Liquid crystal experience

Eyrise has launched an experience lab at its newly transformed headquarters to showcase the extended capabilities of liquid crystal glass, and to drive research into smart glass innovation.

Based at Veldhoven in the Netherlands, the glazing company uses proprietary liquid crystal technology to manufacture energy-saving windows that can be tinted to provide instant solar shading without compromising on natural daylight.

Recent research by Elementa Consulting revealed liquid crystal glass has a significant positive impact on the health, wellbeing and productivity of a building’s occupants.

Eyrise recently retrofitted its entire office building with dynamic glass to create an interactive environment that offers solar control and privacy for employees, and a space where visitors can experience its benefits first hand.

In just three weeks, the company replaced 279m² of glazing with liquid crystal glass into the existing window frames. The external facade now comprises 155m² of solar shading windows. Inside, it has fitted every meeting room partition wall with instant privacy glass panels. Fifty-one units in 23 different sizes have been installed, representing a surface area of 124m².

Staff can individually control solar shading and privacy control via a newly developed app, ensuring continuous comfort and well-being. The data provided will be used to steer future digital developments as part of ongoing research into optimising customer experience.

“The ease and speed with which we were able to retrofit the glazing of our factory demonstrates how simple it is to bring lightwellness to an existing building, while saving energy, space and costs,” Celine Glipa, managing director at Eyrise, said. “Architects and building designers will now have the opportunity to experience how people interact with solar shading and privacy glass in a real-world context.”