What Is Smart Glass And How Can It Be Used In Your Home?

Smart glass, also known as switchable glass, is widely used in the automotive and hospitality industry, and is now making its way into our homes. Here’s a look at what it is, and some suggestions for using smart glass to enhance your comfort and enjoyment of your home. 

What is smart glass?

Smart glass enables dynamic light control so that the glass can switch between a transparent, translucent or opaque state at the touch of a button, or in response to external triggers such as UV levels or temperature. There are a few types of smart glass technology, including the following:

• Electrochromatic glass—Uses a low level electrical charge to adjust transparency levels and allows for the manual control of light filtration. 

• Thermochromic glass—Reacts to temperature changes to adjust transparency levels. 

• Photochromic glass—Adjusts transparency levels based on UV light exposure 

• PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) Glass – Switches from opaque to clear instantly when an electrical charge is applied via a switch

How can smart glass be used in homes?

Smart glass can be used throughout the home, particularly in areas where a balance between privacy and light is desirable, such as bathrooms, bedrooms, and conservatories. 

It can be installed as window and skylight glazing, and also be used for internal glass features such as frameless shower screens with U channel glass fittings, and interior glass doors and glass partitions or room dividers. 

This allows the occupants to switch between an open and light-filled space or a more private area without the need for frosted glass, blinds or curtains, which can be expensive and inconvenient to install in larger windows. 

Smart glass also allows for a wider range of use for glazed extensions such as conservatories, because it overcomes the lack of privacy of regular glass. For example, you may wish to use the space as  a home gym, office, or entertainment hub, without worrying about being in view of passersby or overlooked by neighbour’s windows or gardens. 

Smart glass can be particularly useful for shower enclosures in large shared bathrooms, because it allows the shower to be used privately without a curtain that is prone to go mouldy, while another person can use the toilet or washbasin. 

Temperature control and energy efficiency

Smart glass also filters out UV light, which helps to prevent solar gain and overheating in warm weather, and also protects furniture and flooring from glare that can cause fading. In winter, smart glass can allow more sunlight into the home, reducing heating costs. This makes the home more energy efficient and reduces energy consumption and bills. 

Clean modern aesthetics

Smart glass is stylish as well as practical: it eliminates the need for cumbersome window dressings because light and temperature can be controlled. This is a particular advantage in sun rooms or other areas where there is wall to ceiling glazing. 

Installing curtains or blinds disrupts the clean lines of expansive glazing, and are also costly and require regular dusting or cleaning to keep them looking fresh. The closing mechanisms can also be prone to developing faults, particularly on larger windows. Smart glass allows you to enjoy the benefits of a contemporary light-filled home without compromise. 

Integration with technology

Smart glass can be integrated with technology such as apps for portable devices. This allows the occupants to instantly switch between openness and privacy without needing to install an external wall switch. The technology can even be programmed to respond to voice commands and time of day or changes in light or temperature. 

While requiring extra upfront investment, smart glass can make your home more energy efficient, private, stylish, and enjoyable to live in.