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Define when the partition should be clear, who needs privacy and whether the whole surface, an eye-level band or independent zones should be active.
Solution / glass walls and doors
Switchable glass for glass walls and doors.
A glazed partition can open a space and moments later close the view for a meeting, consultation or rest. DGF designs the active pane together with its edge, cable, power and controls — including sliding doors and leaves that require a bespoke detail.
- 2 statesopenness or privacy
- no blindsa clean glass surface
- bespokefor the actual construction
Answer in brief
Can switchable glass be used in walls and doors?
Yes. Laminated switchable glass can form a fixed partition, framed panel, sliding door or a properly engineered door leaf. Each route requires confirmation of glass build-up, support, processing, cable-exit edge and a protected power route. DGF does not treat the active pane as a standard cut sheet: it is designed as part of the complete partition.
Starting point
The best result comes from designing the glass and construction together.
In its clear state, switchable glass maintains visual connection and a sense of space. When power is switched off it becomes frosted, diffusing light and obscuring recognisable images. One partition can therefore support two opposite scenarios without blinds, louvres or permanent frosting.
For a fixed wall, the key issues are size, framing, glazing detail and power-supply access. A door also introduces cable movement, ironmongery, handle zones, stops and repeated loads. Sliding doors require the parking side and connection route to be defined early. These decisions affect manufacture and cannot be left until installation.
The active function controls view and visual privacy. Safety, acoustic, resistance, thermal or solar-control requirements must be confirmed for the complete glass and framing configuration. DGF helps coordinate them with the frame supplier, partition contractor and electrical trade.
Decision scope
Six decisions before ordering an active partition.
A practical checklist for the client, architect, glass-partition contractor and electrician.
Element type
A fixed wall, sliding door, hinged leaf, sidelight and complete window have different support points, hardware and cable routes.
Geometry and processing
Final size, holes, cut-outs, hardware positions and pane orientation are approved before lamination. Finished active glass cannot be site-cut like ordinary glass.
Frame and edge protection
The detail must provide the required support, tolerances and compatible materials while protecting the active edge and connection from water, pressure and accidental damage.
Cable, power supply and access
Define the exit edge, passage through the frame, route to the power supply and service access. Moving elements require a detail that accommodates actual movement.
Controls and handover
Local switch, remote, app or BMS signal is selected for the user scenario. Handover includes both states, every circuit and the visual quality of the edges.
Decision matrix
Which arrangement suits the space?
These routes start the design discussion; final build-up is confirmed after reviewing the construction.
| Element | Primary benefit | Key detail | Typical spaces |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed glass wall | A large, clean privacy surface | Frame, active border and cable route | meeting rooms, offices and clinics |
| Sliding glass door | Open circulation without a swing zone | Cable movement, parking side and stops | offices, apartments and bathrooms |
| Hinged glass door | Consistent privacy across the door and wall | Hardware, handle zone and protected connection | offices, consultation rooms and hotels |
| Zoned partition | Independent control of selected sightlines | Zoning of fields, circuits and control logic | boardrooms, showrooms and multi-use spaces |
Sequence matters
From a space photo to a working partition.
Early coordination speeds quotation and prevents cable improvisation in a finished interior.
- 01
Brief and application review
Send a photo or plan, indicative size, wall or door type, intended frame and the required effect.
- 02
Variant and detail selection
We define the active surface, glass build-up, processing, cable edge, power and controls.
- 03
Survey and approval
Final information is captured in an unambiguous manufacturing drawing agreed with the construction contractor and electrician.
- 04
Installation, commissioning and guidance
After glazing, we commission controls, test each element and explain safe operation and cleaning.
Next step
Complete the decision with technology, installation and quotation guidance.
01DGF ClassicA complete pane switched with one signal.02DGF SegmentIndependent privacy zones in one pane.03Sliding doorsCable, hardware, stops and handover of a moving leaf.04Installation step by stepSurvey, manufacture, installation and handover.05Cost and quotation scopeHow to prepare information for a reliable quotation.06Night-time privacyHow to assess shadows, viewing directions and lighting on both sides of a partition.07Glass technical dataParameters that must be related to format, framing and the complete partition function.
FAQ
Questions worth resolving before a decision.
Can switchable glass be used in sliding doors?
Yes, provided the leaf, running gear, hardware and connection are designed to work together. Parking side, cable protection, range of movement and clearance from stops and finishes are particularly important.
Does switchable glass replace acoustic glass?
No. PDLC controls view and visual privacy. Required acoustic insulation must be specified for the complete wall or door, including glass, frames, seals, junctions and service penetrations.
Does the glass become dark when power is off?
No. It becomes frosted and diffuses light but is not a blackout blind. Silhouettes and shadows can appear differently depending on distance and lighting, so the intended scenario should be reviewed on a sample.
How do I start a wall or door quotation?
Send element widths and heights, a photo or plan, whether the element is fixed or a door, intended frame and opening method. DGF will identify missing information and an appropriate product route.
A specific project