Rehau has unveiled plans to launch a smart glass system that it says is ‘the first that can be produced industrially’ as a response to potential privacy issues over relaxed planning laws permitting defunct shops to be turned into homes.
New Permitted Development Rights, due to come into effect on August 1, could help create up to 800,000 new flats but critics have pointed out that residents could be left with ‘floor to ceiling windows and glazed doors’ because the former shops’ exteriors may not be able to be amended in keeping with the changes.
The response from Rehau is the Smart Privacy system, due for launch later this year, which will let full windows or individual sections to become non-transparent by the touch of a button. While smart glass itself is far from new, the systems supplier says its own innovation is ‘the first of its kind to be able to be produced industrially’.
Russell Hand, head of product management and technical, explained: “The classic curtain option is not in vogue for many people, particularly when it comes to design options for certain target groups like city dwellers. Even existing permanent milky films are not an appropriate solution for privacy as they permanently block the view and can make the room appear smaller. Finally, roller shutters cannot be applied to all window groups, and are even prohibited on certain buildings.
“We absolutely support the drive to refurbish and repurpose the abundance of empty office and retail units across the country, but this will not come without its challenges.”
In response to doubts by architectural campaigners, he said they were right to highlight the potential issues that could arise from conversions, adding: “It’s down to the supply chain to reinvent solutions for this new modern way of living. Smart Privacy is one small example of how the Rehau Group is innovating and adapting for the future and to ultimately enhance living within the built environment.”
www.rehau.com/uk-en/smart-privacy-from-rehau
