Switchable glass, also known as smart glass, is not your average window pane. This innovative glass product allows users to instantly switch between transparent and opaque states with the flip of a switch.

What Is Switchable Glass?

Switchable glass contains special light-sensitive laminates or coatings sandwiched between two panels of glass. When voltage is applied, the molecules within the interlayer align to allow light to pass through clearly. Remove the voltage, and the molecules randomize again, causing the glass to turn opaque or frosted.

Some types of switchable glass can also control other forms of light beyond visible light. For example, outdoor switchable glass deflects infrared light to prevent heat transmittance while remaining visibly transparent.

Why Should You Consider Installing Switchable Glass?

Here are five compelling benefits of switchable glass:

1. Enjoy Instant Privacy

Gone are the days of fumbling with curtains and blinds for privacy. With switchable privacy glass installed in your home or office, gaining privacy is as easy as flipping a switch.

Within seconds, your glass enclosures or partitions can shift from transparent to opaque. Control visibility and block views during intimate gatherings or private meetings with no hassle.

2. Multifunctional Spaces

Switchable smart glass liberates rooms from single functions. Transform glass walls from transparent barriers to projection screens to writeable marker boards and back again in seconds.

Create adaptable environments perfect for collaborative work, presentations, brainstorming sessions, and multi-purpose rooms without installing permanent dividers.

3. Energy Efficiency

Special solar control switchable glass blocks infrared light from entering rooms while remaining visibly transparent. This lowers air conditioning demands and enhances energy efficiency.

Some types also have insulating properties that reduce temperature exchange between indoor and outdoor environments.

4. Design Versatility

Switchable glass is available for nearly any application. Use it in windows, doors, partitions, displays, furniture, appliances, and electronics. It comes in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors.

You can match it to any aesthetic. Its dynamic nature also creates unique design possibilities not possible with static glass.

5. Future of Architecture

Building design focuses more each year on dynamic, green spaces adaptable to evolving demands. Window technology hasn't kept pace—until now.

Architects view switchable glass as enabling the next era of functional, sustainable buildings. Its flexibility and efficiency align perfectly with modern ideals.

Different Types of Switchable Glass Technologies

While all switchable glass changes transparency with voltage changes, the way this occurs differs between technologies. Here is an overview:

PDLC Glass

• Polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) glass contains special laminates with liquid crystal droplets suspended in polymer.
• When voltage applies, the liquid crystals align and allow light to pass. Without voltage, light scatters and renders glass opaque.
• PDLC glass switches states instantly, provides customizable opacity, but doesn't control IR light. Mainly used indoors.

SPD Glass

• Suspended particle device (SPD) glass uses film containing nanoparticles suspended in fluid between laminates.
• Under voltage, particles align and allow light to pass. Otherwise, particles are random and block light. Dimming possible.
• SPD glass blocks UV and IR light. Used mainly for windows and partitions needing shading.

Electrochromic Glass

• Electrochromic (EC) glass has special coatings that use voltage to control transparency by moving charged particles.
• Particles align when energized for clarity. With no voltage, particles are random and glass is opaque.
• Slow transition times. Primarily used for outdoor glass when instant shading not needed.

How to Add Switchable Glass to Your Space

Want to integrate switchable glass into your home or workspace? Here are the basics on how it works:

New Installations

For new constructions and renovations, switchable glass installs like traditional glass. Glass fabricators assemble it in custom sizes by laminating PDLC or SPD film between tempered double or triple pane glass.

Typical installation, wiring, and framing applies afterward. Cost starts around $100 per square foot.

Retrofitting Existing Glass

Don't want to replace existing glass? Retrofit films adhere directly onto surfaces using wet or dry application. Professional installers can apply in minutes with no mess or fumes.

Costs vary based on glass size and type of film but is generally cheaper than full replacements.

Powering Switchable Glass

Switchable glass requires a power source to activate its transparency switching abilities. Smaller installations may use plug-in transformers.

Larger applications use wired controllers offering features like scheduled switching, occupancy detection, remote devices, wall switches, or building automation integration.

Create Modern, Adaptive Spaces with Switchable Glass

As form and function collide in modern architecture, switchable glass offers the aesthetic versatility, efficiency, and dynamic utility needed for evolving spaces.

Whether renovating existing buildings or designing future-forward new constructions, switchable privacy glass delivers unmatched ambient adaptability through instant transparency transformations.

Take your space to the next level with this innovative light-switchable glass technology.