Priviglaze Client Case Study

Finastra is the third largest Fintech company in the world. They build and deploy innovative, next-generation technology on their open Fusion software architecture and cloud ecosystem.

Priviglaze was approached by a third party on behalf of Finastra to provide privacy on-demand to their new and existing offices. The objective was to improve the environment so their staff members and visiting guests can thrive in them. Secondly, they had external glass walls that oversee the nearby busy road in Paddington, along with branded glass walls across the building.

Why Choose Priviglaze? 

Priviglaze is a trusted supplier of consistent smart film material. We consistently deliver the best results in an efficient and timely manner, making us a preferred partner and contractor. Our solutions enhance natural daylight across rooms while providing privacy on demand, thus creating a pleasant and stimulating environment.

The Challenge and the Solution

The best solution for our client was to retrofit smart film onto their existing glass walls. Our technicians expertly covered several meeting rooms, side offices, and external glass walls across the floors. The Priviglaze film was applied seamlessly onto existing Finastra branded glass. Meeting rooms and side offices with elegantly branded glass partitions were easily enhanced with Priviglaze film, maintaining Finastra’s visual brand integrity. Notably, the film application on a curved glass partition was flawless, with no air bubbles, achieving a sleek look comparable to regular straight glass.

Continuing Partnership

Due to the quality and credibility of our work, Priviglaze has been invited back to work again in 2024. Our client requires us to install new applications covering additional offices and meeting rooms. This continued collaboration underscores the trust and satisfaction our clients have in Priviglaze’s ability to deliver exceptional smart film solutions.

We are excited to extend our services and provide innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients, ensuring both functional and aesthetic excellence in every project.

If you’re interested in Retrofit Smart Film for your commercial or residential space, contact us today.

Imagine a window that blocks 99% of UV rays, saves energy, and gives you privacy at the flick of a switch. That’s the power of smart glass.

Smart glass, often called switchable glass or dynamic glass, is a relatively new technology that alters its transparency in response to external stimuli like electricity, heat, or light. It has been widely adopted by modern industries, particularly in architecture, where energy efficiency and adaptable spaces are highly prized.

With Priviglaze being a pioneer in switchable glass and film technology, who better to explain the intricacies of smart glass?

While we are the go-to experts in smart glass for commercial and business use, we’ll also examine some of this technology’s other fascinating applications.

What is Smart Glass?

Smart Glass is an advanced product made from multiple layers, including glass, non-adhesive layers, transparent ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) conductive film, and liquid crystal molecules. This specialised construction allows Smart Glass to offer dual functionality – transparency and opaqueness in one solution.

Commercial Applications

Smart glass works particularly well in office settings. It gives businesses easy control over their space – meeting rooms can be open one minute and private the next. Teams can work in an open-plan setting, then switch to private mode for client meetings.

Healthcare Applications

Hospitals need practical privacy solutions. Smart glass is perfect because it’s both simple to use and easy to clean. Staff can make consultation rooms private at the touch of a button, and there’s no need for curtains that collect dust and germs.

Residential Applications

More and more homeowners are choosing smart glass for their homes. It’s an excellent solution for bathrooms and pool areas – you get all the natural light you want, with privacy when you need it. We’ve fitted it in skylights too, which means no more fiddling with roof blinds or shutters.

Automotive Applications

Car manufacturers are using smart glass for sunroofs and windows to help control temperature and glare. Some high-end vehicles feature privacy glass that can switch from clear to opaque when parked.

Additional Uses

Smart glass also works well for digital advertising, where storefronts can switch between clear windows and display screens.

It creates private dining spaces or meeting rooms in hotels and restaurants. The same technology works for HD rear projection screens, turning ordinary glass partitions into high-quality display surfaces.

Benefits of Smart Glass

Energy Efficiency

• Natural temperature control – the glass helps keep heat out in summer and warmth in during winter, reducing heating and cooling costs
• Better daylight management – less need for artificial lighting as natural light can be controlled effectively
• Reduced HVAC load – smart glass helps maintain stable indoor temperatures, meaning air conditioning and heating systems don’t have to work as hard
• Lower energy bills – these features combined typically lead to significant energy savings over time

Greater Privacy

• Instant switching from transparent to opaque – no manual adjustments needed
• Clean, modern appearance – eliminates the need for traditional window coverings.
• Versatile control options – can be operated by switch, remote, or smart device.
• Maintained light levels – stays bright even when privacy mode is activated.

UV Protection

• Blocks up to 99% of UV rays, even in transparent mode
• Helps prevent fading of furniture, flooring, and artwork
• Reduces heat from direct sunlight
• Protects interior materials from sun damage

Reduced Glare

• Manage bright sunlight without blocking views
• Reduce eye strain in work areas
• Eliminate screen reflections
• Maintain natural light while controlling brightness levels

The hospitality industry is one of the most highly competitive business sectors in the world today. Therefore, businesses operating in this sector must take innovative measures to get an edge over the competition. After all, guests prefer to lodge and spend their vacation in locations that provide comfort and luxury.  Smart glass technology can be a gamechanger for a hospitality business; it brings a stunning transformation to the appearance and service offerings of hotels and vacation resorts. That is why the hospitality industry embraces smart glass technology faster than any other sector.

How Does Smart Glass Work?

Smart glass is one of the latest advancements in glazing technology that alters the glass panel’s light transmission property when an electrical current is applied. This feature allows the glass to change from a transparent state to an opaque/frosted state. This product is being used by businesses worldwide to create privacy windows, partitions, and skylights. Let’s take a look at the value that smart glass technology brings to the hospitality industry.

Stunning Appearance

Aesthetics is arguably the single most crucial factor that drives patronage to hospitality businesses around the world. That is why hotels and holiday resorts find innovative ways to create stunning aesthetics to attract customers. Smart glass can be used in several creative ways that enhance various locations in hotels and holiday resorts. Imagine how you would feel when you arrive at a hotel reception’s foyer with the enclosing structure made of smart glass. You inspect the rooms, and it’s all luxurious glass. You’ll definitely prefer such a place to others.

Enhance Hygiene

Another factor that attracts people to hospitality locations besides beauty is cleanliness. Nobody wants to stay in a dirty or shabby environment. Unfortunately, conventional doors and windows need curtains and blinds, which are notorious for accumulating dust, dirt, and stains. Even after washing, these items still look shabby compared to the prestigious appearance of smart glass. Installing smart glass in a hotel makes the use of curtains and blinds unnecessary. The windows and doors can simply be changed to a frosted state on-demand when the guest needs privacy.

Easy To Manage

The hospitality industry is continuously looking for innovative ways to manage the business more efficiently, and smart glass technology proves priceless in this respect. As an intelligent product, the smart glass can be integrated into the building management system to enhance centralised control.  For instance, the cleaning manager can automatically change all windows to a transparent state to brighten up the room while the cleaners work in the rooms and change it to a frosted state once they are done.  It can also be used to manage skylights and natural lighting in various locations within the premise.

Reduce Costs

Smart Glass technology allows hospitality businesses to make massive savings by reducing energy costs. Frosted smart glass also prevents direct sun glares without blocking out natural daylight. During hot weather conditions, the smart glass’s frosted state reduces the influx of light and heat into the building, minimising its heat load.  This means that hotels and vacation resorts can install smaller HVAC units, reducing capital expenditure and ongoing energy consumption.

Get in touch with our Business Advisor today

At Priviglaze we invest 100% of our attention to every detail in every project we work on because we understand the importance of the setting our clients are building, we work together with clients and partners, we elaborate, collaborate and communicate to ensure successful project completion. Working with Meridian Interiors was a privilege as they offer good communication, work to a timely manner and have a reliable team.

The journey started when we received an enquiry for a bespoke curved glass partition wall with a switchable option from Meridian Interiors, for a large boardroom at RXcelerate within the Babraham Research Campus (3600mm x 2700mm). Our client opted for our sustainable and elegant smart glass, which promotes design aesthetics and energy-efficiency with benefits that far outweigh conventional glass.

Optrys Ltd were the designers for this project and we were proud to work in conjunction with main contractor Meridian Interiors along with Lizzanno Partitions, who provided the trackwork for our glass partitioning. As part of our bespoke solution, we offered onsite technical support for electrical connections, remote controlled power supply, delivery of glass and labour for the installation.

We worked closely with Meridian Interiors & Lizzanno to deliver the on time, within budget and to the end client’s satisfaction.

We look forward to working in partnership with Meridian Interiors again on future projects!

If you’re interested in smart glass for your commercial or residential space, contact us today.

Do you have recently fitted glass partitions but require privacy on-demand?

We always recommend replacing worn glass partitions with newly laminated smart glass instead. Sometimes it is not possible to replace them having recently done so. In such instances, retrofit smart film could be the ideal solution.

This feature is one of our finest and most recent retrofit smart film project. It would generally require three days to complete. We had three able installers and technicians working on this project during March 2021. Three pairs of hands were necessary due to the sheer size of the smart film piece. It is one of the largest pieces we worked with, measuring at 1.5 metres wide and 2.6 metres tall. 

The film itself was heavy and wide. It simply would not have been possible with two individuals. The installers had to adjust the smart film positioning together for a flush finish. This is because they can only make allowances of between two to three millimetres in gaps.

Can we DIY our own Retrofit Smart Film Project?

Whilst smart film products are also available as supply-only from Priviglaze, we recommend hiring a specialist to carry out the installation as it is essentially an electrical product. Unlike other DIY window privacy films on the market, Priviglaze’s switchable film product is made of PDLC – Polymer Dispersed Liquid Technology. It is the application process itself that requires a specialist’s know-how and expertise. Imagine what it is like to place a film protector sheet over your newly acquired smartphone. The application principle is quite similar for applying retrofit smart film, except on a much larger scale with very little margin for error. Moreover, unlike a clear protective sheet, our smart film is a bespoke electrical product with wires and busbars.

How do you prep the existing glass panels before installing smart film?

If your existing glass panel is quite worn, it would not be sensible to apply smart film onto it. Any nick or speck of dust affects the application outcome. The technician will use soapy water to clean the glass panels to the best of their ability. Secondly, scrapers are used to remove any existing glues or chips. They proceed to use a specific alcohol concentration solution to give the panel a meticulous and thorough clean. If a speck of dust particle is spotted after the film is applied, the technician will have to carefully remove the smart film and clean it out to ensure a perfect finish. It is important to point out that the installation site has to be tidy, clear and clean for your smart film fit-out day. Our smart film installers should be the last few, if not the last installers scheduled-in for your renovation project.

Can you retrofit Smart Film on Doors?

We are specialists in this area and have installed a variety of doors from sliding doors to French doors. For this project, the client had a set of double doors requiring smart film. There were preinstalled pipework for the electrics carried out by the proprietor’s electrician. We usually work closely with our clients to provide technical drawings as to where the electrics and cable loops need to go. These would have been completed before our installers’ retrofit date.

For more information about Retrofit Smart Film on Glass Partitions and Glass Doors, speak to one of our advisors today.

What Are Meeting Pods?

They are flexible, enclosed spaces for dedicated use without the need for permanent walls and fixtures. There are many pod design systems available that cater for different styles and needs. Office pods, garden office pods, phone pods or meeting pods are creative solutions for users looking to improve their existing layouts. What’s more, these meeting pods can be customised to suit your budget and layout. Pods are quick to install and can be transported with you when you move. Most pods facilitate modular design systems and can be made to order. Such customisation options will help users save on conventional remodelling costs.

During these times, solid glass walls are a preferred hygienic solution. Unlike fabric partitions or draperies that require upkeep and updates, glass partitions in office pods are timeless in style and easy to maintain.

Meeting Pods As Layout Solutions

Whilst open plan office layouts encourage collaboration amongst its team members, there is an increasing need to partition work spaces using meeting pods.

Overhearing and eavesdropping on conversation chatter in open plan offices are not only distracting but reduces productivity. Additionally, a study conducted by the University of Sydney finds that almost half of the forty-two thousand office workforce surveyed in developed countries are frustrated with their open plan offices due to the lack of sound privacy.

Aside from acoustic reasons, about a third of these users are frustrated with the lack of visual privacy, whilst over 20% are unhappy with the thermal conditions attributed by open plan layouts.

To combat this, smart glass and film integrated into office pod systems are the ultimate solution to protect the users’ privacy at the touch of a button. At Priviglaze, we partner with pod manufacturers to integrate smart glass and film solutions to provide privacy on-demand. Take a look at the projects we have installed with our product to enable privacy on-demand in these meeting pods.

Are you interested in meeting pods with privacy on-demand for your workspace or garden office? Get in touch with one of our team members today.

One of the key benefits of installing switchable smart glass is the amount of natural or artificial light that will flow through your interiors. The clarity may not be exactly as normal float glass but with the option for privacy on-demand that smart glass offers, you can easily improve the light transmission of your smart glass product by optimising the ambient lighting on either side of the partition.

Viewing Angle and Glazing Thickness

Smart glass clarity can vary depending on the viewing angle from where you are standing. Compared to laminated smart glass, the added thickness in smart glass sealed units or double glazed smart glass products may affect the haze factor.

Haze Factor

Smart glass/film technology requires low voltage power supply. Our trained technicians install each smart glass/film product through a specifically skilled process. Unlike conventional glass, 8 to 10% of haze is present on smart glass/film products. On sunnier days, smart glass may appear more hazy than usual. The choice of smart glass product and thickness variable may affect the haze factor differently. Whilst smart glass/film is not optically as clear as normal float glass, the haze will be less apparent with the right ambient LED lighting and lightly coloured surroundings. On the other hand, dark colours and wood furnishings are favoured for the warmth they bring to a working environment. Nevertheless, our installation project below demonstrates that the right ambient lighting work well with these dark elements without compromising on the clarity of your smart glass partition.

Choosing the right kind of ambient lighting will affect the look or end result of your smart glass installation. Your interior lighting is an important consideration and the right solution would bring out the best outcome in your smart glass/film investment. Our clients take pride in how Priviglaze smart glass/film brings out the WOW factor in any context or interior. Although smart glass/film installation is one of the last remaining product scheduled to be installed at any project, it is never too late to improve the ambient lighting. Speak to one of our advisors today for more information regarding the interaction between ambient lighting and your smart glass/film. In conclusion, we are on hand to help you find a solution that works best for you.

Rear Projection Screen Function

Smart Glass for Digital Advertising

One of the most brilliant benefits with Priviglaze Switchable Smart Glass is its use as a rear projection screen. Set up your HD rear projector and watch the moving images or videos play. This is particularly exciting for shop frontages that display advertising to attract customers into your business premises. You can project any still or moving digital images onto your exterior or interior smart glass. Not only can you have your digital advertising on loop when you want to, you still keep the benefit of looking out your window anytime you want, at the switch of a button! Hover over the image on the left to see how it looks during the daytime.

Smart Glass as Rear Projection Screen for your Powerpoint Presentation

How about projecting your all-important keynote presentation to impress your investors? Carry out your pitch with the help of a large glass screen behind you to facilitate your talks. Rear Projection also works well on Priviglaze’s Retrofit Smart Film. It does not cost more to have the benefit of rear projection. Any smart film or smart glass installed can double up as a rear projection screen. As demonstrated throughout this page, the smart glass screen works wonders whether it is for your interior or exterior installation.

Smart Glass as Rear Projection Screen for your Office Social Events

Our lovely friends over at CDSM Thinqi in Swansea, shared with us this wonderful picture of what they did with Priviglaze’s smart glass partition at their office. What a clever idea to project the Rugby live onto the glass wall! Who needs the tele when you can have this for the entire office space to share? Hover over the image on the left to see what we mean!

Fascinated by rear projection screen functions? Speak to our advisors to find out more.

Contact us today for your timber framed partition ideas.