Windows can be a sore spot for builders. Maligned for their perceived emissions failings, builders are often left scratching their heads when it comes to figuring out what exactly to do about the windows in their structures. In fact, some have given up on them all together and just removed them from the design—see 33 Thomas Street in New York City.
Luckily, however, the conversation around windows is changing for builders, thanks to the dawn and proliferation of a solution: smartglass technology.
With that in mind, below are three reasons why builders should no longer fear glass and how smartglass technology is actually helping builders deliver better results.
The SPD Window Revolution
On the surface, replacing windows with “light proof” materials to maintain interior temperatures seems to make a lot of sense: if you block out the light, you block out the heat too. The thing is, by leveraging advanced window technology, such as Suspended Particle Device (SPD) glass, buildings no longer need to sacrifice views to keep interiors at a desired temperature.
For example, through the powers of nanotechnology, SPD—which prevents 95% of heat from entering a building—allows users to control and instantly vary the tint of glass to control the amount of light coming into a structure. Moreover, this glass can be controlled by almost any building management system, mobile device or wall dimmer switch to provide a room-by-room level of ideal customized light permittance.
In addition, according to a study by Mercedes, SPD technology can decrease internal temperatures by 18 degrees, thus reducing air conditioning needs and energy costs as a result. This can be a game changer for builders as sustainable construction becomes a bigger priority for municipalities nationwide.
Making Glass Smart
As an industry, construction needs to get away from the idea that a window is still a static pane of glass that, once installed, just sits there with the sole purpose of protecting against the outside elements. Of course, this is the basic goal of a window, but the fact is that thanks to advances in technology such as IoT, windows are not just windows anymore. Instead, they have become key components of the smart home experience for occupants—providing views of, and a connection to, the outside world.
In addition, as further advances are made in window technology, additional use cases in terms of window projection are also likely to become a reality in the medium term as well. This means builders need to become accustomed to the potential of windows for future projects now, so that they can meet changing client expectations.
Protection from UV and Visible Light
UV rejection is one of the leading factors that builders consider when selecting windows for a project. And for good reason. UV rays are not only uncomfortable for human inhabitants but also damage internal materials as well, with fading and other damage. But what is commonly overlooked is how windows cope with visible light as well.
Much like UV, visible light is also capable of inflicting damage on items such as decor or other valuables. Luckily, smartglass technology is capable of delivering protection against this previously hidden enemy enabling cost savings for light-based wear-and-tear over time.
Simply put, windows no longer need to be a source of anxiety for builders. Instead, thanks to all of the current developments and future potential of smartglass window technology, they are quickly becoming one of the most exciting elements of building today, and are paving the way in next-generation construction.
