FAQ

Q: When stored away, does SKYFOLD take up any floor space?

A: When not in use, SKYFOLD rests in its folded position, in the ceiling, requiring absolutely no floor space. In fact, in many installations, it is not even possible to tell if and where the SKYFOLD walls are located, until they are operated.

Q: What type of structural support is required for SKYFOLD?

A: SKYFOLD takes less structural steel than conventional operable walls since it is a static load. SKYFOLD’s loading on the structural steel is always evenly distributed across its width. SKYFOLD’s entire weight is never concentrated as a single point load on the structure. SKYFOLD weighs approximately 7.0 - 9.1 lbs/ft² (34.2 - 36.6 kg/m²), significantly less than conventional operable walls.

Q: Can SKYFOLD be used for exterior applications?

A: Yes, our SKYFOLD Mirage XT partition is a revolutionary glass wall designed for exterior use.

Q: How much ceiling room is required to store SKYFOLD?

A: SKYFOLD is remarkably compact. In many instances, depending on the height of the wall, a folding ratio from 1:5 to 1:10 is achieved. This remarkable feature allows SKYFOLD to be stored in most existing ceiling spaces.

Q: What are the electrical requirements of SKYFOLD?

A: SKYFOLD requires a three-phase power supply commonly available in all buildings.

Q: How is access achieved between rooms divided by SKYFOLD?

A: Although the SKYFOLD partitions do not have pass through doors, the SKYFOLD partitions are completely automatic. Simply raising the wall partially will allow passage between rooms.

Q: How does SKYFOLD operate?

A: SKYFOLD is fully automatic. At the simple turn of a key plus 2 push buttons, SKYFOLD either opens or closes, smoothly and quietly. There is no manual intervention. The wall stops instantly, without coasting, if either or both push buttons are released.

Q: What finishes are available for the SKYFOLD Classic partitions?

A: Our finishes include, but are not limited to vinyl, fabric, stainless steel, customer supplied materials, wood veneer, plastic laminates, et. The finish cannot exceed 1/8'' (3mm) thickness. For standard design criteria, the finish cannot exceed 0.111 pounds per square foot (0.542 kgs/m²). Heavier material will have to be approved by Skyfold. Our finishes are "railroaded" onto our panels, applied horizontally, in one piece, along the panel length, rather than vertically as is the typical application for wall finishes.

Q: What sizes are available for the SKYFOLD Classic partitions?

A: The minimum wall length, without modifying our system is 10’-7” (3225mm). There is no maximum length restriction. Walls over 100 feet (30480mm) are readily accommodated without any loss of function. Below are the maximum ceiling heights for the SKYFOLD Classic partitions:

Q: What are the fire and smoke properties for the SKYFOLD Classic partitions?

A: The SKYFOLD Classic partitions and its components have been designed for excellent flame and smoke properties. Panels have a Class "A" fire rating. The SKYFOLD Classic partitions, however, are not designed to be a fire barrier.

Q: What is the acoustic performance for the SKYFOLD Classic partitions?

A: All the SKYFOLD Classic partitions have excellent acoustics.

Standard SKYFOLD Classic partitions are 11 3/4" (300mm) thick with two independent planes of steel panels separated by a 10 1/4" (260mm) air space that creates an anechoic chamber. It also has 1½" (38mm) insulation on the back of each panel. The combination of these elements creates an exceptional sound barrier that must be heard to be believed. SKYFOLD Classic partitions have been approved by many top architectural firms in the world for use in spaces where sound control is critical.

The Skyfold^® Classic NR™ is not only designed to stop sound but also absorb sound.

Q: Do the SKYFOLD Classic partitions require any wall or floor tracks?

A: Part of the beauty and elegance of the SKYFOLD Classic partitions is that they do not require any floor or wall tracks. All acoustical components are integrated into the partition. Once the SKYFOLD Classic Partition is in the down position, acoustical seals automatically engage against the floor and fixed walls.

Q: What types of safety features do the SKYFOLD Classic partitions provide?

A: All SKYFOLD partitions are equipped with two switches; a key to activate the system and two push buttons to operate the system. These switches are wired in series to ensure they are operated simultaneously. When either or both push buttons are released, the wall stops immediately, without coasting. The SKYFOLD Classic partitions are also equipped with a continuous pressure sensing strip on the bottom leading edge of the partition. If this sensing strip comes in firm contact with an object, power will be cut to the system.

Q: What types of finishes are available for SKYFOLD Mirage?

A: Panel inserts can accept almost any material 1 1/8" (28.5mm) in thickness. Our standard options include laminated clear glass, frosted glass and privacy glass. Other possible options may include Plexiglass, Lexan and bullet proof glass to mention a few. The frame work is a silver metallic finish.

Q: What sizes are available for the SKYFOLD Mirage?

A: SKYFOLD Mirage can be installed with finished ceiling heights of up to 24’-0" (7315mm). The minimum wall length without modifying our system is 6’-0" (1830mm).

Q: What types of safety features does SKYFOLD Mirage provide?

A: All SKYFOLD partitions are equipped with two switches; a key to activate the system and two push buttons to operate the system. These switches are wired in series to ensure they are operated simultaneously. When either or both push buttons are released, the wall stops immediately, without coasting. SKYFOLD Mirage comes equipped with an infrared sensor that will stop the walls decent if the light beam is broken by an object or person.

Q: What are SKYFOLD Mirage XT’s thermal properties?

A: R = 2.5 (hr•ft²•°F)/BTU, (0.44 m²•C/W), U = 0.40 BTU/(hr•ft²•°F), (2.25W/(m²•°C)

Q: What sizes are available for the SKYFOLD Mirage XT?

A: SKYFOLD Mirage can be installed with finished ceiling heights up to 24’-0" (7315mm). A single SKYFOLD Mirage XT can span a maximum of 12’-0" (3660mm) between posts. Several SKYFOLD Mirage XT’s can be operated from the same drive system to span larger lengths.

Q: Is SKYFOLD Mirage XT hurricane rated?

A: Presently, the SKYFOLD Mirage XT is not hurricane rated but it can achieve a wind load resistance as high as DP 70 (C5). It also has a DP 100 (B7) water tightness rating with the sill dam option.

Q: What type of safety and security does SKYFOLD Mirage XT provide?

A: SKYFOLD Mirage XT has the highest (Grade 40) rating against forced entry. SKYFOLD Mirage XT comes equipped with an infrared sensor that will stop the walls decent if the light beam is broken by an object or person.

Q: What type of finishes are available for SKYFOLD Mirage XT?

A: Panel inserts can accept almost any material 1 1/8” (28.5mm) in thickness. Our standard configuration is air filled Low E, insulated clear laminated clear glass. Other possible options may include frosted glass, privacy glass and bullet proof glass to mention a few. The frame work is a silver metallic finish.

Q: What finishes are available for SKYFOLD Eclipse?

A: SKYFOLD Eclipse panels can be solid or open mesh and available in a variety of configurations and combinations. Solid panels come in an assortment of finishes including vinyl, fabric, specialty metals, plastic laminates, marking surfaces, wood veneer, paint and more. The finish cannot exceed 1/8“ (3mm) thickness. For standard design criteria, the finish cannot exceed 0.111 pounds per square foot (0.542 kgs/m²). Heavier material will have to be approved by Skyfold. Our finishes are "railroaded" onto our panels, applied horizontally, in one piece, along the panel length, rather than vertically as is the typical application for wall finishes. The frame work is a silver metallic finish.

Q: What sizes are available for the SKYFOLD Eclipse?

A: SKYFOLD Eclipse can be installed with finished ceiling heights up to 36’-0" (11000mm). The minimum wall length without modifying our system is 6’-0" (1830mm). SKYFOLD Eclipse widths of over 100 feet are readily accommodated, without any loss of function.

Q: What is the acoustic performance for the SKYFOLD Eclipse?

A: Using solid panel construction, the SKYFOLD Eclipse has an STC rating of 32.

Q: What types of safety features does SKYFOLD Eclipse provide?

A: All SKYFOLD partitions are equipped with two switches; a key to activate the system and two push buttons to operate the system. These switches are wired in series to ensure they are operated simultaneously. When either or both push buttons are released, the wall stops immediately, without coasting. SKYFOLD Eclipse comes equipped with an infrared sensor that will stop the walls decent if the light beam is broken by an object or person.