Smart Film for Architects —
Specification, Performance & Support
The technical and specification guide for architects and design professionals specifying PriviFilm™ switchable smart film on commercial, healthcare, and educational projects across the UK.
Why Architects Specify Smart Film
PriviFilm™ switchable smart film is increasingly specified by architects and interior designers across commercial office, healthcare, education, and residential sectors as the solution to a design challenge that blinds, curtains, manifestations, and frosted glass cannot elegantly solve: providing full visual privacy on demand without compromising the openness, natural light, and architectural intent of a glazed space at all other times.
When specified correctly, smart film gives the glass a clear state with the residual haze characteristic of PDLC technology. When visual privacy is required, the glass switches rapidly to an opaque state. Final appearance depends on lighting, viewing distance, glass and film specification.
From a specification perspective, the critical advantage of smart film over factory smart glass is its retrofit capability. Smart film can be specified for new build (applied to glazing during fit-out) or added to an existing building's glazing schedule without structural modification, glass replacement, or programme impact. This makes it specifiable at any stage of a project — and, importantly, restorable if the original project specification changes post-tender.
For projects where factory smart glass was originally considered, PriviFilm™ may offer a retrofit route on suitable existing glazing. Cost, appearance, controls, edges and warranty terms should be compared against the actual smart-glass specification. See also: smart film vs manifestations and alternatives to smart glass.
Key Specification Data for Architects
Data required for specification, building regulations compliance, and project documentation.
Optical Performance
Physical & Electrical
Full product data sheets, test certificates, and NBS specification clauses available on request. Contact the technical team.
Smart Film Specification by Sector
Commercial Office
- →Specify with BMS connection clause for multi-zone control
- →Room booking integration available (specify in M&E schedule)
- →Transformer concealment in partition cavity or ceiling void
- →Part M compliance: smart film in opaque mode satisfies collision visibility requirement
Healthcare & NHS
- →IPC-compliant surface — specify against BS EN 13697 (disinfectant compatibility)
- →Ligature risk assessment: cord-free, mechanism-free surface (specify for mental health environments)
- →NHS procurement routes supported — contact technical team
- →Phased installation across live clinical environments standard
Education
- →Safeguarding review: assess observation, privacy policy and any one-way visibility requirement for SEND or pastoral rooms
- →DDA/Equalities Act: improved visibility for hearing impaired users vs drawn blinds
- →Specify with timer or BMS integration for lesson-time switching
- →School procurement frameworks available — contact team
When Smart Film May Not Be The Right Solution
Smart film is the correct specification for most privacy glazing applications — but there are scenarios where alternative solutions should be considered.
Blackout required
Smart film does not black out — it produces a bright white opacity when unpowered. If complete light exclusion is required, smart film should be combined with blackout curtains or blinds.
Variable tinting needed
PDLC film switches between clear and opaque — it does not offer variable tint levels. For light control without full privacy (atrium roofs, skylights), SPD or electrochromic tinting may be more appropriate.
Curved or textured glass
Smart film is a flat substrate and cannot conform to curved, bent, or textured glass surfaces. For curved glazing, factory-laminated smart glass is required.
No electrical supply practical
In listed buildings or heritage properties where running new electrical circuits is prohibited, static privacy solutions (frosted film, manifestations) may be the only viable option.
Exterior glazing
Smart film is designed for interior application. Exterior exposure to weather and temperature extremes reduces service life. For exterior switchable glazing, factory-laminated smart glass units are required.
CPD for Architects & Design Professionals
PriviFilm™ provides formal CPD presentations for architectural practices, design studios, and RIBA-registered professionals. Covering PDLC technology, specification considerations, installation, sector applications, and sustainability.
- ✓Architect-focused technical session (60–90 mins)
- ✓On-site or virtual delivery available
- ✓Product samples and live demonstration available
- ✓Specification pack provided to all attendees
Technical Pack
Available product data, relevant test information and project-specific specification guidance for the selected system.
Project Support
Our technical team supports architects through specification, tender, and installation stages.
Value Engineering
If smart glass was originally specified, we provide like-for-like smart film value engineering documentation.
Smart Film Specification Questions
Is smart film available with NBS specification clauses?
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Yes. PriviFilm™ technical support team provides NBS clause templates, product data sheets, and specification guidance for inclusion in project specifications. Contact the technical team with your project details to receive specification-ready documentation.
What performance data is available for architects specifying smart film?
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Available data includes: VLT values (clear and opaque), UV transmission, SHGC, optical haze, switching speed, operating voltage and current, temperature range, fire classification, and thickness. Full product data sheets are available on request.
Can smart film be specified for NHS and public sector projects?
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Yes. PriviFilm™ has been installed across NHS Trusts, independent hospitals, dental chains, and GP surgery groups. IPC compliance documentation, hygienic surface data, and sector-specific installation planning are available for healthcare project specifications.
Is smart film BIM-compatible?
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Product data is available in formats suitable for BIM integration. Contact the technical team for current BIM object availability and specification file formats. This area is actively developed as demand from architectural practices increases.
Can smart film be installed after practical completion?
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Yes — smart film is a retrofit product and can be installed at any stage: during fit-out, post-practical completion, or as a refurbishment of an existing building. This is one of its most significant specification advantages over factory smart glass.
What fire classification does PriviFilm™ carry?
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PriviFilm™ meets Euroclass C-s2,d0 fire classification requirements. Full fire test certification is available from the technical team on request for inclusion in fire strategy documentation.
Is technical CPD training available for architectural practices?
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Yes. PriviFilm™ provides formal CPD presentations for RIBA-registered practices and other design professionals. Topics include: PDLC technology, specification considerations, installation requirements, application sectors, and sustainability performance. Contact the team to arrange a session.
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