Category: Glass

Glass finds plenty of applications in windows, doors, and partitions in both homes and offices. Modern architects depend a great deal on different kinds of glass to create a space that is practical, secure and comfortable. Frosted glass is used to provide homeowners with all these functions without compromising on style. It has a translucent milky surface, which doesn’t allow you to see through it but still transmits light. Installing frosted glass in your home ensures privacy and adds a decorative look. Frosted glass is widely used for windows, doors, shower cubicles, partitions, shelves, cabinets, and table tops, and for decorative purposes.

How Is Frosted Glass Made?

Frosted glass is a type of processed glass that is usually manufactured using two techniques- acid etching or sandblasting.

Acid etching uses hydrofluoric acid to achieve a frosted appearance. The acid reacts with the glass and corrodes its surface, making it translucent. The etching process is permanent and makes the glass’ surface extremely smooth. The glass is then washed and is ready to be sold.

Sandblasting is a safer technique for producing frosted glass. It involves blasting sand or husk on the surface of the glass using a high-velocity machine. The degree of translucency can be altered by changing the type of sand and the velocity of the machine. However, the glass is rendered rough and requires higher maintenance.

Why Choose Frosted Glass for Your Home?

Need privacy in your space? Frosted glass is a classic way to ensure privacy in your home in style. In fact, one of the main reasons frosted glass is used is for reasons of privacy. It is usually installed in spaces where privacy is important, for example, bathrooms, partitions, road-facing windows and doors, etc. Due to its translucent surface, it blurs out or distorts visuals on the other side of the glass, not allowing full visibility.

But with all this, it does not restrict natural light from entering your space. Using frosted glass in your space will not only give you the privacy you desire, but will also give you much-needed Vitamin D from the sun sans the harmful UV rays.  Hence, not only does it capture maximum natural light, but it also filters out harmful UV rays.

Though privacy is one of the major reasons to have frosted glass installed in your home, it is not the only one. There are several other important benefits it brings to the table – reduces energy consumption, enhances the security of your home, is harsh weather-resistant, is low-maintenance, and offers high visual appeal.

Where Can You Use Frosted Glass?

The applications of frosted glass for your home are limitless. With its aesthetic appeal and utility, it can be used in multiple locations, serving different purposes.

Bedrooms

Your bedroom is your safe space; it’s where you get the opportunity to spend time with yourself. To ensure that you can be your true self, it is important to have privacy in your bedroom. Frosted glass enhances your privacy and improves the atmosphere of your room by bringing in natural light. It can also create a dim-light effect if you choose a glass with high level of translucency.

Bathrooms

Along with your bedroom, frosted glass for bathroom entrances (sliding bathroom doors or shower screens) will provide enough natural light while obstructing the view from the outside. Moreover, an added benefit is that due to its non-corrosive nature, frosted glass will remain mould-free despite the high moisture levels of the bathroom.

Kitchen Gardens

Another very popular space for the installation of frosted glass is the kitchen garden. Herbs which are commonly grown in kitchen gardens thrive best when they receive a balanced amount of sunlight. Creating a kitchen garden with frosted glass walls is an effective way to keep excessive light at bay and ensures the health and well-being of your plants.

Frosted Windows

Windows are an essential part of every home. They help our homes look brighter by capturing natural light. But windows also create more room for violation of your privacy and security. Installing frosted glass in your bedroom and bathroom windows guarantees you privacy and brings in natural light. For your kitchen, because of the heat and the smell, it is important to install windows. Frosted windows can withstand high temperature and pressure and hence will not succumb to the heat normally produced in a kitchen. From an aesthetic point of view, frosted windows in your dining areas and sitting rooms enhance the visual appeal of your home.

Frosted Partitions

A glass partition is one of the best methods to separate different sections of your home and instil a sense of privacy and style. In your bathrooms, a frosted glass partition gives you the option to split the shower and the bathroom sections. It can also be used as a complete partition between the bathroom and the dressing area. You can choose to install partial or full frosted glass depending on your privacy needs. A partially frosted partition can be installed in between the dining area and sitting area, to create a flow in your entertainment space.

Frosted Doors

Frosted glass doors can provide you with much-needed privacy in spaces such as bathrooms, reading rooms, home office space, home library, etc. Rooms that are either window-less or receive minimal natural light can be installed with French frosted glass doors to create a balance between privacy and light. If you need to create separate spaces with a modern touch, using frosted glass sliding doors is the way to go. And if you’re tired of Venetian blinds or curtains on the doors to your backyard, the best way to create intimacy with the outdoors is to install frosted sliding doors.

With all its benefits and applications, frosted glass has taken an important place in modern home design. It has wide applications; not only is it the go-to option for home entrances, but is also used in windows, partition walls, glass cabinets to create a stylish and private look that is also eco-friendly and energy-efficient. Even though it blurs the visuals, frosted glass still allows sufficient natural light to enter your living space so that you can avoid using artificial light. Its thermal insulation qualities help control the temperature of your home for your comfort. With its multiple applications, scratch resistance, non-corrosive nature, it is durable and easy to maintain. Frosted glass helps make your home more efficient and welcoming, making this an investment you shouldn’t miss.

At AIS we offer you AIS Krystal Frosted glass which can serve both protective and decorative purposes for your homes. It is available in distinctive designs for you to choose from. You can get the glass customised according to your needs. It can be installed in your doors, shower screens, partitions, interior screens, furniture, cabinets, shelves, false ceilings, designer panels with images, bannisters, stairs, lighting, and windows. Moreover, AIS Krystal Frosted Glass is available in a variety of striking colours that will enhance the look of your space. With this glass, you can get rid of gloomy curtains and blinds without any second thoughts. It is an excellent choice if enhanced security and privacy are your prime concerns.

Want everyone to be in awe of your home décor skills?  Simply invest in the timeless elegance and grandeur of wooden doors. In the past, wooden door designs may have gotten a bad rep for being high maintenance and prone to warping, bending, water-logging and swelling. However, advancements in technology have made way for high-quality wooden door designs that offer breath-taking aesthetics along with superior functionality.

Doors are the gateway to your humble abode. Even choosing typical doors for your rooms can nullify the beauty and magnificence of your charming interiors. To avoid making such blunders, more and more homeowners are opting for quality doors to transform their interiors and create a luxurious space.

With creative innovations in the world of interiors making headlines every day, wooden glass doors have gained popularity asthe simple yet truly eternal item in the door industry.

Growing Popularity of Wooden Glass Doors

Since time immemorial, wood has been considered as an exquisite and durable building material which makes you feel like royalty every time you enter into the house. And just when we thought that nothing can surpass the timeless beauty of wooden door designs, glass emerged as the 100% recyclable and versatile building material. Made from limestone, sand, limestone and sodium carbonate, it undergoes various treatments and processes to achieve unique properties, stylish textures, vivid colours and trendy designs. A perfect blend of traditional and contemporary- wooden glass doors emerged as the go-to choice for homeowners and interior designs.

Shopping for wooden glass doors can be a fun albeit tiresome process. With the expansion of the door industry, it’s easy to get lost amongst piles of wooden glass doors catalogues. That’s why we have created a list of the top wooden door designs that are sure to dazzle all your visitors at first sight.

Hollowed-out Panelled Doors

Like to have your own privacy but don’t want to restrict outdoor visibility? Hollowed-out panels offer the perfect fusion of privacy and openness. While typically made out of wood, these wooden glass doors have strips of glass in the hollowed-out panels. It allows you to keep an eye on the passers-by, giving you a sense of security for you and your family. The glass panels serve as an additional source of light as they allow natural light to filter through.

Vibrant Wooden Doors

Are your house’s dull surroundings bringing down the cheerful vibe of your space? Liven up the neighbourhood with vibrant wooden door designs. Opt for a warm-hued wooden door with vibrant undertones to contrast the neutral concrete exteriors of your house. If your house is painted in warm and inviting colours, browse through wooden door designs with cool, dark tones to make your door stand out and maintain the sophisticated feel of your house. You can even brighten up your home’s interiors with matching doors for your rooms and maintain a matching colour-scheme to give the illusion of meticulously-planned décor.

Oversized Wooden Glass Doors

Wood and glass go together like peanut butter and jelly. They complement each other perfectly to bring out their best features for a sense of effortless beauty. If your entrance has a big opening, opt for oversized wooden glass doors. They have an intricate wooden panel detailing along with a glass hatch for easy access and keep you in touch with the outdoor world.

Love the idea of wooden glass doors but want your privacy too? Invest in smart glass for your oversized glass panes. AIS Glasxperts offers a revolutionary smart glass called Swytchglas^TM which renders the glass translucent at the flick of a switch. It offers much-needed privacy without blocking the natural light. Based on the PDC technology, they are a great addition as they increase anti-theft protection with their interlayer to keep your family away from harm at all times.

Designer Panel Doors

Want your doors to reflect your chic personality? Opt for trendy patterns on your wood and glass panels for a designer look. Keep things classy with a minimal wooden frame and choose glass panes with etching or intricate designs. They also serve as the perfect addition for illuminating homes with gardens. If you like to keep things playful, break away from the traditional stripes and choose wooden door designs with a solid chevron pattern.

Carved Doors

Nothing screams splendour and sophistication like intricately carved wooden door designs. Go with horizontally large doors for a dramatic look and add regal finishing touches with laser carving. You can even select hand-carved double doors for a traditional style, making you feel like royalty every time you walk through it. Take inspiration from this contemporary spin-off and opt for carved, double doors with hollowed-out rectangular glass panes for a sleek look.

Looking for high-quality wood for your wooden door designs? Nothing beats the durability of Accoya- the highest performing wood in the world. Available in a variety of designs, AIS Glasxperts offers Accoya wood with a 50-year timber warranty. It is known for its moisture, heat, impact and termite-resistant properties and does not swell, bend, warp or get weathered either. Along with top-drawer aesthetics, it also offers noise and heat insulation and requires little to no maintenance.

AIS Glasxperts offers 360-degree solutions for all your glass décor requirements as well. Our expert team of consultants help you guide you right from the selection process up until the final installation process along with post-instalment services to ensure an immensely satisfying experience for our valued customers.

“The history of architecture is the history of the struggle for light.” Is it not marvellous that one of the first elements in creation was also light? – “let there be light.” Light dispels all darkness and shows the direction to take. Is it any surprise then that light directs architects in the path they should take towards successful residential building? However, incorporating abundant amounts of natural light is not an isolated theory, but very much supported by science.

Why You Must Light up Your World!

What would you call a room without natural light? Why a prison cell! A dark, dimly-lit room not only lacks aesthetic appeal but it exudes a dull and gloomy vibe. Natural light possesses a kind of power that artificial light only wishes it had. A room bathed in rich hues of natural sunlight instantly aids its occupants in being happier and more productive – well, that’s not an opinion, that’s science backed by research. A study conducted by Professor Alan Hedge of the Department of Design and Environmental Analysis at Cornell found that those working under natural light reported a whopping 84% drop in eyestrain, blurred vision, and headaches as compared to those working under artificial lighting conditions.

Being exposed to natural light increases your body’s ‘feel-good’ serotonin levels and can lift one’s spirits. It also reduces stress levels and improves your health significantly. Exposure to natural light is also the best way to receive a sufficient amount of Vitamin D. Moreover, natural light in your home also reduces the growth of mildew or mould, keeping your space hygienic. Hence, natural light is a must-have element of any home.

Let There be Light and Plenty of it with These Premium Glass Solutions

When one thinks of natural light, glass is a material that is bound to come to mind. However, with modern advancements, glass’ daylight management abilities have enhanced manifold. Use these glass solutions for meeting your daylighting needs.

Frosted Glass

Frosted glass solution is a type of translucent glass that is produced by the process of sandblasting or acid etching. The rough or pitted surface on one side of the glass pane gives it a frosted or foggy appearance due to which light is scattered and diffused. This causes the glass to obscure the view while still allowing light to pass through it. Frosted glass, thus, offers the best of both worlds – optimal daylight management and privacy. Installing frosted glass windows in your home will provide you privacy from neighbouring homes or passer-by, while still allowing natural light inside. You can also use frosted glass in your bathroom as shower doors to brighten up your bathroom while still maintaining privacy.

Reflective Glass

Reflective glass comes with a metallic oxide coating. This metallic coating is applied to one side of the glass pane, giving it a mirror-like appearance. This reflective coating enhances the amount of heat that can be reflected by the glass. The glass can reflect the harmful UV rays and infrared rays of the sun, while still allowing natural light to enter. Furthermore, reflective glass can also prevent excessive solar glare. If you opt for reflective glass solutions, you will not only get brighter interiors, but also efficient thermal comfort.

Switchable Glass

Switchable glass or smart glass is a high-tech and innovative glass solution whose opacity levels can be easily adjusted with the flick of a button. Meaning, smart glass can become opaque or transparent, even translucent with the switch of a remote control. Switchable glass offers privacy on-demand but not at the expense of natural light. This type of glass is perfect for fenestrations, partitions, skylights, etc.

Invite More Light in These Effective Ways

Besides the usual fenestrations, you can bring in more natural light by using glass in the following new ways.

Skylights

Skylights are often known as the ‘windows for the roof’ and they pour in waves of natural light without being blocked or shadowed by external objects. Available in a variety of shapes and styles, skylights can easily blend in with your interior décor.

Glass Walkways or Floorings

Installing glass walkways or floorings in your home can lead to optimum day-lighting. Glass walkways can allow light to pass through the floor. If you have a light-filled upper floor, you can install a glass floor to let the light into the room below. Adding glass floorings or walkways can not only make your home brighter, but they will allow you to make a unique style statement.

Glass Staircase

Conventionally, a staircase would make your home darker; however, this is not the case with a glass staircase, which only reflects light in different angles to give the space a brighter and larger appearance. To maximise daylighting further, you can have bifurcated glass staircase installed with glass balustrades.

Mirror

If you place mirror glass on the neighbouring walls of windows, you can easily take the brightness of your space to the next level. This is because mirror glass is manufactured in a way that it reflects light exceptionally well to maximise the amount of natural light received by a space.

Looking for intelligent glass solutions for your residential space? Zero in on AIS Glass – India’s largest integrated glass manufacturer. We manufacture a range of superior-quality glass solutions for all kinds of needs – privacy, security, energy-efficiency, acoustic comfort, and optimal daylight and glare management.

Contact us today to avail our wide range glass solutions for your space!

There’s quite nothing like ending the day with a cup of coffee on the patio or terrace in the presence of chirping birds and rustling leaves or the sound of pattering raindrops. And those low-key summer alfresco brunches that none can get enough of? Well, a patio is not just another space in a home but an extension of it where life is celebrated in its myriads of forms. No wonder there’s a festival unique to Cordoba called “Festival of the Cordoban Patios,” where forecourts are grandly decorated and adorned for public display.

Patios: A Whole New Way of Experiencing Home Life

Gone are those days when people considered patios to be of little significance if any. Modern-day architecture and interior designing are never really complete without a well-designed courtyard. After all, patios are more than mere ornamentation.

Your patio is the very first space that a visitor or guest is bound to notice before ever entering into your home. And to that end, it is a mouthpiece to your sense of hospitality and personal style. A patio that has just a few items strewn around or worse, one that is barren might give the impression that you do not really care about creating a welcoming environment, regardless of the look of your interiors.

Moreover, a well-designed and polished patio acts as an additional home space where you can unwind the stresses of the day without having to worry about rain or sun glare. It also makes for a fun recreation spot and dining area where you can share light-hearted alfresco meals with your friends and family. The bliss is even greater when your patio lies amid nature’s glory.

A patio can even be transformed into a little winter escape by bringing in a hot tub or installing outdoor heaters. Besides, a scrupulously-crafted patio will significantly increase the resale value of your property.

Glass Patios: Because You Never Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression

Patios are sought-after, not just for their undeniable charm, beauty, and resale value but for their functionality – space for relaxation, recreation, and perfecting hobbies. More often than not, homeowners are found grieving the fact that their patios are being under-used owing to natural elements that limit their usage. To address such grievances, enclosed patios are gaining popularity.

And it is self-evident that the material widely used for building enclosed patios is glass. Not only does glass enhance the visual appeal of your patio to a whole different level, but it offers an unobstructed view of the glorious outdoors. And the fun does not stop come heat, snow, or rains. Moreover, enclosed glass patios take care of your need for privacy in light of the fact that invading one’s personal space becomes a lot more easier in case of outdoor personal spaces.

Furthermore, even kids and pets can be left alone to enjoy the outdoors without having to keep a constant eye on them. And let’s not forget the value a glass patio will render to your property – both functional and market value. You can pursue your passion for planting sun-loving plants even during the winter months and experience the freedom that comes from having an added security to your home. In a nutshell, a glass patio is your personal oasis and sanctuary where you can retreat from time to time for rejuvenation.

Go Alfresco in Style

Make the most of your open-air spaces to entertain high-profile friends and to enjoy intimate alfresco gatherings with these design ideas –

Freestanding or Detached Patio

Want to create an oasis of calm away from your home? Then, a freestanding or detached patio is the ideal choice for your need for solitude. Usually constructed next to the pool area, a detached patio offers you the ‘just right’ amount of privacy that you need away from the chaos of everyday living. It can even serve as a tranquil location for riding on your hobby horse and perfecting your God-given talents and skills – art and sculpture, music, scriptwriting, et al. By installing soundproof glass panes in your free-standing patio, you can create an atmosphere of absolute serenity and even practice precious moments of meditation and contemplation to revitalise yourself.

U-Shaped or L-Shaped Patio

Well, it isn’t uncommon to find occupants disputing over who gets to have the room that offers the best of the patio and its glory. For such dilemmas are designed the L-shaped or U-shaped patio designs that hug the outside of the homes and can be accessed from several different rooms. Not only do they make a seamless transition from the indoors to the outdoors, but they are even straightforward in design. By adding in a sleek sectional sofa strewn with vibrant accent pillows and cushions or a daybed repurposed as a chaise, and flowing curtains, not only is it possible to enjoy ample of privacy but these inviting displays are the best conversation starters that will help create intimacy and lasting memories.

Wraparound Patio

For those who wish to experience the sense of having the outdoors within in more than one angle of the home, nothing beats the wraparound porch design. Designed to either “wrap around” the entire property or two or more sides of the home, these patios not only serve as an outdoor living room of sorts but also as a centre for relaxing and entertaining guests. It even enhances the curb appeal of the home. And to enjoy the presence of lush greenery at all times of the day, you can install Low-E glass, which will provide you with natural light but keep unwanted glare, heat, and UV rays of the sun at bay. These patios can be designed to be angled or curved and can be built either at ground level or higher as per your desire.

Multi-Level Patio

If your idea of going from drab to fab is by bringing the best of all worlds in your patio design – a hot tub, a redwood pergola, an entertainment spot, a deck for planters, a fire pit, a sandbox and slide for the little ones, and a relaxing hammock, then tiered or split-level or multi-level patio is the way to go. For the main levels of the courtyard, you can have an elevated glass deck having the seating area, and surrounding this main spot, you can add in all the elements that you wish to personalise your inspiring space with. Or, you can have an extended glass patio that allows you to entertain guests and a separate free-standing patio at some distance to serve your need for solitude from time to time. With multiple-level patios, the sky is the limit.

Entry Patio

Looking to make that lasting first impression on visitors and prospective buyers alike? Well, that thirsty front lawn is not going to do the trick. The ideal way to go about this would be a welcoming front entry patio that makes for an enchanting entrance. And what could be better than the delicate, fluid visual feel of glass in building your entry patio!

Moreover, by installing solar control glass solutions, you can enjoy relaxing afternoon naps in your patio without having to worry about sun glare or even sudden torrential showers. Moreover, you can even choose switchable or smart glass to enjoy privacy on-demand. Additionally, adding paving, a fountain, and planters will take your outdoor living space to a whole new level.

Ready to design the patio of your dreams? Well, so are we! As India’s leading glass manufacturer – AIS Glass has all your glass needs covered. Our extensive range of glass solutions will help you build patios that are durable, can withstand the elements, offer privacy, and will help you experience optimal daylight management. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today!

“There’s so much pollution in the air now that if it weren’t for our lungs, there’d be no place to put it all.” This sad statement pretty much sums up the scenario of the present day. Ever since the rise of the First Industrial Revolution, the problem of environmental pollution has existed and with each passing year has only gotten worse, to the extent that unless serious measures are taken both on the individual and the global level, the earth we get to call our home may not have any pollution-free areas left at all.

Air Pollution: An On-going Problem

According to the United Nations, it is predicted that by the year 2050, around 68% of the world’s population will be living in urban regions. As of today, the numbers stand at 55% – people are continually shifting, creating more congested areas than ever before. Add to it another 2.5 billion and you can only imagine the mayhem that is in the reserve.

Well, urban areas are infamous for alarming rates of pollution. The World Health Organisation reveals that nine out of ten people breathe in dangerous levels of polluted air on a constant basis. And to prove the authenticity of this claim, an estimated seven million people are killed every year due to the deadly beast of air pollution. The two major sources of air pollution in the urban areas have been found to be transportation technologies such as automobiles and power production technologies such as coal-burning plants.

Most of us are thoroughly aware of the physiological damage air pollution can have – heart disease, lung cancer, emphysema, birth defects to name only a few. But a study conducted by Professor Sefi Roth back in the year 2011 and then again in 2018, had some more surprising insights in store. In that study, students of similar education levels answering examinations were tested through the course of several days. Even the pollution levels on each day of the exam were measured. Shockingly, the results revealed that the most polluted days had the worst test scores whereas the scores dramatically increased on days when the air quality was the cleanest.

Moreover, in 2018, his team analysed the crime data from more than 600 of London’s electoral wards and found that with the rising levels of air pollution, crime rates also increased significantly. And what’s even more shocking is that even moderate levels of air pollution were capable of making a huge difference.

Jack Frost Only Aggravates the Problem

That being said, contrary to what people generally believe, the pollution onslaught worsens during the winter season. “Winter is coming and so is the pollution”, “Delhi struggles to breathe due to pollution onslaught”, “Winter has become synonymous with air pollution” are not merely newspaper headlines screaming for attention. The problem of smog becomes almost intolerable in winters owing to the dreaded ‘temperature inversion’ – a phenomenon where a layer of warm air is found at some height above the ground with colder, denser air both above and below this warm layer. As a result, the volume of air left open for pollutants to mix in becomes considerably smaller, thereby increasing pollutant concentration in that area significantly – high risk to even very high risk at times. How this happens is that the warm air parcels that rise above the ground will inevitably stop once they reach the inversion point and since an inversion can be formed a km above the ground or even lower, the concentration of deadly pollutants will have a smaller volume of air to mix with.

The cities in India where pollution has reached unbearable levels are – Delhi, Kanpur, Faridabad, Varanasi, Patna, Gaya, Lucknow, Muzaffarpur, Agra, even Srinagar with some cities scoring a whopping 174 on the PM 2.5 scale (which is 17 times higher than the acceptable limit declared by WHO). PM 2.5 refers to Particulate Matter 2.5 – atmospheric pollutants that have a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres (about 3% of the diameter of a human hair).

Since these particles are too small to be detected by the human eye and too fine, they can easily remain longer in the air than heavier particles and are capable of bypassing the nose and throat and penetrating deep into the lungs, sometimes even entering the circulatory system.

The acceptable PM 2.5 rating is 12 and below with 12.1 to 35.4 being moderately risky, 35.5 to 55.4 being unhealthy to sensitive people, 55.5 to 150.4 being unhealthy to healthy individuals, 150.4 to 250.4 being extremely unhealthy and a rating of 250.5 and above being downright hazardous.

The rising air pollution of India is gradually progressing towards hazardous. This air pollution naturally affects our indoors and pollutes the interiors of our private spaces.

Glass Solutions: The Answer to the Pollution Problem

Though it is true that the problem of outdoor air pollution is not entirely within our control, each of us can take certain necessary measures to ensure that the interiors of our personal spaces are well-protected against the deadly pollutants.

And to that end, modern-day innovations in glass solutions are here to help you. Anti-pollution window solutions come with double-glazed glass units that allow natural light to pass through but keep the unwanted heat of the sun and unneeded noise at bay. Moreover, these windows are completely sealed with multi-point locking systems to ensure that even PM 2.5 contaminants do not invade your space. Finally, to fill in any gaps that might be left between the glass panes and the window frames, a special silicone sealant is used. The resulting fenestration solution is equipped to help you and your family fight the rising levels of air pollution.

Want to make your home pollution-proof? Then, contact AIS Glass without delay! As India’s leading glass manufacturer, our fenestration solutions are thoroughly designed to keep pollution at an arm’s length. The multi-point locking systems and specialised high-quality silicone sealant that we use on our windows will keep you safe from the most deadly of air contaminants and our double-glazed glass will maintain ideal interior temperatures. So, what are you waiting for? Get yourself and your loved ones protected against pollution. Get in touch today.

Glass is synonymous to both residential and commercial fitments. Among the many advantages that glass promises is the promise of privacy. We’ve all dreamt of living in a futuristic home with optimal privacy and customised glass solutions. With the onset of the smart era, it was only a matter of time until our homes and workspace followed suit.

 The Invention of Privacy Glass

With the idea to incorporate smart features into everyday spaces, the smart glass was created. Also known as privacy glass, the introduction of smart glass took the world of interiors by storm and designers embraced this revolutionary product in all areas from commercial shops, restaurants, houses to office spaces.

Privacy glass can be used endlessly in different settings. But before we take a look at some of the smart ways to use smart glass, let’s understand the ground-breaking technology behind it.

How Does Privacy Glass Work?

The privacy glass is based on the Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystals (PDLC) technology wherein the glass turns from transparent to translucent instantaneously at the flick of a switch. When the polymer-dispersed crystals are connected to a power outlet, the liquid crystals line up and make the glass clear. When the power current is turned off, the crystals get scattered randomly are turn translucent again.

Now that you’ve understood the broad concept of privacy glass, let’s go through some of the ways we can incorporate it in different settings.

Bathrooms

Installing privacy glass for shower cubicles is a great way of avoiding hazardous shower curtains. People especially living on the ground floor may benefit from privacy glass windows as well. It obscures the vision while simultaneously allowing natural light to pour in. Restaurateurs can install privacy glass bathroom cubicles to create an iconic yet functional space. It also helps to utilise maximum space and gives a cramped space the illusion of a bigger washroom.

Glass Panels

While glass doors seem like an elegant choice for conference rooms, they can easily turn into a distraction. When redecorating your office, choose privacy glass divider walls instead of regular glass panels to block out the excessive noise from the bullpen. It also gives you and your clients the privacy you need and leaves a lasting impression. Swanky club owners can use privacy glass partitions to cordon off VIP sections for whereas restaurants can incorporate privacy glass to hold intimate events for high-end clientele without shutting down the restaurant to the general public.

Medical Facilities

A hospital needs to be extremely hygienic especially in the examination and surgery rooms where the patient is most vulnerable to infections. Smart glass is a sanitary alternative to mouldy curtains which could be a breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. It offers medical practitioners the privacy they need without compromising on the health of the patients.

Roofing Solutions

Switchable privacy glass can control the privacy as well as the amount of light that passed through it. If you’ve ever pictured yourself lying in your bed and gazing at the starry sky with your partner, install a skylight to transform your dreams into reality. Several interior designers are installing smart glass roofs in hotel suites for an ethereal experience.

Cabins and Doors

When planning to renovate your old cabin, privacy glass doors can pose a great advantage. Closed cabin doors give employees the feeling that their boss is unapproachable. Smart glass cabins can give you privacy when you need it and also make you seem friendly. If you hate being cooped up indoors, opt for privacy glass front doors to feel connected with the outside world.

Glass Facades

Towering glass buildings with privacy glass have taken the world by storm. Not only do they look classy, but they are also highly energy-efficient. They allow for sunlight to enter the space, reduce the need for artificial lighting and save money on energy bills. The natural light also enhances productivity among the employees while simultaneously blocking out the harmful UV rays. 

Advertising

When privacy glass is in its translucent state, it serves as a high-definition projection screen. You can turn that glass facade into a large media display screen. Restaurant and shop owners can advertise their products on their front door itself by turning it into a display screen. The privacy glass walls in the conference rooms can be used to demonstrate a larger-than-life presentation and impress potential clients.

Windows

Since smart glass is capable of blocking light to a certain extent, installing privacy glass windows in restaurants can help create the perfect ambience. Incorporating privacy glass windows in homes and offices can help block out the street noise and create a peaceful, noise-free environment.

At AIS- India’s leading integrated glass solutions company, we have created the AIS Swytchglas. Made from extra clear glass, it gets activated in less than 10 microseconds and lasts for a minimum of 20,000 cycles and is capable of working in temperatures from -10 to 50 degree-Celsius. You can turn off for complete privacy and turn on for visibility. Get in touch with AIS and avail our wide range of premium glass solutions for maximum satisfaction.

What Is Laminated Glass?

Glass has evolved far beyond its humble origins and now offers a wide range of advanced functionalities that were unheard of just a few decades ago. Today, it is a preferred building material among architects and interior designers and is widely used in structures such as skywalks, walkways, flooring, and modern façades. However, one common misconception about glass is that it breaks easily and can cause serious injuries when it shatters. To address such safety concerns, laminated glass was developed as a stronger and safer solution, designed to hold together upon impact and reduce the risk of injury.

If you are looking for reliable safety and security glass for your home windows, laminated glass can be an excellent choice. Many homeowners often search for “what is a laminated glass” when choosing safety glass for their homes. It is a type of safety glass made by bonding two or more layers of glass with a special interlayer placed between them. This interlayer is typically made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), which firmly holds the glass sheets together.

In the event of breakage, the interlayer keeps the glass fragments attached instead of allowing them to scatter, thereby reducing the risk of injury and improving security. Laminated glass can also be manufactured with multiple glass and interlayer combinations depending on the required strength, safety level, and application.

How Is Laminated Glass Made?

Laminated glass is manufactured by bonding two or more layers of glass together with a flexible polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer. This is done through a heat-and-pressure process in which the chemical bond formed between the glass and the PVB interlayer does not merely join them but bonds them into a single, durable structure.

What Are the Advantages of Laminated Glass?

Laminated glass is generally used for safety and security purposes. This is because even if the glass breaks, the PVB layers make the glass pieces stick to them so that they do not fall out of the window frame. To learn more about the detailed benefits of laminated safety glass, read this guide on benefits of laminated safety glass for your home or business. This is especially useful in households with small children. The PVB layers also reduce the transmission of UV rays into the house, decreasing the likelihood of skin diseases.

It is much more durable than ordinary glass, even though its installation does not require any special effort or time. It can even resist impact from pieces of metal and rocks. Laminated glass is also much less vulnerable to changes in temperature and pressure than ordinary glass. The viscoelastic properties of the specialised PVB interlayer make laminated glass provide good sound insulation. This is an advantage if there are elderly people or pets inside the house.

Types of Laminated Glass

• PVB Laminated Glass – This is the most common type and uses a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer. It is widely used in windows, façades, and automobile windshields because of its strong bonding and safety properties.
  
• SGP Laminated Glass – This type uses an SGP interlayer, which provides higher strength and rigidity. It is often preferred for structural glazing and applications that require additional load-bearing capacity.
  
• Coloured or Tinted Laminated Glass – Available in different colours and shades, this type enhances aesthetics while also helping control glare and sunlight.
  
• Acoustic Laminated Glass – Specially designed to reduce outside noise, this type improves indoor comfort and is ideal for homes or offices in busy areas.

For a more detailed explanation of the different laminated glass options available, you can read our guide on laminated glass types.

What Are the Uses of Laminated Glass?

1. Automobile Windshields 

The most common use of laminated glass is in automobile windshields. This is because laminated glass is much stronger than normal annealed glass and does not break easily. On the rare occasion that it does break, it does not shatter into sharp shards; instead, the glass pieces stick together, forming a spiderweb-like pattern and thereby reducing the chances of serious injuries.

2. Safety in Buildings (Fire & Earthquakes)

Laminated glass is a good choice for buildings when it comes to protection against disasters such as fire or earthquakes. Laminated glass is more resistant to fire than ordinary glass, which means it takes longer to shatter, allowing occupants time to escape. During an earthquake, the glass does not shatter immediately or fall out of its frames, making it safer for people to move past windows and exit.

3. Glass Canopies

Glass canopies have become popular in exterior decoration because of their aesthetics and practicality. These canopies are generally made using laminated glass, as it resists harsh weather while allowing natural light to enter and helps keep harmful UV rays at bay.

4. Shopfronts, Doors, and Home Windows

Shop windows and doors are often made of laminated glass so they hold together in case of a break-in attempt. For the same reason, laminated glass doors and windows are also installed in homes.

5. Balcony Railings

Balcony railings are often built using laminated glass because of their impact resistance and aesthetic appeal. Moreover, the glass does not obstruct the outside view, even for small children.

6. Infinity Swimming Pools

Infinity or boundary-less swimming pools are generally constructed using laminated glass because it is shatter-resistant and highly pressure-resistant.

7. Skylights and Structural Glazing

Its resistance to temperature changes makes laminated glass suitable for skylights. Skylights made of laminated glass do not easily break or fall even under extreme weather like hailstorms. Other structural applications include glass railings, curtain walls, façades, and roofs.

8. Glass Floors and Overhead Structures

Buildings with glass floors typically use laminated glass because ordinary glass would break under heavy foot traffic. Overhead glass structures are also made of laminated glass so they do not fall into tiny pieces in case of impact.

9. Protective Display Cases

Protective cases in jewellery shops, art galleries, aquariums, banks, money-exchange centres, and showrooms are made of laminated glass for safety. Laminated glass can also enhance visual appeal as it is available in colourful and fabricated variants.

For a more detailed explanation of laminated glass applications, you can read our complete guide here.

Looking for reliable laminated glass solutions? Look no further than AIS Glass, a trusted provider of some of the best laminated glass in India. Our laminated glass variants are designed to provide safety for your home or office and help you live peacefully without outside noise, especially if you live in a bustling city. At AIS Glass, we pride ourselves on providing reliable glass solutions for homes, offices, shops, automobiles, and more. For end-to-end glass solutions that guarantee both structural integrity and aesthetic value, contact us today.