Amazing glazing

From products that allow for whole walls of frameless glazing to 'smart glass that makes everyday life easier, check out our round up of the most exciting new products around

- NATASHA BRINSMEAD

Unbelievably, glass was first used in windows by the Romans in around 100 AD-at a time when the animal horn was still being used in Britain, right up until the 17th century.

Ever since then, glass development has come on in leaps and bounds, with advancements in technology meaning the ways in which it can be used in our homes is constantly evolving, in the process presenting us with more and more design opportunities.

In this month's Moodboard, we take a look at some of the best new glass products now available to homeowners, as well as a few of the hottest trends that are well worth taking note of.

WHAT IS... SMART GLASS?

Smart glass, also sometimes known as 'switchable' glass, is an umbrella term for a range of new glass products. These technologies all have one thing in common – they can switch, on-demand, from transparent through to tinted and completely opaque.

Smart glass can be used for any number of applications, from preventing overheating to allowing privacy for owners of heavily glazed homes.

SUN PROTECTION GLASS

As the name suggests, sun protection glass is designed to reduce solar gain without blocking light. It is often called thermochromic glass but it comes in several different forms. Thermochromic glass may feature a layer of material made from polyvinyl butyral (PVB) sandwiched between two panes of glass. This is sensitive to heat, and the more direct sunlight that warms the glass, the darker it becomes, reducing glare and maintaining a comfortable temperature inside. As heat levels decrease, the glass becomes lighter until it is nearly as clear as standard window glass.