How does switchable smart glass work?
Most switchable glass used in office partitions is PDLC glass, short for polymer dispersed liquid crystal. A thin film containing liquid crystals is laminated between two panes of glass. When an electrical voltage is applied, the crystals line up and light passes straight through, so the glass looks clear. When the power is switched off, the crystals scatter randomly, diffusing light so the glass looks frosted while still letting daylight through.
This means the default state of PDLC glass is private. If power is lost, the glass turns opaque. Some systems offer the reverse behaviour or dimmable control, but standard PDLC is either clear or frosted. The glass is controlled by a transformer and switch, which can be a wall switch, a remote, a room booking system or a building management system.
How much does switchable smart glass cost?
Guide prices for switchable smart glass partitions are £1,100–£1,700 per m², supply and install, excluding VAT, compared with £280–£420 per m² for standard frameless single glazing. The premium covers the PDLC film, lamination, transformers, wiring and control equipment. An electrician is also needed to provide power to the transformer locations. Lead times are typically 4–6 weeks from design sign-off. All prices are guides confirmed after a free site survey.
| Privacy option | Guide price | Instant switch | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switchable smart glass | £1,100–£1,700 per m² | Yes | Needs power and controls |
| Integral blinds in double glazing | Around £150–£250 per m² extra | Manual or motorised | Requires double glazed system |
| Full privacy film | £45–£85 per m² | No, permanent | Low cost, fixed privacy |
| Manifestation bands | £15–£35 per linear metre | No, permanent | Partial privacy only |
What power and controls does smart glass need?
Each pane is connected by a fine cable, usually concealed in the head or floor channel, to a transformer that converts mains power to the voltage the film needs. Power consumption is low, but each room needs a fused supply in an accessible location, and the cable routes must be planned before installation. Controls can be a simple wall switch, a timer, an occupancy sensor or integration with booking systems. Electrical work should be carried out by a qualified electrician to BS 7671.
How private is smart glass when frosted?
In its opaque state, PDLC glass provides strong visual privacy: shapes and movement may be faintly visible close up, especially with bright lights on one side, but faces and screens are not readable. It still lets daylight through, which is a key advantage over blinds. Switchable glass does not improve acoustic performance in itself, although the laminated construction helps a little. For confidential meetings, combine it with appropriate acoustic glass, door seals and a ceiling void barrier.
Think about the room layout too. When the glass is clear, monitors and whiteboards can be read from the corridor, so position them on solid walls or facing away from the glass. Also consider how the glass is switched: a wall switch inside the room gives occupants control, while linking it to a booking or occupancy system can set privacy automatically when a meeting starts.
What are the alternatives to switchable glass?
Where instant privacy is useful but the budget is limited, integral blinds in double glazed partitions give adjustable privacy at a lower premium, operated by a magnetic slider, cord or motor. Permanent frosted film, decorative film or manifestation give fixed privacy at a much lower cost. Some projects combine approaches, using switchable glass only on the corridor face of a boardroom and film or blinds elsewhere.
- Integral blinds in double glazed partitions
- Full or partial privacy film
- Gradient or patterned film
- Surface-mounted roller blinds
- Switchable glass on feature walls only
Is switchable smart glass worth it?
Switchable glass is most valuable in rooms that change use during the day: boardrooms that host client presentations, interview rooms, medical consulting rooms, and executive offices used for both open-door and private work. It keeps the light and openness of glass while giving instant privacy without dusty blinds. For rooms that are usually either open or private, film or blinds will normally give a better return. Discuss how often privacy is needed when deciding.
Frequently asked questions
Does switchable glass go clear or frosted when the power is off?
Standard PDLC switchable glass goes frosted when the power is off and clear when power is applied. That means it defaults to private if power fails. Some specialist products behave differently, so confirm the default state with the manufacturer before ordering.
How much electricity does smart glass use?
Switchable glass uses relatively little electricity, and only when it is clear, because the film needs voltage to stay transparent. Each room needs a fused supply to a transformer, installed by a qualified electrician. Exact consumption depends on the glass area and product, so check the manufacturer's data sheet.
Can switchable glass be fitted to existing partitions?
Switchable glass panes can sometimes replace existing panes in a compatible frame, but the new glass must be made to measure and wiring routes must be added. Switchable adhesive films also exist for retrofit. A survey will confirm whether your existing partition can accept switchable glass.
Does smart glass make a meeting room soundproof?
No. Switchable glass provides visual privacy, not acoustic privacy. The laminated construction helps slightly, but sound insulation depends on the glass build-up, door seals and ceiling void treatment. For confidential rooms, specify acoustic performance separately and combine it with switchable glass if needed.
Guide prices are supply and install, excluding VAT, and are confirmed by a fixed quote after a free site survey. Regulatory information is general guidance; your Building Control body, landlord or fire engineer has the final say on a specific project.