Freestanding Museum Walls: Discover Mila-Wall Panel Series
Choosing the right museum wall system is not always an easy task. Not only does it have to allow you to create dynamic, attractive museum spaces, but it also has to fit in with your budget, be robust, and last over time. Mila-wall is one of the best moveable wall systems you can find right now for museum designers and architects. Reliable and adaptable, this system offers different panel construction options with all the same self-locking patented technique to suit a variety of needs and budgets. In this article, I review the key features of each Mila-wall panel series so you can make a more informed choice.
Quick Links
- The Mila-Wall Advantage
- The Mila-wall Panel Series
- Choosing the Right Mila-Wall Panels for Your Space
- Elevate Your Exhibit with the Mila-wall Panel Series
The Mila-Wall Advantage
First of all, let’s talk about the advantages of using Mila-wall moveable wall system:
1. Timeless design: One of the standout benefits of Mila-wall panels is their timeless design. They seamlessly blend with various exhibit aesthetics and allow your artifacts to take center stage without distracting from the story you’re trying to tell.
2. Flexibility in configuration: The Mila-wall moveable wall system offers a high degree of flexibility to suit any space or display requirement. The panels can be set up in different configurations, allowing you to design unique exhibit layouts quickly and modify them as needed.
3. Durability and longevity: As museum designers know, exhibits undergo a lot of wear and tear. Mila-wall panels are built to last, even in high-traffic environments. Their rigid construction and high-quality materials ensure they can withstand years of use without compromising on aesthetics or functionality.
4. Ease of assembly and disassembly: A major advantage of the Mila-wall system is the ease with which you can assemble, disassemble, and rearrange the walls. Designed for fast installation and reconfiguration, Mila-wall panels save time and reduce labor costs, which my clients truly appreciate.
If you’re not familiar with Mila-wall, I invite you to read our previous blog on this exhibition wall system. You’ll learn how the system works and the benefits it can bring to any museum, gallery or exhibition space.
The Mila-wall Panel Series
Mila-wall has three series: Series 100, Series 160, and Series 840. All series include several options, allowing you to choose the right panel type based on your exhibit needs, budget, and desired durability. Let me walk you through the highlights of each series. But first, let’s review their common features.
Common Features of Mila-Wall Panel Series
Patented Connection System
Mila-wall Patented Interlocking System
At their core, all Mila-wall panels share a patented interlocking system that makes assembly quick and straightforward. The system uses a tongue and groove connection that self-locks when panels are lowered into place, creating stable and secure structures without visible hardware. For additional stability, panels can be bolted together at the top, and support panels can be attached to existing wall faces using clamp connections. All series feature adjustable leveling feet to accommodate uneven floors, ensuring perfect alignment every time.
Flexible Configuration
Panel Connecting & Configuration Options. Source: MBA Worldwide
The panels are remarkably versatile in their configuration options. Whether you need rigid 45°, 90°, or 135° angles or prefer infinitely variable angles, Mila-wall panels can accommodate your design. Walls can connect at any position along a run, free from grid constraints, offering maximum flexibility in space planning to designers who want to create intricate layouts without compromising on stability.
Display and Surface Features
Nailable Surface and Longitudinal Cross-Section of the Panel. Source: MBA Worldwide
All series feature nailable walls made of high-density chipboards and a double honeycomb interior that can support up to 20 kg (44 lbs) per hanging point, which is ideal for displaying artwork and exhibits. A standard wall option (non-nailable) is also offered for those with greater budget restrictions. Repairable, the surfaces are paintable with standard acrylic latex paint, and when needed, special tape can be applied between panels to create a seamless appearance. All panels feature environmentally friendly materials and are manufactured to meet professional exhibition standards.
Efficient Installation and Storage
Assembly requires minimal staffing – just two people can efficiently set up and dismantle these walls. The panels are designed for easy storage and transport, with their slim profile allowing for efficient use of storage space.
Whether used for temporary exhibitions, permanent displays, or traveling shows, all Mila-wall series deliver professional results with remarkable efficiency.
Environmental Considerations
Mila-wall panels are manufactured using sustainable practices, which has become increasingly important for many of us. This commitment to sustainability starts with careful material selection, using formaldehyde-free materials and adhesives that contain no phenol or urea. These considerations extend to the entire product life cycle – from initial manufacture to the long life of the panels, which are designed to be reused and reconfigured many times over, contributing to a greener exhibition solution.
Series 100 & Series 160: High Durability
100 & 160 Series Wall Thickness and Locking System
With wall thicknesses of 40 mm (1.58 inch) and 60 mm (2.36 inch), respectively, Series 100 and 160 are constructed with an aluminum frame and concealed aluminum edge protection for exceptional stability and strength. Engineered for demanding exhibition environments, these series provide an upscale, polished look suitable for temporary and permanent exhibits.
These series are safety-tested to TÜV-GS standards and meet a “Class A” Interior Wall Finish rating in accordance with ASTM E84-05. Panels can be stacked up to 6 meters (19.7 feet) tall and support up to 20 kg (44 lbs) per hanging point. The Mila-wall panels are ideal for museums and galleries that require frequent reconfigurations while maintaining a professional, permanent appearance.
Series 840: Budget-Friendly
840 Series Wall Thickness and Locking System
Featuring a solid wood frame and wooden edge protection, the 840 Series is the budget-friendly version of Mila-wall’s 100 Series. But rest assured, despite being more economical, this series retains the same solid, safe structure you’ve come to expect from Mila-wall products.
Series 840’s panels are 44mm (1.58”) thick and, just like Series 100 and 160, can support up to 44 lbs per nail or screw, facilitating the display of various artworks and exhibits. Although not stackable, they come in different heights and, just like series 100, are designed for easy assembly by small crews. The 840 series maintains the Mila-wall hallmark features of grid-independent configuration and seamless appearance, making it particularly suitable for gallery and exhibition spaces.
Summary of Mila-wall Panel Series
| Features | Series 100 | Series 160 | Series 840 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame Material | Aluminum | Aluminum | Solid Wood |
| Wall Surface | Nailable (non nailable option available) | Nailable (non nailable option available) | Nailable (non nailable option available) |
| Wall Thickness | 40 mm | 60 mm | 40 mm |
| Weight Capacity | 20 kg (44 lbs) | 20 kg (44 lbs) | 20 kg (44 lbs) |
| Connecting System | Tongue and groove with patented self-locking system | Tongue and groove with patented self-locking system | Tongue and groove with patented self-locking system |
| Stackability | Up to 6 meters (19.7 feet) | Up to 6 meters (19.7 feet) | Not stackable |
| Configuration Options | 45°, 90°, 135° & variable angles & grid independent walls | 45°, 90°, 135° & variable angles & grid independent walls | 45°, 90°, 135° & variable angles & grid independent walls |
| Safety Standards | TÜV-GS certified, Class A Fire Retardant | TÜV-GS certified, Class A Fire Retardant | TÜV-GS certified |
| Cost | Long term value | Long term value | Budget-conscious |
| Sustainability | Environmentally friendly, formaldehyde-free | Environmentally friendly, formaldehyde-free | Environmentally friendly, formaldehyde-free |
| Best Suited For | Frequent reconfigurations, temporary & permanent exhibits | Enhanced stability, taller walls, demanding environments | Permanent exhibitions, budget-conscious projects |
Choosing the Right Mila-Wall Panels for Your Space
All Mila-wall panel series offer exceptional solutions for creating dynamic and adaptable exhibition spaces. When selecting the appropriate series, it’s crucial to consider your budget and the intended use of the panels.
For cost-effective projects, the Series 840 is an excellent choice. Its solid wood frame provides a stable and aesthetically pleasing structure suitable for galleries and exhibitions while being more economical. It is perfect for museums and galleries featuring permanent exhibitions that do not require frequent reconfigurations.
In contrast, for environments requiring enhanced durability and longevity due to frequent assembly and dismantling, Series 100 and Series 160 are ideal. These panels feature an aluminum framework, offering superior strength and resilience to withstand rigorous use, and are stackable. Other panel types are also compatible with the 100 Series, including soundproof panels and panels with integrated loudspeakers or alarms.
The beauty of the Mila-wall movable wall system for museums and galleries lies in its patented connection system and uniform aesthetics. This means you can opt for a combination of series to meet specific design and budget requirements. For example, because they have the same wall thickness, Series 100 and 840 are compatible and can be connected together. Another example would be to opt for Series 100 walls for the base of your inventory and complement it with Series 840 walls for more extensive exhibitions or Series 160 walls to provide greater stability for taller walls.
By aligning your choice with both your budget constraints and the specific demands of your exhibition space, you can select the Mila-wall panel series that best meets your needs.
More on system selection: 7 Things to Look for in a Museum Portable Wall Panel System.
Source: The Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, MBA Worldwide, Facebook
Elevate Your Exhibit with the Mila-wall Panel Series
With the Mila-wall movable wall system, you can create stunning, adaptable exhibition spaces that seem permanent. Whether you opt for the durability of the Series 100 and 160, with their aluminum frames, or the more economical but reliable Series 840, with its solid wood construction, each series delivers on Mila-wall’s promise of quality, flexibility, and sustainability.
Because we work closely with museum designers and architects, we can say without a doubt that Mila-wall panels always deliver on form and function, offering solutions that stand up to the demands of ever-changing exhibition spaces. For me, the Mila-wall panel series provides an exceptional basis for creating creative, dynamic spaces that stand the test of time.
Explore the innovative possibilities with Mila-wall’s museum wall series today! Whether you’re looking for flexibility, durability, or aesthetic appeal, there’s a perfect moveable wall system waiting for you. Contact Hunter Expositions now to learn more about our products, request a quote, or schedule a free consultation.