Windows and Doors Go High-Tech

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Off and On

How cool would it be to find a product that addressed privacy, security, energy efficiency, and indoor comfort at the same time? We're not quite there yet, but so-called switchable glass, including liquid crystal, electrochromic, and suspended particle device (SPD) technologies, are making strides in that direction. The applications for housing are exciting, enabling entry-door sidelites and transoms to go opaque at night for added security, for west- and south-facing windows to tint automatically to cut down on solar heat gain, and for in-home offices and theaters to gain an extra measure of privacy. Even better, some of these smart-glass advancements can be combined with insulating and art glass components to enhance their performance even further and satisfy home buyer demands for energy efficiency and personal style.

Sage Electrochromics

Sage Electrochromics. Electronically tintable SageGlass can help control daylight, solar heat gain, glare, and fading from UV rays without completely obscuring the view. A unit requires less energy than a 60-watt incandescent bulb to operate and helps lower energy bills and peak-demand HVAC operation. The glass offers a dynamic range of visible light transmittance from 96.5 percent (darkest) to 64 percent. 877-724-3321. www.sage-ec.com.

Innovative Glass

Innovative Glass. EGlass products use electrically activated SPD or liquid crystal (LC) film technologies heat-laminated between sheets of glass. SPD units offer a soft blue tint to control the daylight, glare, and solar heat gain while LC units provide privacy by enabling an immediate switch from clear to frosted white. Panels are UL approved and can be produced in wide widths and up to 12 feet tall. All wires exit one edge and are easily routed to standard electrical boxes. 516-777-1100. www.innovativeglasscorp.com.

LTI Smart Glass

LTI Smart Glass. Privacy glass utilizes liquid-crystal technology to immediately transform panes from opaque to clear with the flick of a wall switch. Suitable for any setting that needs privacy, from entry-door system glass components to home offices and bathrooms, the technology is compatible with insulated, tempered, and tinted glass assemblies as well as art glass overlays. 413-637-5001. www.ltisg.com.

Polytronix

Polytronix. Polyvision privacy glass transforms from a cloudy white translucent barrier to an optically clear state with the flick of a switch. The panels are produced by laminating polymer-dispersed liquid crystal film with an architectural-grade polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer between two panes of glass. Panels are available in sizes up to 56 inches by 120 inches. 972-238-7045. www.polytronix.com.