Types of Walls and Wall Systems
Walls are fundamental elements of a building that serve both structural and spatial functions. Choosing the right type of wall is not just about structural requirements—it also involves considerations of constructability, acoustic and fire performance, cost, sustainability, and compliance with regulatory frameworks like BCA's Buildability Framework and Green Mark in Singapore.
This guide breaks down the different types of walls, their characteristics, and key considerations for architects to make informed decisions during design and documentation.
1. Classification of Wall Types
1.1 Load-Bearing Walls
These walls support the weight of structural elements above, such as slabs, beams, and roofs.
Examples: Reinforced concrete walls, AAC load-bearing walls, brick masonry walls (low-rise)
Use Case: Core walls, external structural walls, party walls in landed houses
1.2 Non-Load-Bearing Walls
These walls serve only as partitions or enclosures.
Examples: Drywalls (gypsum), lightweight block walls, partition walls
Use Case: Internal partitioning, room subdivisions, corridor enclosures
2. Key Design Considerations for Selecting Wall Types
Labour Intensity
Wet trades (e.g., RC walls, brick walls) are labour-intensive. Drywall systems reduce manpower.
Sustainability
Use Green Mark certified systems and recyclable materials like drywall and AAC blocks.
Cost
Includes material, installation, and finishing costs. Lightweight systems may reduce structural load and cost.
Acoustic Performance
Critical for party walls, residential units, and offices. Drywall with insulation can perform well.
Fire Rating
Certain spaces (e.g., riser shafts, escape corridors) require FRL-compliant walls.
Wall Thickness
Impacts usable floor area. Drywalls offer thinner profiles than block or RC walls.
Finish Compatibility
Heavier finishes (tiles, stone cladding) require walls with sufficient load-bearing capacity.
Buildable Score
Lightweight and prefabricated wall systems score higher under BCA’s buildability framework for Labour Saving Index (LSI)
Green Mark Compliance
Materials with low embodied carbon and good lifecycle ratings contribute positively. SGBC labelled products are best for this purpose.
3. Common Wall Systems – Summary Table
Drywall (Gypsum Board)
No
Lightweight, fast installation, good acoustic rating (with insulation), Green Mark certified options
Limited impact resistance, not suitable for wet areas without treatment
Lightweight Precast Concrete Panel
Yes/No
Prefabricated, high buildable score, consistent quality
Crane required, heavy, transportation and coordination needed
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Block Wall
Depends on density
Lightweight, fire resistant, good thermal insulation, easy to cut
Brittle, not ideal for anchoring heavy items without support
Precision Block Wall (e.g., hollow blocks)
No
Good dimensional accuracy, less finishing required
Labour intensive, moderate acoustic performance
RC Wall (cast-in-situ)
Yes
High structural integrity, excellent fire rating
Time-consuming, wet trade, low buildability score
Brick Wall (Clay or Cement Bricks)
Depends on density
Traditional aesthetics, high durability
Very labour intensive, low speed of construction
4. Actionable Tips for Architects
Match wall type with function: Use drywall or AAC for internal partitions; RC or precast concrete for structural cores or wet areas.
Factor in wall thickness early: Coordinate wall types with M&E and space planning to avoid clashes and lost space.
Think buildability from Day 1: Propose wall systems that improve BCA Buildable Design Score. Use precast wall systems for higher LSI and Buildable Score.
Align with Green Mark: Select certified wall systems and finishes with environmental declarations (SGBC products)
Plan finishes accordingly: Tiled or heavy cladded walls require stronger substrates—coordinate wall types with finishes.
Acoustic Ratings - Refer to product specifications for acoustic ratings eg. STC
Fire Requirements: Refer to SCDF codes for wall ratings required in different building types (e.g. 1-hour fire rating for risers).
Conclusion
Understanding wall systems goes beyond technical specs—it impacts cost, speed, compliance, and user comfort. Architects play a key role in proposing practical, code-compliant wall types that enhance constructability while aligning with sustainability goals. Always balance performance with practicality, and communicate clearly through specifications, wall type legends, and detailed drawings.
References:
BCA Good Industry Practices: Drywall Partitions
BCA Buildable Design Appraisal System (2022)
SCDF Fire Code
Green Mark Certification Standard for New Buildings (GM:2021)
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