Innovation award

Eyrise has won the Innovation Award at this year’s Material Prize for its dynamic liquid crystal windows, which provide instant solar shading without compromising on natural daylight.

The annual prize celebrates best-in-class materials from the construction and design industries. Hosted by Raumprobe, a materials library in Stuttgart, Germany, the winners are selected by an independent jury of industry experts.

Entrants in the innovation category were judged on the successful development and production of a new material, its aesthetic interpretation by architects and designers, and sustainability benefits.

“Eyrise convinced us with its outstanding competence,” Sven Plieninger, jury member and managing director at civil engineers Schlaich Bergermann Partner, said. “The glass has enormous potential for privacy and sun protection, and we recognise Merck’s courageous initiative in founding a company to develop and market this innovative technology.”

Advanced Licrivision liquid crystal technology enables Eyrise windows to darken and lighten instantaneously. It can work using sensors and be controlled through the building management system. The glass always remains a transparent neutral grey colour when tinted, so natural light is preserved even when the windows are in a darkened state, and the view to the outside is retained.

“Our aim has been to develop a new generation of smart glass that benefits both the environment and people’s well-being, so we are very pleased to have received this coveted award,” Celine Glipa, managing director at Eyrise, said. “Building facades can be completely reimagined with our liquid crystal windows, offering new levels of sustainability for smart cities.”

The award ceremony was held at Raumprobe in Stuttgart and attended by Merck’s Michael Grund and Eyrise’s Martin Zitto.