Optima Systems: Reuse of Glass Partitions & Doors for a Global Law Firm
This case study was produced as part of ASBP’s Reuse of Glass Partitioning Systems guidance.
For its new headquarters in the City of London, a Global Law Firm took the opportunity to demonstrate leadership in sustainable workplace design by embracing reuse at scale. Working with Optima, architect Perkins & Will, and contractor BW Workplace Experts, the project integrated reuse of existing glazed partitioning systems as part of a major two-floor fit-out.
The firm had previously invested in high-performance Optima partitions and doors at another office location. Rather than disposing of these systems, the project team implemented Optima’s Reuse Service, which involved careful dismantling, transporting, and reconfiguring the products to suit the new layout. This approach retained acoustic and aesthetic performance, while delivering substantial carbon reductions compared to a new installation.
Key points
- Reuse designed in from the outset; two floors fitted out using recovered partitions and doors from the client’s previous office.
- 42% of glass panels and associated aluminium frame components successfully reused.
- Systems reused: Revolution 100 double-glazed partitions and Edge Symmetry doors.
- 10+ tonnes of material retained in circulation, avoiding waste and reducing need for virgin material.
- Acoustic performance maintained: partitions up to Rw51dB, doors up to Rw41dB.
- Carbon savings of 17.7 tCO₂e, representing an 82% reduction compared to a full new installation.
Approach to Reuse
Optima carried out a detailed site inspection to assess the condition of existing systems. Most components were found to be in excellent condition and suitable for reinstallation.
A structured reuse strategy was implemented:
- Dismantling and logistics: Optima uninstalled the glazed partitions and doors, transporting them to the new site with specialist stillages and door trolleys to prevent damage.
- Reconfiguration: The new design layout required some adaptations, including re-sizing and reframing to accommodate different room proportions.
- Integration with new works: Where reused panels could not be applied, new elements were supplied and blended seamlessly with the reused systems.
- Performance retention: Seals, acoustic gaskets, and frames were checked and replaced where necessary to ensure the partitions maintained their performance levels.
This careful, process-driven approach ensured high-quality reinstallation while minimising disruption and material loss.
Challenges and Adaptations
- Condition management: While most systems were in near-perfect condition, some panels required minor refurbishment, and small blemishes had to be accepted as part of the reuse trade-off.
- Layout differences: Not all existing panels matched the new office layout; additional glass and framing were therefore supplied to fill gaps.
- Planning: The success of the reuse strategy depended on early integration into the design and contractor programme, avoiding the risk of last-minute clashes.
Carbon Savings & Emissions Analysis
A detailed carbon assessment compared two scenarios:
New Installation (Baseline Scenario)
- All partitions and doors manufactured and installed new.
- Total embodied carbon: 21.5 tCO₂e.
Reuse Scenario (Actual Project)
- Reuse of 42% of glass panels and associated framing, alongside reconfiguration and partial new supply.
- Includes emissions from dismantling, transportation, reinstallation, and supplementary materials.
- Total embodied carbon: 3.8 tCO₂e.
Overall Saving:
- Carbon emissions reduced by 17.7 tCO₂e, equivalent to an 82% reduction compared with new.
- This saving is equal to the emissions from approximately 45,000 miles driven by a petrol car.
Breakdown of Reuse Scenario emissions:
- Reused materials: Zero new embodied carbon beyond logistics.
- New materials required: The largest contributor to project emissions, due to manufacture of supplementary panels and frames.
- Transport, dismantling, and reinstallation: Minor contributors compared to new material production.
This analysis demonstrates that the biggest carbon benefits come from avoiding new manufacturing. By maximising reuse of existing panels, the project dramatically cut embodied emissions while still delivering a high-performance workspace.
Reflections
The Global Law Firm case highlights how large-scale reuse is feasible when clients and project teams commit early. By working with an established reuse process, acoustic and visual performance was maintained without compromising design aspirations.
The project shows that reuse of glazed partitions is not only possible in small, single-floor projects, but can also succeed in complex, multi-floor fit-outs when supported by strong collaboration and planning.
Key Takeaways
- Major carbon savings are achievable – over 80% reduction compared to new.
- Early planning is critical – design layouts must accommodate reused components.
- Performance can be retained – acoustic ratings remained at up to Rw51dB.
- Visual quality is not compromised – reused glass and doors blended seamlessly with new elements.
- Scale is possible – reuse can extend beyond small projects to complex HQ fit-outs.
ASBP's Reuse Now Campaign
This case study part pof ASBP’s Reuse of Glass Partioning Systems Guidance, part of the Reuse Now Campaign. The campaign builds upon the ASBP-led DISRUPT project, which is exploring the innovative reuse of structural steel in construction through the creation and adoption of new circular business models. Project partners and supporters include reuse stalwarts Cleveland Steel & Tubes, global construction specialist ISG, National Federation of Demolition Contractors, and Grosvenor, the world’s largest privately-owned international property business.
ASBP has been working on the topic of material reuse for nearly 10 years, with past activities including the Re-Fab House feasibility study, research with University of Cambridge identifying the barriers to structural steel reuse, and more recently, a sold-out Reuse Summit.
This previous experience is further enhanced with in-house expertise from Technical Director Dr. Katherine Adams and Research Associate Dr. Asselya Katenbayeva, who bring 25+ years of academic and industry-focussed research and development on the topics of waste, reuse and circular economy.