Dynamic Glazing

ew technologies have developed to cater to advanced solutions for pre-existing glazing systems. 

We offer a whole catalogue of dynamic glass solutions to increase the performance of your glazing or address a specific design issue. Dynamic glazing is defined as “any fenestration product that has the fully reversible ability to change its performance properties, including U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), or visible transmittance (VT).” ~ 2015 IECC

Applying dynamic glazing solutions to systems can create versatile environments for multi-functional spaces. Dynamic glass solutions like Heated Glass, Electrochromic Glass and Photovoltaic can allow you to change the internal environment or the appearance of the glazing at the simple push of a button. 

lectrochromic Glass is an extremely advanced technical, electrical glass solution suitable for use on a wide range of glass elevations to provide automated solar shading, blocking both light and radiation, from within the glass unit itself 

Controlled via electrical power, this conductive coating is applied within the glass unit which contains metal ions. The electricity draws the ions to one face of the coating which changes both the appearance and performance of the glazing solution. As the glazing turns to a darker blue colour, this reduces the G factor and solar glare and is able to reduce the light transmission to just 1% and the G factor to 5%.

Removing the need for curtains and blinds, Electrochromic Glass reduces glare and overheating in highly glazed spaces by reducing the G factor and light transition of glass on demand. 

hotochromic glass is a passive smart glass technology shading system which uses solar radiation as a catalyst to start the shading process, this type of solar shading does not require any electrical power.  

Photochromic window film uses precious metal magnetron sputtering technique and nano-ceramic technology particle coating technology, photochromic film is exposed to the sun’s UV light. Photochromic film molecules react to form a protecting darkening impact or tint. The molecules react by changing their shape/structure to soak up light once exposed to the sun’s radiation. 

This dynamic glazing solution has a specialist interlayer pf polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer, which is pressed between two panes of glass, this glazing is toughened to reduce the risk of breakage. The photochromic materials within the panes are light sensitive, the larger exposure to direct sunlight results in the pane turning darker.  

The Light Transmission is 15%-30% when exposed to sunlight and 60%-75% when there is no direct solar radiation, and the time for the panes to change can vary.

hermochromic glass is another advanced passive glazing solution which doesn’t require electricity. This technology uses a PVB interlayer which can be coloured based on application desires, when the sunlight sits upon the glass the heat radiation is what causes the glazing to change colour and ultimately get darker.  

The main function of thermochromic glazing is to absorb the solar radiation preventing the internal spaces’ thermal gain, whilst also helping to reduce solar glare within the building without obscuring views. Therefore making this glazing solution is perfect for office buildings or residential developments creating a smarter, more comfortable, and energy-efficient space.   

The advantage of thermochromic glazing is the vast opportunities to specify the glazing, the glass comes in varying R-values and light transmission levels, as well as varying colour and glass specification options.

olymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal glazing is a type of smart glazing which changes the transparency of the glass based on an electrical impulse. The crystals within the glass are arranged randomly creating a light milky finish to the glass, whereas when voltage is applied the two electrodes within the film cause the crystals to align creating a fully transparent screen. 

 If desired, the opacity of the glazing can be varied by altering the voltage of the applied voltage, when the voltage is lowered some of the polymer crystals are still reactive causing varied crystals to align and create a varied finish.  

Suspended Particle Device (SPD) Glass and Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) glazing solutions are electronically operated and can be controlled using switches or control panels creating an on/off effect, these systems have performance similarities and differences.

Electrochromic (EC), Photochromic (PC) and Thermochromic (TC) glazing provide gradual tints based on contributing factors, these smart glass technologies do not become opaque.  

uspended Particle Devices are a form of switchable privacy glass where a voltage-driven, reversible change in glass transmittance can turn an opaque pane of glass transparent. This allows for partial shading, increased privacy, and security. The glazing is comprised of an SPD plastic film which is coated in a transparent conductive material which is typically Tin Oxide (ITO) which is sandwiched between two panes of glass. 

The rod-shaped nanoparticles are suspended within a liquid making the glass opaque in its natural state. When electricity is applied to the glass the particles are forced to line up turning the glass transparent allowing light through and providing views of the outdoors. This solution needs a constant flow to keep the glass transparent.

Suspended particle Device glass can be controlled via switch or control panel, creating accessibility when a varied finish is desired, the switch in opacities is immediate which is an advantage convenience. This type of glazing is very popular in commercial spaces, such as meeting rooms, hotels and in some cases bathrooms.