Smart frosting: glass that turns private on demand
Switchable glass and smart film change from clear to frosted when you press a switch. We design it into partitions, bathrooms and windows, and handle the glass, the wiring and the controls as one job.
Free site visit · Wiring planned with the job · Designed in 3D
What smart frosting is
Smart frosting is the common name for switchable privacy glass. The most common type uses a thin layer of liquid crystals between two films. When the layer is switched off, the crystals scatter light and the glass looks frosted: light still passes through, but you cannot see shapes on the other side. When power is applied, the crystals line up and the glass turns clear. The effect is instant and reverses as often as you like. The switchable layer comes in two forms. It can be laminated inside new glass as switchable glass, or supplied as a self-adhesive smart film that is applied to existing glass. Both need a small power supply and a control, and both give privacy rather than darkness: a frosted panel still lets daylight into the room.
Where it suits a Dubai home or office
Bathroom glass
A glass wall between a bedroom and its bathroom that stays open and bright most of the day and turns frosted when someone is using it.
Office and study partitions
Meeting rooms and private offices that are open to the floor by default and private for a call or a confidential meeting.
Windows facing neighbours
Ground-floor or side windows that look onto a neighbour or the street, frosted when needed instead of keeping curtains closed all day.
Majlis and guest areas
Glass between a majlis or guest sitting room and the rest of the house, so the family areas can be closed off visually when guests arrive.
Doors and internal screens
Glass doors and fixed screens in hallways, home cinemas and dressing rooms.
Projection surface
In its frosted state the panel can act as a screen for a projector, which some offices use in meeting rooms.
Switchable glass or smart film
The choice usually depends on whether the glass is new or already there:
- Switchable glassThe switchable layer is laminated inside the glass when it is made. It suits new partitions, doors and screens, and the layer is protected between the glass sheets.
- Self-adhesive smart filmApplied to the inside face of existing glass. It suits retrofits where the glass is in good condition and replacing it would mean taking out frames.
- BothNeed power taken to the edge of each panel, a transformer or controller located nearby, and a switch, remote or link to a smart home system.
What to plan before installing it
Power, edges and which way the glass faces
Each panel has a connection at its edge, and a cable has to run from there to the controller. In a new partition the cable hides in the frame or the ceiling. In an existing window it needs a neat route through the frame or a trim, which is easier to plan before finishes are done. The controller needs a position where it can be reached for maintenance.
Glass in direct sun needs extra thought. Smart films are generally made for interior faces, and how a particular film or glass handles heat and sunlight varies by product, so we confirm the specification for the position before ordering. It also helps to decide the default: most switchable glass is frosted when switched off, which means it stays private during a power cut.
Fixed frosting is sometimes the better answer
If a panel never needs to be clear, ordinary frosted or sandblasted glass or a decorative frosted film does the job with no power or controls. Project Design used frosted glass office partitions to keep an open office bright and spacious. We will suggest switchable glass only where changing between clear and private is actually useful. For other glass, see our glass partitions and glass works.
How we deliver smart glass
Project Study
A free site visit to see the glass or opening, check its condition and position, and find power nearby.
Plan
Glass or film, panel sizes, cable routes, controller position and how it is switched, coordinated with any partition, joinery or electrical work.
Visualization
The panels shown clear and frosted in the 3D design, so you can judge privacy from each side of the room.
Execution
Installation, wiring and testing by our team, managed by one project manager.
What changes the cost
- Total area of glass and number of panels
- New switchable glass or film on existing glass
- Frames, partitions or doors built around the glass
- Cable routes and electrical work
- Control: wall switch, remote or smart home integration
Questions and answers
Does smart glass go fully dark?
Do you supply switchable glass or switchable film?
Can smart film be added to my existing windows or partition?
What happens in a power cut?
Can it be controlled from my phone?
Is it suitable for a bathroom?
Do you also do ordinary frosted glass?
Guides and ideas
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