Smart glass: privacy screen and sunshade all in one

Generally speaking, the term “smart“ or “intelligent“ glass refers to special panes that can change their level of transparency – fuelled either by electricity or sunlight. Their appearance may vary between transparent, dark, or coloured, depending on the respective coating. Even though the tinting blocks the view for onlookers outside, the window remains completely see-through from the inside. Currently, there are three types of smart glass technology on the market.

Thermochrome glass serves as a shield against the sun by regulating how much light is let through your window. Whenever the pane’s temperature reaches a certain level, it reacts accordingly: special substances embedded on a foil within the laminated glass will then change their colour. The more the smart glass heats up, the stronger the colouring becomes. Once the sunlight fades, the panes will turn transparent again. The whole system works independently, without additional cabling or external power supplies. However, it is not possible to control the window tint manually.

As a complement to classic blinds, windows with smart features can enhance your living comfort in several respects.

As a complement to classic blinds, windows with smart features can enhance your living comfort in several respects.

• Prevention of overheating and glare effects

  During the summer, glazed fronts can quickly turn your home into a greenhouse. Indoor shutters or curtains may block the sunlight, but they can’t keep the heat from creeping in. Outdoor installations don’t fully protect your house against direct exposure, either. This is where smart glass comes in: no matter at which angle sunlight hits the pane, the coating will automatically change its tint.

• Unobstructed view from inside
  With drawn curtains or lowered blinds, your room might appear a bit too closed off at times. Smart glass windows, on the other hand, allow for a clear view even when they turn completely opaque for passers-by on the outside.

• Protection of personal spaces
  Especially in residential homes or hotels, we don’t ever want to feel as if we are being watched. Switchable privacy glass ensures that no one will peek in through the windows. It can even be used to turn the panes of shower cabins opaque.

• Modern architecture
  Facades made from intelligent glass stand out with their sleek aesthetics and can go without any additional shading system. This proves particularly beneficial for large building complexes, where these systems require a high degree of maintenance. On high-rises, they’re often not even an option because of the wind conditions. No wonder that renowned architects such as Norman Foster have been working with smart glass technology for years.

• Sustainability
  Windows that automatically keep the sunlight out help regulate indoor temperatures, so you don’t need to turn on air conditioning. This in turn reduces carbon dioxide emissions in the long run. What’s more, thermochrome glass doesn’t even rely on external power supplies.