How a Melbourne Primary School Created a Private Office (Garrang Willam PS Case Study)
Creating functional spaces within schools often comes with structural limitations — especially when rooms were not originally designed with doors.
In this case study, we look at how Garrang Willam Primary School in Truganina, VIC transformed an open office space into a private, acoustically separated workspace using a custom bi-parting acoustic folding door system — without the need for a traditional timber door frame.
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The Challenge – An Office Without Privacy
The school had a small internal room used by administration staff - they were looking at closing this section off at times for privacy/meetings.. While functional, the space lacked a key feature:
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No door
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No separation from surrounding noise
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Limited privacy for meetings and phone calls
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For a busy school environment, this created ongoing disruptions for staff.
Like many modern builds, the opening had no structural door frame, making traditional hinged or sliding door options difficult to install.
The Solution – Bi-Parting Acoustic Folding Doors
To solve this, the school selected a bi-parting pair of acoustic folding doors — designed and manufactured in Australia for flexible internal partitioning.
Why this system worked perfectly:
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Bi-parting configuration - Doors open from the centre, stacking neatly to both sides
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Acoustic performance - Reduces sound transfer, ideal for admin work and meetings
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No bulky framing required - Installed directly into plaster with proper fixing methods
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Space-efficient design - Minimal stack depth compared to traditional systems
See below for before and after pictures.
Installed Directly Into Plaster – No Timber Frame Required
One of the standout aspects of this project was the installation method.
Instead of requiring a conventional timber frame, the builder installed the system directly into the plaster-lined opening, and into the header / lintel running across the opening.
This demonstrates:
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The flexibility of modern folding door systems
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Reduced need for structural modifications due to lightweight, but with strength from internal components
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Faster and more cost-effective installation
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Suitability for retrofit applications in schools
The result? A clean, seamless finish that looks like it was always part of the building.
Installation took half a day on a weekend, all without any fuss or inconvenience to the school's office operations.
The Result – A Quiet, Functional Office Space
With the new door system installed, the space was completely transformed.
Key outcomes:
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✅ Improved acoustic privacy for staff
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✅ Professional, enclosed office environment
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✅ Flexible use — open or closed as needed
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✅ Clean architectural finish
The room can now function as a proper administrative office, supporting meetings, focused work, and confidential conversations.
For more case studies like this, see our concertina folding door installed in a sports club in Subiaco, Perth.
Why Schools Across Australia Are Choosing Folding Doors
Projects like this are becoming increasingly common across Australia.
Schools are under pressure to:
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Maximise existing space
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Create flexible learning and admin areas
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Improve acoustics in shared environments
Folding door systems provide a practical solution without major building works.
👉 Learn more in our guide:
Folding Doors for Schools and Education Spaces
Ideal Applications in Schools
This type of installation is perfect for:
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Administration offices
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Meeting rooms
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Staff breakout areas
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Library quiet zones
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Multi-use classrooms
Because systems can be installed into existing openings, they’re ideal for both new builds and retrofits.
Designed and Manufactured in Australia, Supplied Nationwide
All our folding door systems are Australian-made and supplied nationwide, including - see how we deliver nationally to states and territories in Australia:
Even if your project is interstate, we regularly supply doors with clear installation guidance for local builders.
Australian Folding Doors supply acoustic accordion doors to modular builders in VIC and Australia-wide, as well as supply replacements old classroom dividing folding doors.
👉 For more information on internal folding doors: Folding Doors Guide Australia and Differences between Bifold and Folding Doors.
Thinking About Adding a Door to an Existing Opening?
If you have a space without a door — like this school office — you’re not limited to traditional solutions.
Modern folding door systems allow you to:
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Add privacy without major structural work
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Improve acoustics
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Create flexible, multi-use spaces
Read on further about How to Create Flexible Commercial Spaces Without Expensive Renovations.
👉 Explore your options: View Our Folding Door Systems
Project Summary
This project at Garrang Willam Primary School highlights how a simple upgrade can dramatically improve functionality.
By installing a bi-parting acoustic folding door directly into a plaster opening, the school achieved:
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Privacy
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Acoustic control
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Flexible space usage
—all without structural complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can folding doors be installed without a timber frame?
A: Yes. In many cases, folding doors can be fixed directly into structural openings, including plaster-lined walls, provided appropriate fixing methods are used.
Q: Are folding doors suitable for schools?
A: Absolutely. They are widely used in classrooms, offices, and multi-purpose spaces due to their flexibility and acoustic benefits.
Q: Do acoustic folding doors really reduce noise?
A: Yes. While not fully soundproof, acoustic systems significantly reduce sound transfer, making them ideal for offices and meeting spaces.
Q: Can this be done in an existing building?
A: Yes — most projects like this are retrofits, meaning they are installed into existing openings without major construction work.
Speak with a specialist to assess your existing system or explore new installation options suited to your budget and acoustic requirements.
More information:
• Our Concertina Folding Door Range
• Our Commercial Concertina Door Applications
• Our Residential Concertina Door Applications
• Contact Us
