The popularity of glass as a construction material stems mainly from the relief it provides, the relief from obstinate, opaque materials that block vision. Glass loves to connect the building to its environment while at the same time, offering protection from the elements. But, what about matters of privacy? Has glass bypassed such needs? Of course not! Quite the opposite!
Modern-day glass solutions not only take care of permanent privacy needs in the form of frosted and tinted glass, but even on-demand privacy needs in the form of smart glass. Let us find out the different ways in which smart glass is redefining architecture.
What is Smart Glass?
Smart glass is an innovative glass solution that comes with adjustable opacity. The opacity levels of smart glass can easily be controlled by applying appropriate voltage, heat, or light. Smart glass can change its light transmission properties, based on external stimuli. It can easily turn from transparent to opaque, even translucent and vice-versa by the flick of a remote control switch. Due to this unique quality, smart glass is also commonly known as privacy glass, switchable glass, and light control glass (LCG).
Uses of Smart Glass in Architecture
With its advent in the market, smart glass has become quite a sensation amongst both interior designers and architects. Incorporating smart glass into an architectural project, whether residential or commercial can add an elegant oomph factor. Given below are some of the ways smart glass is being used today.
Hospitals/ Healthcare Facilities
When it comes to designing hospitals, more than the design elements and aesthetics, the functionality of the building plays a crucial role. The architectural design can enhance the functionality of the building so that patients can have a more comfortable stay. This is the principal reason why smart glass is being widely used in hospitals.
Patient privacy is essential for both check-ups and recovery, and smart glass is much better at this job than curtains. In modern hospitals, smart glass is being used as room partitions to create better isolated single-bed units which enhance patient privacy and create another layer of confidentiality. It is also being incorporated in examination areas, ICUs, X-ray rooms, ERs, etc. Smart glass provides privacy on demand, which allows practitioners to select opacity levels as per their needs. They are also being included as partition systems and as double doors so that monitoring patients becomes easier.
Smart glass is also easier to clean and a more hygienic option than blinds or curtains. This helps in providing better protection against infection to neighbouring patients and healthcare personnel.
Commercial Buildings
When it comes to commercial buildings, one of the best ways that smart glass has been incorporated in architectural design is through their use in entrances. A building’s entrance incorporating smart glass adds a modern aesthetic touch and makes the building more distinguishable than its neighbours in the vicinity.
Smart glass is also being used in commercial spaces in windows, cabins, partitions, room dividers, etc. It is the optimal choice to create private spaces in offices. Smart glass partitions in offices also work quite brilliantly with flexible open-floor plans. They maintain privacy while maximising space in a modern office. Smart glass is also an ideal choice for conference rooms. Apart from providing privacy, smart glass partitions work great as projection screens during meetings. Moreover, smart glass adds a touch of style and modernity to an office space.
Hotels
Hoteliers are always looking for ways to incorporate the latest technologies and design features to enhance their guests’ experiences. This has prompted the usage of smart glass in hotels quite widely. Smart glass partitions are being used in hotel rooms for a seamless transition between the bedroom and the bathroom. These smart glass partitions also provide adequate privacy with the flick of a switch whenever needed by the guests. This amalgamation of the bathroom and bedroom in one large space has made open design plans trendy in hotels. Open design plans maximise space, allows more natural light to enter the room while enhancing the style quotient of the hotel suite.
Smart glass is also very commonly used in bathrooms, shower cubicles, and spas in hotels. With a simple click, the guest can transform the privacy glass from clear to translucent and back again. Installing smart glass partitions or facades is a great way to give the interiors of the hotel a minimalist yet sleek look.
Residential Buildings
In recent years, smart glass has become very popular in residential buildings. It is being used in windows, partitions, skylights, and doors. This is because smart glass helps in controlling privacy, excessive light, and heat inflow that enters into the interior of the building, ultimately making it more comfortable and liveable. Smart glass also eliminates the need for blinds or curtains. Moreover, designers are also using smart glass in bathrooms as shower cubicles to add.
Smart glass is advanced functionality wrapped up in unprecedented aesthetic appeal. For premium-quality smart glass solutions, be it for your residence, clinic, or commercial establishment, contact IS Glass – India’s leading integrated glass manufacturer. We manufacture a range of high-grade architectural glass products and provide our customers with 360-degree glass solutions for all their glass needs. Our smart glass – AIS Swytchglas – is a revolutionary product that offers cutting-edge glass technology that combines the power to control both heat transmission and transparency. Whether it is your home or commercial space, our AIS Swytchglas can help you strike the perfect balance between utility and style.
So what are you waiting for? Reach out to us today!