Protected: Privacy glazing: how the latest interactive application is transforming user experience

Modern architecture demands thoughtful, innovative design that utilises space efficiently whilst considering its sustainable impact. Typically, effective open-plan design, particularly in offices, has been achieved through the intelligent use of glass panelling and facades. However, in communal environments the need to ensure privacy and adapt to ever-changing weather conditions has historically resulted in the use of curtains and blinds that disrupt contemporary design aesthetics and are less hygienic, requiring frequent and time-consuming cleaning. Eyrise, leading manufacturer of privacy glazing and part of Merck group, has combatted these design dilemmas through the development of innovative privacy glass solutions i350 and s350 which - through the click of a button - can change from complete transparency to full frosted privacy. Both glazing options are engineered with dynamic light crystal technology, offering the client full flexibility in their environment. Rise of disruptive technologies Innovative disruptive technologies are bolstering the construction industry, helping to meet internal industry environmental targets, whilst improving efficiency, and continually expanding architectural technological capabilities. Merck’s pioneering liquid crystal technology is an example of such disruptive technologies and is at the heart of Eyrise’s premium i350 product. Cholesteric liquid crystals are placed between two glass sheets that are repositioned when a low voltage is passed through the molecules, scattering the light and instantly transforming the transparent glass into an opaque panel. “Eyrise’s liquid crystal glass product is one of those disruptive technologies the world needs,” says Kevin Hydes, chair and founder of Integral Group green engineering and consulting firm and former chair of the World Green Building Council. Eyrise’s i350 and s350 products are both organised electronically, and are controlled using a remote, mobile device or building management system (BMS), allowing for easy operation with the glass being able to switch states within one second. “Eyrise i350 and s350 offers a unique user experience in comparison to other products on the market,” says Filip Roscam, head of marketing communication and experience design at Eyrise. “With this switchable dynamic glazing product, at the touch of a button, the colour-neutral glass product can create a privacy environment that users can really interact with.” Made to measure Tailoring its glass solutions for each individual customer, Eyrise electronic glass products are made to measure ensuring a unique customer experience. Its specialist technical engineering team supports client projects from feasibility of design at the conception stage to the final, fully installed privacy glass solution. “We take customers on the whole journey. Eyrise i350 and s350 are not off-the-shelf products; in most cases they are fully made to measure. Having in-depth client conversations helps us to assess what the customer needs and how we can make it fit,” says Filip. Furthermore, Eyrise’s smart controls allow the operator to quickly adjust the glass’s state in response to changeable weather conditions or differentiating work requirements, reducing the need for energy by limiting the use of air conditioning and electrical power by regulating light and temperature instantly. “Customers can profit from our electrical controlled offering. The app’s immediate interface offers an instant product response. Through enabling instant user interaction customers can immediately see the glass’s response and can correct their actions, further adjusting the privacy levels,” says Filip. “Fast switching is a huge advantage.” Achieving ambitious design Intelligent architecture is the key to creating the smart cities of the future. For Dieter Bell, creative director at architecture firm 3deluxe, creating comfortable designs that simultaneously optimise energy efficiency is its key concern when designing intelligent glass facades. Working in tandem with 3deluxe, Merck and Eyrise s350 provided the perfect merging of design aesthetics with privacy considerations when designing the glass solutions for the FC Campus located in Karlsruhe. “Smart, switchable glass has allowed us to execute an ambitious building design requiring generous glazing with complex geometry that provides unobstructed views unimpaired by conventional sun protection elements,” says Bell. “Eyrise was the only glass solution able to produce glass that exactly corresponded to our design intentions, and its immediate interactive dimmability via controllable liquid crystals has resulted in an elegant facade.” To find out more, download the whitepaper below.

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