Modern trends in office design are aimed at transforming office space into an ideal environment for working in a high-tech and rapidly developing world. Traditional workplaces are being transformed into integrated spaces that facilitate collaboration and team communication. It would seem that open-space is the perfect solution. However, modern teams unite people of different professions and temperaments, the specificity of whose activities requires different conditions and organization of the working space. Obviously, the office space should be ergonomic, easily transformable, that is, an environment that can be edited for the task.
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zooming 1/6 Smart partitions with variable transparency film Private Glass in the office of Sberbank Private Banking, Moscow, architects - MA PROJECT Courtesy of Private Glass
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zooming 2/6 Smart partitions with variable transparency film Private Glass in the office of Sberbank Private Banking, Moscow, architects - MA PROJECT Courtesy of Private Glass
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zooming 3/6 Smart partitions with variable transparency film Private Glass in the office of Sberbank Private Banking, Moscow, architects - MA PROJECT Courtesy of Private Glass
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zooming 4/6 Smart partitions with variable transparency film Private Glass in the office of Sberbank Private Banking, Moscow, architects - MA PROJECT Courtesy of Private Glass
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zooming 5/6 Smart partitions with variable transparency film Private Glass in the office of Sberbank Private Banking, Moscow, architects - MA PROJECT Courtesy of Private Glass
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zooming 6/6 Smart partitions with variable transparency film Private Glass in the office of Sberbank Private Banking, Moscow, architects - MA PROJECT Courtesy of Private Glass
These tasks are effectively solved using glass technology with variable transparency or smart glass. The original function of variable transparency glass is privacy management and mobile space zoning. For this reason, smart glass is most widely used in interior and office partitions, in the separation between the functional zones bath-bedroom, as part of double-glazed windows - as a replacement for curtains and blinds, in the glazing of facades. However, today we can confidently assert that, due to its versatility and multifunctionality, smart glass is applicable in almost all areas of human everyday life.
Smart glass is an innovative material with variable transparency function. A film of liquid crystal material is placed between two thin layers of glass. In the off mode, liquid crystals scatter light, the surface remains dull, completely opaque. When power is applied, the crystals change their position and make the smart glass completely transparent. In this case, in both modes, the amount of transmitted light remains unchanged. The matte surface of glass with adjustable transparency does not darken the space, unlike curtains and blinds.
Technological features and advantages of smart glass
The technology of variable transparency of glass opens up new possibilities in the solution of design, architectural and advertising ideas. The main advantage of Private Glass smart glass is its versatility.
Security, which is provided due to the high strength of the material.
Triplex smart glass has increased durability. Such material is almost impossible to break. Thanks to its multilayer structure, smart glass contributes to the reliability and safety of the largest surfaces and large structures.
Speed. Transition time from one mode to another less than one second
Long service life. The Private Glass smart glass continues to function normally even after reassembling the structure.
Acoustic comfort. Smart glass, due to its multi-layer structure, reduces the noise level by 35 dB.
UV and infrared protection. Up to 95% of UV and IR radiation is cut off by smart glass, regardless of whether the glass is on or off.
Heat protection. Smart glass reduces heat loss in winter. Power consumption is only 4 W / m2 on average.
There are no restrictions on the shape of the glass. Smart glass can have almost any geometric shape - a circle, a trapezoid, have curved cutouts, which greatly expands the possibilities of use.
Options for using materials in smart glass technology
At the moment, there are several solutions for using this material: triplex smart glass, smart glass as part of double-glazed windows, glass with a sintered smart film and smart film for gluing on glass. The choice of the final material depends on the features of use and subsequent operation.
Smart glass triplex - laminated glass is two or more layers of glass between which a film with variable transparency is laminated. It is a material with a wide range of applications in a wide variety of areas of architecture and construction. Such glass is safe to use, since the film is reliably protected from mechanical damage. The triplex may contain glasses of various types, depending on the features of further use. Thus, in the checkout points of the Moscow Metro, a multilayer triplex with a P6B protection class is used.
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zooming 1/4 Cash centers of Moscow Metro stations, multilayer triplex based on Private Glass smart glass, P6B certificate (burglar-proof). Courtesy of Private Glass
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zooming 2/4 Cash centers of Moscow Metro stations, multilayer triplex based on Private Glass smart glass, P6B certificate (burglar-proof). Courtesy of Private Glass
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zooming 3/4 checkout booths in a branch of Sberbank, Moscow Courtesy of Private Glass
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zooming 4/4 cash booths in a branch of Sberbank, Moscow Courtesy of Private Glass
Glass-triplex is used in the manufacture of partitions of various configurations, doors, individual structures, cash units, fences. Triplex glass is safe to use in wet areas, in swimming pools and showers, in partitions for separating the bath and bedroom. Smart triplex has an IP 56-57 electrical safety certificate.
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zooming 1/4 Bath zoning with Private Glass in a private apartment. Safe for use in wet areas Courtesy of Private Glass
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zooming 2/4 Bath zoning with Private Glass in a private apartment. Safe for use in wet areas Courtesy of Private Glass
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zooming 3/4 Bath Zoning with Private Glass Smart Glass in Arch-skin Showroom Courtesy of Private Glass
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zooming 4/4 Bath Zoning with Private Glass Smart Glass in Arch-skin Showroom Courtesy of Private Glass
Double-glazed windows with variable transparency used mainly for facade and exterior solutions. As part of a glass unit, multifunctional, energy-saving, bulletproof, heated and other types of glass can be used. The peculiarity of using double-glazed windows with smart glass is that daylight continues to flow into the room even when it is turned off. Smart glass as a part of double-glazed windows provides blocking of UV - radiation and IR radiation, which in turn saves from overheating of the room and burnout of walls and interior items. Smart glass units are often used in the glazing of the first floors of buildings, in dense buildings, in retail facilities, restaurants and cafes.
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zooming 1/6 Custom-shaped private glass smart glass units, company office located on the 1st floor Courtesy of Private Glass
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zooming 2/6 Non-standard shaped insulating glass units with Private Glass smart glass, company office located on the 1st floor Courtesy of Private Glass
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zooming 3/6 Variable Transparency Skylight Private Glass in Private Apartments Courtesy of Private Glass
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zooming 4/6 Variable Transparency Skylight Private Glass in Private Apartments Courtesy of Private Glass
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zooming 5/6 Double-glazed windows with variable transparency Private Glass in the winter garden. Privacy Management and Extra Thermal Protection Courtesy of Private Glass
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zooming 6/6 Double-glazed windows with variable transparency Private Glass in the winter garden. Privacy Management and Extra Thermal Protection Courtesy of Private Glass
Glass with a sintered film (glass + film) it is used in cases when it is necessary to maintain a thinner thickness of smart glass, but the use of triplex of such thickness is impossible. For example, doors and partitions with double glazing
Using Adhesive Smart Films Is the fastest way to zoning a space and creating manageable privacy. Installation of smart films in some cases is possible on previously mounted translucent structures, and sometimes does not require their dismantling. Thus, the installation of smart films can be done in 1 day. It is also the most economical way to optimize space through the introduction of smart glass technology. Another advantage of this solution is the ability to quickly dismantle the smart film without compromising the operational properties of translucent structures. However, this method of use, like the previous one (glass with a sintered film), has such disadvantages as:
- vulnerability of liquid crystal film to mechanical damage;
- incorrect application of smart films with a lack of experience and qualifications of the installation specialists. An example is self-gluing a protective film on the screen of your smartphone or tablet.
- smart film requires special cleaning.
Due to the above facts, when choosing designs based on glass technology with variable transparency, it is recommended to consult with professionals who will help you choose the optimal technical solution depending on the design features and operating conditions.
History of technology. The progenitor of smart glass technology is the South Korean company DMDisplay, which is the world leader in the production of films with variable transparency. Since 1998, the company has been developing in the field of smart glass technology and is constantly expanding its product range. Thanks to constant investment in research and development of technology, the company's products are of consistently high quality and are exported to more than 40 countries around the world. Since 2010, the Russian company Privat Glass LLC has been the official distributor of the South Korean company DMDisplay in the Russian Federation and the CIS and is engaged in the production of smart glass, as well as the development and development of other innovative technologies in the field of glass.
As the demand for smart glass and smart films increases, so does the number of companies manufacturing these products, but not all of them manage to produce a product of decent quality. A high quality, certified liquid crystal film should be highly transparent when turned on and uniformly opaque (no spots or grains) when turned off. A characteristic feature of this technology is the effect of opalescence or residual haze (3-7%), observed in a transparent state under natural light. The visual perception of the degree of residual haze is influenced by the location of the lighting fixtures. So, when placed vertically above the partition, the directional light hits the liquid crystal lattice, thereby making it more visible. Therefore, in order to achieve the effect of maximum transparency of the glass, it is recommended to place the lighting devices at a distance from the smart glass structure. Simply put, before installing, consult with specialists.
A well-made smart technology product in an industrial way and installed by qualified specialists will serve for many years. Since smart glass technology is relatively young, the actual lifespan is unknown to anyone in the world. All projects implemented since 1998 on the basis of the products of the South Korean company DMDisplay are successfully working to this day. When choosing a supplier for any of the above-described products, it is necessary to pay attention to the availability of industrial production, certificates, as well as the level of qualifications of specialists.
World trends in the development of smart glass technology
● Jumbo format - large format glass 3x6 m.
Large areas of glazing, which today have become an integral part of modern architecture, require effective solutions to the problem of their shading. Smart glass triplex jumbo format, produced by the technology of triplexing EVA, is widely used in facade glazing, in the production of shop windows, roofs and canopies, as well as in the manufacture of large-sized all-glass structures, including office partitions.
● Smart glass with design, colorful smart glass.
The development of smart glass technology allows you to create an individual design on smart film and use glass to solve additional conceptual, creative and decorative tasks, in addition to its main function - zoning space and instantly creating privacy.
One of the most requested new products is smart blinds. The pattern and “step” of the blinds are applied using a laser on a smart film, as a result of which, after the triplexing process, a smart glass with the specified characteristics is obtained. Colored smart glass is a new word in design, opening up new possibilities for personalization and branding of space. Privat Glass has experience in implementing projects using colored smart glass and smart glass with designs, both in the private and commercial sectors.
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zooming 1/3 Private Glass colored smart glass blind partition in a private apartment Courtesy of Private Glass
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zooming 2/3 A blind partition in the bedroom made of colored smart glass Private Glass in a private apartment Courtesy of Private Glass
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zooming 3/3 Private Glass Smart Glass Showroom Design Courtesy of Private Glass
● Smart projection is another basic function of smart glass. Indoor and outdoor high-resolution rear projection screens based on variable transparency Private Glass have recently gained more and more widespread use in the commercial sector and the HORECA segment.
When projected, such an unusual screen attracts attention, information about a product or service is presented in a new format.
Smart projection is an exclusive solution for car dealerships, boutiques, clubs and restaurants, VIP receptions and meeting rooms, conference rooms, public areas and shopping centers. The absence of restrictions on the size of the glazing allows the use of smart projection on the facades of buildings. If necessary, a showcase or building facade can remain transparent, maintaining an overview to the interior and exterior. And at the same time, at the touch of a button, it can become dull, hide what is happening behind the glass from outsiders. Any content can be projected onto a matte screen. In the daytime, when the projection is not effective, the showcase is transparent, in the evening and at night and on a cloudy day - when projection advertising can be most effective - the glass is transferred to an opaque state and the projection is turned on.
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zooming 1/3 Autosalon AUDI, Korea, Seoul. Media façade is based on smart glass from Korean manufacturer DMDisplay Courtesy of Private Glass
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zooming 2/3 Media showcases in the retail network for the sale of electronics and household appliances “M. VIDEO Moscow, St. Petersburg are made on the basis of Private Glass smart glass. Courtesy of Private Glass
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zooming 3/3 Media showcases in the retail network for the sale of electronics and household appliances “M. VIDEO Moscow, St. Petersburg are made on the basis of Private Glass smart glass. Courtesy of Private Glass
