Manifestation, Blinds & Switch Glass

Once you and your client have decided upon the performance and style of frameless glass partition and glass doors, the final touch can be selected from our extensive range of glass finishes. Our range includes standard manifestation, such as dots and lines, bespoke film and full colour graphics applied to single and double glazed glass partitions. Alternatively, where double glazed frameless partitions are utilised, you may prefer the more traditional approach of internal blinds. Or for the ultimate in elegant style, we offer the latest technology – smart switch glass – offering privacy on demand. Choice is only limited by your imagination, transforming your space and creating visual interest for privacy, decoration or corporate branding. Choose each product below for more details. 

As well as providing the finishing touch to interior design when using glass office partitions, manifestation is the most cost effective and easy way to ensure compliance with current building regulations. Full height glass in windows, partitions or doors must marked correctly with manifestation to make sure that it is made obvious, to help prevent injury sustained if someone was to walk into the glass.

This is a requirement of Schedule 1, Part K of the Building Regulations 2010. Guidance for the regulations is provided in Approved Document K, 2013, Section 7.4, which states:

Provide glass doors and glazed screens (including glazed screens alongside a corridor) with all of the following:

a. Manifestation at two levels, as shown in Diagram 7.2

b. Manifestation that will contrast visually with the background seen through the glass, both from the inside and outside, in all lighting conditions.

c. Manifestation in the form of a logo or sign, a minimum of 150mm high (repeated if on a glazed screen), or a decorative feature such as broken lines or continuous bands, a minimum of 50mm high.

d. Where glazed doors are beside or part of a glazed screen, they are clearly marked with a high-contrast strip at the top and on both sides.

e. Where glass doors may be held open, they are protected with guarding to prevent people colliding with the leading edge.

This is the minimum requirement. Larger or full area manifestation may also be used, including coloured films and graphics. Viso Partitions can advise you on the best type of manifestation to use on your project. We can also explain the current safety regulations if they are unclear. For further detail, download the current Building Regulations Approved Document K from the Government website.

Switch Glass can be incorporated into any Viso Partitioning System. This includes single glazed partitions, double glazed partitions and the very latest industrial style partitioning systems. Indeed, Switchable Smart Glass is the perfect addition to industrial style partition projects, complementing the architectural aesthetics. Switch Glass can be easily added to facetted and curved glass partitions, in addition to standard straight glazing.

For projects that demand a distinctive appearance, coloured Switch Glass can even be offered, providing a splash of colour as well as privacy on demand. The finished results are stunning and can be used to coordinate with corporate branding, indicate zones within a building or simply to create a cool, contemporary appearance.

How Switch Glass Works

Switch Glass consists of 2 sheets of partition glazing, laminated with a centre layer of special switchable film. This central layer contains liquid crystal molecules sandwiched between two conductive films. When a low power current is applied, the molecules align themselves into uniform lines. This makes the glass transparent to visible light and the glass looks clear. When the power is turned off, the liquid crystal molecules become randomly arranged, blocking light and making the glass look opaque.

Only a tiny current is required to switch the film from clear to opaque – consuming less than 6W per square metre. This can be achieved at the flick of a switch, or via a wireless remote control for ultimate convenience. In the event of a power failure, the glass returns to the opaque state for safety and optimum privacy.

Switch Glass is an excellent alternative to internal blinds within double glazed partitioning systems. Boardrooms and meeting rooms can be made private instantly. This is ideal for executive or client meetings, one-to-one discussions or simply to create a quiet zone when you need to concentrate on a task. As Switch Glass can also be used in single glazed partitioning, it provides a unique solution. Normally in these situations, cumbersome external blinds have to be fitted or large areas of the glazing have to be permanently covered with manifestation. External blinds can gather dust and be easily damaged during operation. Alternatively, more costly double glazed partitions with internal blinds have to be specified. The perfect solution is Switch Glass – clean, simple, economical and instantaneous.

Viso Partitions work in partnership with LT Smart Ltd, to provide Switch Glass as an option for any of our partitioning systems. If you require more detailed information on Switch Glass, or to discuss a project, please contact us.

Images courtesy of LT Smart Ltd