What are Walls? What are the different types of walls?

What Are Walls?

Walls are vertical structures that define and enclose spaces within a building. They provide privacy, security, and support for the roof, floors, and other structural elements. Walls can be both exterior (protecting the interior from the elements) and interior (separating rooms and spaces).

Types of Walls in Home Architecture & Design

1. Load-Bearing Walls

Load-bearing walls are the most important part of architecture designs. They are integral to a home’s structure as they support and uphold the weight of the floor and roof. These walls are usually made with strong building materials like brick, stone, or concrete. In Indian homes, load-bearing walls are common in traditional architecture and provide stability and strength to the building.

2. Partition Walls

Partition walls, also known as non-load-bearing walls, are used to divide internal spaces without bearing any structural load. These walls can be made from a variety of materials, including gypsum, plywood, glass, and hollow concrete blocks. They offer flexibility in interior design and are ideal for creating different functional areas within a home.

3. Shear Walls

Shear walls are designed to resist lateral forces such as wind and seismic activity, providing additional stability to the structure. They are typically made of reinforced concrete or masonry and are essential in regions prone to earthquakes.

4. Cavity Walls

Cavity walls consist of two parallel walls with a gap (cavity) between them. This design improves thermal insulation and moisture resistance. Cavity walls are commonly used in modern homes to enhance energy efficiency and comfort.

5. Curtain Walls

Curtain walls are non-structural exterior walls that are mostly made of glass within a metal frame or structure. They do not bear any load from the roof or floors but are designed to protect the building from outer elements and at the same time give our house or apartment a modern look. Curtain walls are popular in contemporary architecture like the office buildings we see in cities. They are desired for their sleek and modern appearance.

6. Drywall

Drywall, also known as plasterboard or gypsum board, is a popular material for interior walls. It is lightweight, easy to install, and provides a smooth finish. Drywall is commonly used for partition walls and can be painted or decorated to suit various design preferences.

7. Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are designed to hold back soil or rock from a building, preventing erosion and providing support for vertical or near-vertical grade changes. These are commonly used in landscaping and for creating terraces.

8. Cladding Walls

Cladding walls are exterior walls that protect and insulate a building. They are not load-bearing and can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, vinyl, and composite materials. Cladding also contributes to the aesthetic appeal of a building.

9. Prefabricated Walls

Prefabricated walls are manufactured off-site in a factory and then transported to the construction site for installation. These walls can be made from concrete, steel, or wood and offer benefits like reduced construction time and improved quality control.

10. Green Walls

Green walls, also known as living walls or vertical gardens, are walls that are partially or completely covered with vegetation. They are used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a space, improve air quality, and provide insulation.

11. Panel Walls

Panel walls consist of large panels that can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, wood, or composite materials. These panels are prefabricated and can be easily assembled on-site. Panel walls are commonly used in modular and prefabricated construction.

12. Fire-Resistant Walls

Fire-resistant walls are designed to prevent the spread of fire and provide safety in the event of a fire. These walls are made from materials like gypsum, cement board, and fire-rated bricks, and are essential in buildings where fire safety is a priority.

13. Soundproof Walls

Soundproof walls are designed to reduce noise transmission between rooms or from external sources. They are made from materials with sound-absorbing properties, such as acoustic panels, fiberglass, and dense mass-loaded vinyl. The example in the image below is of acoustic panels.

You can easily find acoustic panels online and install them onto your walls. You can do so either yourself or with the help of a professional. If you don’t have any skills regarding such installation of foams, panels or vinyl etc. then it would be best to have a professional do it, otherwise you might hurt yourself or waste material.

14. Smart Walls

Smart walls means putting technology into the wall design, allowing for features such as touch controls, embedded wall screens, and adjustable lighting. These walls are part of the growing trend towards smart homes and can enhance convenience and functionality, thereby giving your home that modern and futuristic feel. In India you’ll find the example smart walls mostly in news reporting offices, smart schools or offices with higher budgets. Mostly it is those with higher budgets or needs of such technology have their walls turned to smart walls.

15. Movable Walls

Movable walls, also known as sliding or folding walls, offer flexibility in space management. They can be moved from side to side, or folded to the side, or shifted in someway so that they are repositioned to create larger or smaller spaces as needed and are commonly used in commercial spaces, offices, and multipurpose rooms.

16. Glass Walls

Glass walls are used to create open and transparent spaces while maintaining physical separation. They can be frameless or framed and are often used in modern and contemporary designs to maximize natural light and create a sense of openness.

Choosing the Best Wall Types and Designs for Indian Homes

1. Consider Climate and Weather Conditions

India’s diverse climate requires careful consideration when selecting wall types. In regions with extreme temperatures, cavity walls or insulated walls can help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. In coastal areas, moisture-resistant materials like concrete or treated wood are essential to prevent damage from humidity and salt.

2. Focus on Durability and Maintenance

Durability and ease of maintenance are crucial factors in choosing wall types. For long-lasting and low-maintenance walls, materials like brick, stone, and concrete are ideal. These materials can withstand wear and tear and require minimal upkeep.

3. Aesthetics and Design Preferences

The aesthetic appeal of walls plays a significant role in interior design. For a modern and stylish look, curtain walls with glass or metal finishes are excellent choices. For a more traditional or rustic appearance, exposed brick or stone walls can add character and charm to the home.

4. Energy Efficiency

Energy-efficient walls are becoming increasingly important in sustainable home design. Cavity walls and insulated drywall can significantly reduce energy consumption by improving thermal performance. These walls help keep homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter, leading to lower energy bills.

5. Budget and Cost Considerations

Budget constraints can influence the choice of wall types. While load-bearing brick or concrete walls offer durability, they may be more expensive than partition walls made from gypsum or plywood. It’s essential to balance cost with the desired features and benefits of each wall type.

These variations and trends highlight the importance of walls not just as structural elements but as key components of interior design that enhance functionality, aesthetics, and personal expression.

Wall Building Cost Estimation for India

While the article primarily focuses on understanding the types and importance of walls in home design, it’s essential to address budgeting and cost estimation to make it practical for our readers. By doing so, our readers will gain not only an understanding of the technical aspects of wall types but also how these choices will impact their overall budget.

However, when it comes to understanding the cost estimation for different types of walls in India, there are several factors to consider, including material prices, GST, and additional costs such as labour and transportation.

Understanding these costs and the applicable GST rates is crucial for making informed decisions about the materials best suited to your project. By planning and budgeting effectively, you can ensure that you are getting the best value for your investment​s in crafting your spaces.

1.    Brick Walls:

• Red Bricks: ₹5.5 – ₹8 per piece.
• Fly Ash Bricks: ₹6.5 – ₹8 per piece.
• Cement Blocks: ₹27 – ₹32.4 per piece.
• AAC Blocks: ₹40 – ₹130 per piece, depending on the size.

GST:

• Standard building bricks attract 5% GST.
• Fly ash bricks and cement bricks are taxed at 12% and 28%, respectively.

2.    Concrete Walls:

• Solid Concrete Blocks: ₹30 – ₹35 per piece.
• Hollow Concrete Blocks: ₹20 – ₹25 per piece.

GST:

• Articles of cement and concrete, including blocks, are subject to a 28% GST.

3.    Wooden Walls:

• Teak Wood: ₹7800 per cubic foot
• Sheesham Wood: ₹1000 per cubic foot.
• Sal Wood: ₹1750 per cubic foot.

GST:

• Wooden construction materials generally fall under 18% GST.

4.    Steel Framework:

• Tata Steel Bars (8-25mm): ₹74,200 – ₹101,800 per ton.

GST:

• Iron and steel products are taxed at 18%.

The list provided above focuses primarily on more traditional construction materials commonly used in Indian homes. However, including cost estimations for curtain walls, glass walls, green walls, panel walls, soundproof walls, and prefabricated walls is crucial for a more comprehensive overview. Let’s address these types as well:

1.    Gypsum Boards:

• Standard Gypsum Board: ₹300 – ₹450 per 12mm thick sheet (4×8 feet).
• Moisture-Resistant Gypsum Board: ₹400 – ₹600 per 12mm thick sheet (4×8 feet).
• Fire-Resistant Gypsum Board: ₹500 – ₹750 per 12mm thick sheet (4×8 feet).

GST:

• Gypsum boards generally attract 18% GST.

The prices estimated for gypsum boards can vary based on the brand, location, and the type of gypsum board. It is essential to check with local suppliers or consult industry sources for the most current pricing. The same applies for the other varying material for constructing different types of walls.

2.    Curtain Walls:

• Material Costs: Typically constructed using aluminum frames and glass, the cost ranges from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 per square meter.

GST:

• 28% GST is applicable on aluminums and glass used in curtain walls.

3.    Glass Walls:

• Material Costs: Glass walls can range from ₹1,200 to ₹3,500 per square meter, depending on the type of glass (e.g., tempered, laminated).

GST:

• Glass materials fall under 28% GST.

4.    Green Walls (Vertical Gardens):

• Material Costs: ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 per square meter, depending on the system used (soil-based, hydroponic).

GST:

• 18% GST is applicable on green wall systems, though plants might be taxed lower.

5.    Panel Walls:

• Material Costs: Depending on the material (wood, PVC, MDF), costs can range from ₹500 to ₹2,000 per square meter.

GST:

• 18% GST for wood and MDF, while PVC may be taxed at 28%.

6.    Soundproof Walls:

• Material Costs: Soundproofing materials (like acoustic panels) can range from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 per square meter.

GST:

• Acoustic panels typically attract 18% GST.

7.    Prefabricated Walls:

• Material Costs: Costs can vary significantly based on the material and design, typically ranging from ₹1,200 to ₹2,800 per square meter.

GST:

• Prefabricated materials generally attract 18% GST.

DISCLAIMER

The information provided in this article is collected and discussed based on general knowledge of construction materials and industry standards in India as of 2024. However, pricing and GST rates can vary depending on location, the specific supplier, market conditions, and changes in government tax policies.

To ensure accuracy and reliability, it’s important to verify this information with up-to-date sources, such as:

1. Local suppliers and distributors: They can provide real-time pricing based on current market conditions.
2. Government websites: For the latest GST rates and tax policies, consulting government portals like the GST Council is essential.
3. Industry reports: Construction and real estate industry reports often provide detailed analyses of material costs and trends.

Given the dynamic nature of the construction industry, prices and regulations can change, so cross-referencing multiple sources and consulting experts in the field is advisable to get the most accurate and reliable information.