WINDOW SOLUTIONS

By Deniesha LloydDainty Deesigns

Glass and windows have been around for centuries, although they provide a modern contemporary look, we all know about the problems that come with using glass and windows in a design.

…to mention a few. I think ‘Smart Glass’ is the way of the future. Here is some modern, aesthetically pleasing solutions, you decide which one suits your design best. I have spoken about all window solutions to but have gone more into detail about in order to give contextual understanding of why I think ‘Smart’ window films are the best.

• Sunlight • Solar Glare

• Lack of privacy• Climate Control…

Types of Window Solutions

Curtains & Blinds Window Tints Window Films

– Etched Films– Coloured Films– Smart Films / Switchable Films

Liquid Crystal Thermochromic Photochromic Electrochromic

Curtains & BlindsCurtains and blinds are usually made of fabric, wood or plastic to fit all windows. Pros

• Easily changeable• Various colours, shapes and sizes• Custom made designs• Vintage

Cons• Can be expensive• Possibly Old fashioned• Not practical for commercial windows• Not practical for glass which is not

window

Window Tints

Window tints are a darkened film that sticks to window/glass, they are very effective at what they do.• Pros

• Heat-rejection• Privacy• Energy Saving• Keeps out: solar glare, excess sunlight• Provides additional Security• Comes in various shades %• Aesthetically pleasing - Looks good

• Cons• Reduced visibility• Reduced sunlight• One appearance• Always on display

Window Films

Window Films• Window films are a very thin plastic film

applied to glass or any flat surface. • It is more cost effective than changing

the whole glass panel.• It has the same pros and cons as

window tints as a window tint is a commonly known type of window film, the additional bonus is they are not just restricted to different densities of black, it comes in various colours and designs.

• There are many functions and types of window films, a majority cover multiple functions:

Pros - Heat Reduction UV Filter Anti Glare Privacy Security Safety Bomb-Blast Anti-Graffiti Manifestation

Smart Window Films• Smart windows films cover

ALL the pros of ALL the previous window solutions!

• There are various types of smart window films

Liquid Crystal Thermochromic Photochromic Electrochromic

• In order not to bore you I will not get too much into the technical terms, but 1st excite you with some examples…

Smart Glass Video Examples…

• https://vimeo.com/120348465?from=outro-local

• https://youtu.be/oPTEGF6O_2U?t=9s

• https://youtu.be/QWZdJBn12vw?t=15s

• https://youtu.be/Xrx5T-e1DA4?t=28s

Pros and Cons

• Cons– Still relatively new technology possibly teething– Much more expensive than normal window film

• Pros (In addition to all the previously mentioned ones)– New technology so can only get better– Has advance to Interactive smart glass…

Well I’m sure you are convinced by now the joys of smart window film technology. But now to the specs part which might be boring

Smart Glass Specs

• Electrochromic & Liquid Crystal glass - Can change from transparent to opaque (or pretty much anywhere in between) at the flip of a switch.

• Thermochromic & Photochromic are reaction glass, they respond to heat and light, which turns glass opaque or tints.

Other Smart Window Film Suppliers in the UK

• http://www.intelligentglass.net/switchable-film-adhesive.html

• http://www.adswindowfilms.co.uk/contact.asp

• http://www.window-tinting.co.uk/smart-switchable-window-film/

• http://www.glass-apps.com/applications/corporate-interiors/

• http://www.theelectricglasspeople.co.uk/

THE END

I hope this was useful.By Deniesha Lloyd

Dainty Deesigns