These largely include buildings with sleeping accommodations, such as hospitals, hotels and day care centres. Here, a smoke resistance with a high temperature of a maximum of 200 degrees Celsius is assumed, also referred to as warm smoke.
iQ PROTECT Smoke S200 can be produced in various levels of glass thickness. By applying thicker glass, perhaps also equipped with an acoustic film between the glass, the sound insulation values are considerably increased. Where extra-high glass walls are requested, thicker glass ensures extra stability and strength in the smoke-resistant glass wall.
The iQ PROTECT Smoke Sa has a profile height of 33 mm and can also be equipped with aluminium frame doors with single or double joints. It goes without saying that these door and frames can also be certified, of course.
Sa and S200
All of the walls in the QbiQ iQ PROTECT Smoke range can be produced with different types of smoke-resistant doors and accompanying frames. You can choose from various aluminium frame doors and HPL doors with both single and double joints.
To prevent the spread of smoke under the doors, all Sa and S200 certified doors are equipped with a drop seal.
These door and frames can also be Sa or S200 certified, of course.
Synergy with 33 mm profile height
The QbiQ wall systems are distinguished by the aluminium profile that has an all-around height of only 33 mm in view. On the floor, the ceiling and on the walls, the profile is 33 mm. With the exception of a few walls from the iQ PROTECT Fire series, this has been consistently implemented in all QbiQ wall systems. This ensures that various types of QbiQ (glass) walls can be combined perfectly with an optimal synergy. Whether it concerns corner or T-connections, all walls together form one whole. Also when two different types of walls meet one another.
Floating Office Rotterdam
Last week the editors of the Architect and QbiQ Wall Systems organised a project visit to the Floating Office Rotterdam. During this visit a presentation was given by Powerhouse and RED Company about the realisation of this floating office for the United Nations GCA. Afterwards, we were given the opportunity to explore the building in groups, ending with a pleasant drink.
Conclusion: A beautiful and striking design with QbiQ system walls and fire resistant doors and facades.
Curious to see a video impression of Floating Office Rotterdam? Have a look here!
Met dank aan: Powerhouse Company, RED Company en De Architect.
