Selecting the right smart glass for your office can be a daunting task, especially with the many options available in the market. Glass is becoming an increasingly popular choice for partition walls in new buildings, with decisions made on factors such as colour, transparency, glass format, and texture. Technological advancements in glass manufacturing have led to the development of smarter options, including PDLC Smart Glass, which offers a new way to support privacy. This type of smart glass provides electrical control over its transparency, making it an excellent choice for office spaces. If you are considering purchasing smart glass for your office, here are six key considerations to guide your decision-making process.
Firstly, it is important to note that smart glass technology is still relatively new, and therefore, the price point is relatively high. One alternative to expensive smart glasses is using decorative films like matt, tinted, and fade with different shapes to achieve some level of privacy. Although not the most optimal solution, it can still help cut costs while providing privacy.
Secondly, you should consider the type of glass cover to use, whether a full panel or a strip. Smart glass can come as a whole panel or only a strip in the middle of the glass. A strip leaves the upper and lower parts of the glass permanently transparent, keeping privacy only in the middle part. This option reduces costs since you only have to pay for half the panel, for example, 1.2 meters out of 2.4 meters. However, it is important to note that when the film or glass is in the “ON” mode, the extra clear glass transparency is different from the film transparency.
Another factor to consider is adding a gentle tinted film to the smart glass to enhance its appearance. When a tinted film is added to laminated smart glass, it gives a beautiful smoked glass look that can be appealing to some offices.
It is also essential to consider the space required for the transformer. Smart glass needs a transformer to reduce the voltage from 220/110V to 48V. This step-down transformer is not very big in size and can be stored in a small hidden cabinet, such as above the lowered ceiling.
When selecting the right smart glass, it is also important to consider the harmony between the budget and the desired outcome. It may be tempting to have smart glass installed in only one room to save on costs, but having it installed in several rooms can provide a more elegant and cohesive look for your office.
Lastly, it is essential to take lighting into consideration when selecting smart glass. Similar to regular glass, smart glass has a visible light transmission (VLT) of 85% and some haziness at the edges. VLT is the amount of light that passes through the glass when the smart glass is transparent. This is an important factor to consider, especially in spaces designed for maximum light transmission.
Smart glass technology is an innovative, aesthetic, and practical option for office partitions. It offers privacy and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for modern office spaces. By considering the above six factors, you can select the smart glass that best suits your office needs and budget.
