Shaping the Future of Architecture: Dynamic Glass in Any Form
Circles, triangles, or curves – every architect has faced the frustration of having to scale back their vision due to technical limitations. But thanks to ConverLight, those days might be over. With our innovative dynamic glass, architects can now combine their architectural ambitions with energy efficiency and internal comfort to realise design previously not possible.
Dynamic, or electrochromic, glass has been around for some time, but ChromoGenics has taken the technology to a new level. Their product, ConverLight, integrates a sophisticated electrochromic foil between layers of heat-strengthened glass. A low electrical current allows the glass to change its tint, controlling light and heat transmission. This significantly reduces energy consumption without sacrificing natural light or views.
Think Outside the Box
In the world of architecture, balancing design freedom with technical feasibility has always been a challenge. Rectangles and straight lines often dominate, not necessarily by choice, but because of limitations in materials and construction methods. As the only European developer and manufacturer of electrochromic glass, Sweden’s ChromoGenics now offers a field-tested and proven product available in almost any shape or curve.
Experience true design freedom
Rectangles, triangles, polygons, rounds, or cut-outs – the ConverLight foil can be tailored into any shape according to your preferences.
“With ConverLight, we can customise each glass to meet the architects design requirements for almost any design, even organic. Thanks to the flexibility of the foil, it’s the only commercially available electrochromic glass product that can be delivered in variable curved shapes, giving architects the freedom to create unique facade designs without being restricted by standards of shape and form.”
– Fredrik Fränding, CEO at ChromoGenics.
World’s Largest Installation of Curved Glass
The new headquarters of Boverket in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Karlskrona, Sweden, showcases the world’s largest installation of curved electrochromic glass. The innovative design, featuring large, rounded glass sections, integrates ConverLight technology. Designed by Sandell Sandberg Architects and constructed by SKANSKA, the building sets a new benchmark for sustainable architecture and design freedom. The curved glass has been manufactured in cooperation with HERO Group, Germany.
Round or Tall Designs No Longer an Issue
ConverLight’s versatility is also showcased in an equally bold yet more serene setting – the Järva Cemetery in Stockholm. Commissioned by the city, the project aims to create a welcoming space for people of all faiths and beliefs.
Led by Danish architects Kristine Jensens Tegnestue and Paul Ingeman, the project’s main building features both circular and triangular windows, as well as an impressive glass arch with window heights of 4.4 metres, made possible by ConverLight’s technology. A common obstacle is that dynamic glass is typically restricted to a maximum height of 3.5 metres. ConverLight, however, is so flexible that the construction of the glass cassette is the only limitation in how large one wishes to build. During the daytime, the glass automatically tints, creating a peaceful, ambient light for visitors seeking tranquillity and reflection.
In addition to the project in Järva, interest in round dynamic glass has been significant, with a recent project delivered to Germany in collaboration with the German glass company Kuzmann.
Whether it’s a high-profile landmark or a serene public space, the company is proving that creative vision no longer needs to be limited by technical constraints. As Frändling puts it: “We’re giving architects the tools to dream bigger and build smarter.”
