GLAZING
thermal properties of external glazing to control solar glare and heat. Using best practice lighting simulation
tools to undertake a series of visualisations and analysis, Elementa investigated how two types of established electrochromic glass compared with the recently developed Eyrise glazing, which uses proprietary Licrivision liquid crystal technology. Elementa looked at performance in three areas: colour, speed, and circadian well-being. When tested for colour rendering, our
windows maintained a neutral grey tone across the entire tint spectrum, while electrochromic glass displayed a blue colouration, which can impact perceived colour and brightness of illuminated objects in the indoor environment. The transition time of controlling glare
was examined to ascertain if a comfortable working environment, supporting productivity, was maintained. Research showed that users were able to modify shading states of liquid crystal windows instantaneously. Electrochromic products needed at least 15 minutes to restore visual comfort levels, meaning occupants are at risk of high levels of glare and may seek alternative ways, such as blinds or curtains, to protect themselves from sunlight. When examining the impact of dynamic
window technologies on occupants’ health, focusing on alignment with the natural body clock which is triggered by dedicated receptors on the retina and responsible for the sleep-wake rhythm, all three glazing products tested met minimum requirements of light exposure and intensity during their bright and dark states. However, glazing that uses electrochromic technology, producing a blue colouration to the glass when tinted, induces an environment that disrupts body clocks in the afternoon by suppressing melatonin levels and raising alertness. In contrast, by maintaining a neutral environment across the tint spectrum, research found our windows support occupants’ natural circadian rhythms throughout the day. The study concluded that dynamic
windows using advanced liquid crystal glass technology to achieve solar shading offer the most positive impact on health and wellbeing.2 Medical facilities using traditional glazing will usually have internal blinds, and when the sun is shining staff tend to close them to reduce glare for patient comfort, and for practical reasons, such as doctors being able to comfortably read instruments and machines. Common challenges in healthcare settings are too much sun or not enough privacy. Closing blinds means a third to 100 per cent of the view is obscured. From a patient’s perspective, they are looking at the inside of the blinds. Sometimes they are sitting in darkness even though the weather outside
76 Eyrise solar shading glazing at Merck building in Switzerland.
no longer requires the blind being down. Dynamic glazing is akin to tinted
sunglasses for buildings. You adjust the amount of light entering the building, but you keep the view. You are not disturbed by glare or heat, and the view to the outside remains unobstructed.
Healthcare case study: a biotechnology drug research and development hub Merck, the German science and technology company of which Eyrise is a subsidiary, opened its new Biotech Development Center in Switzerland in 2023, featuring a dynamic glazing façade. Located in Corsier-sur-Vevey on the
shores of Lake Geneva, the building’s architecture is integrated into the landscape, following the contours of the natural environment. Our engineering team worked alongside Swiss architect firm Patriarche Architekten from the inception of the project to ensure requirements for sustainability, energy efficiency, and optimum use of daylight were achieved. The 15,700 m2
building houses an
interdisciplinary scientific team of 250 people. It aims to advance the company’s biotechnology research and development capabilities, creating the next generation of biotechnology drugs for clinical trials and contributing to bringing more medicines to more patients faster, particularly in the area of cancer. Our s350 dynamic liquid crystal glazing
façade allows natural light to flood the interior, while sustaining uninterrupted views to the natural environment outside. 456 triple glazed rectangular modules, totalling 1,670 m2
of solar shading glass,
give a continuous view. Each module can be tinted within seconds to reduce glare and keep solar heat to a minimum, which promotes the well-being, motivation and creativity of the team.
Transparent privacy glazing is installed inside the building. 142 i350 switchable privacy glass partitions allow individual areas to be transformed into private rooms instantly, while still achieving maximum natural daylight.
In addition, the glazing makes an important contribution to highly efficient energy management, as it reduces the need for air conditioning and lighting. When designing the Biotech Development Center, the focus was not only on state-of- the-art technological and digital solutions to enhance occupant comfort, but also on sustainability.
Healthcare case study: a children’s hospital Kinderspital Zürich is a children’s hospital based in Switzerland. We contributed to a new round building which is futuristic looking in design and topped by a huge solar glazing skylight. From the outside the solar shading is
visible. But from the inside the glass is clear. Those using the building can adjust the amount of solar glare and heat to create the optimum environment, allowing the outdoors, indoors.
What medical facilities can learn from high-end office design Across the world there are regular news reports of healthcare professionals close to burnout, protesting unhealthy work life balances. While the demands of the profession are inextricably linked to social and political situations in individual countries, one uniting theme is building engineering playing its part in supporting staff. Relatives of mine working as medical
doctors have shared insights into working conditions. If you are a surgeon, you are likely to be operating in a room without windows, then outside of that, spending some time in an office area which is not
IFHE DIGEST 2024
©Eyrise
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