Marvin Releases Switchable Privacy Glass Window

Leading window manufacturer Marvin has introduced switchable privacy glass to its Modern Direct Glaze window.

The CLiC switchable privacy glass features a proprietary liquid crystal technology developed by Cardinal Glass Industries to veil glass, providing an instantly opaque window. CLiC utilizes electricity to move the liquid crystals into the desired state. CLiC also provides UV and acoustical protection.

When switched to a privacy mode and removed from an electric charge, the liquid crystals in the glass scatter to create a diffused look. This provides privacy but welcomes light in. When in clear mode with power applied, those liquid crystals align to create a clear glass.

"A pane of CLiC glass 8 ft. x 5 ft. uses less energy than a 25 watt lightbulb, and there is no limitation to how long CLiC glass can remain in clear mode," explains the CLiC company.

The switchable privacy glass is also known as smart glass or dynamic glass. The latter term falls into the Inflation Reduction Act, which outlines the IRA-applicable use of dynamic glass is to heat or cool a structure. This means homeowners could potentially receive 30% back on dynamic glass in their homes.

Marvin’s switchable glass release coincides with ongoing homeowner demand for more, and larger, windows. The National Kitchen and Bath Association and Houzz have found a high desire for greater connections to the outdoors. 

• 66% of surveyed designers report that adding larger windows will be the most popular way to bring natural light indoors, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s 2024 Kitchen Design Trends report
• 23% of surveyed homeowners working on a remodel in 2023 to 2024 report they have opted to open their kitchens to the outdoors, up from 18% in 2022, according to Houzz

Enhanced natural light and windows as a connection to the outdoors are top commodities for homeowners.

“As many homeowners continue to gravitate toward modern home designs, large expanses of glass and uninterrupted sight lines are critical elements of that design philosophy,” said Marvin Vice President of R&D and Product Development David Goulet. “Leveraging the benefits of switchable privacy glass is an ideal way to stay true to modern design principles while enjoying the ease of opening up or closing off the view from a space at the push of a button.”

Marvin’s Direct Glaze window is one of its most expansive windows with a thin frame offering clear sightlines. It comes in rectangular and polygon shapes, fitting openings up to 12 feet by 8 feet.