Retrofit the glass—or replace the entire glazing unit?
Compare PDLC retrofit film, PDLC laminated smart glass and electrochromic glazing by installation method, disruption, lead time, cost and optical purpose. The correct route depends on the existing glass and project brief.
Forti Nova technical desk
Forti Nova compares the complete project route—not just the square-metre price
The Fundamental Difference
The key distinction is not about the technology itself — both use similar PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) principles to switch between transparent and opaque states. The difference lies in how the technology is delivered.
Smart Glass
Factory-manufactured glazing units that must replace your existing glass entirely.
Switchable Smart Film
PDLC film applied to your existing glass, preserving the glazing while adding switchable privacy.
What This Means in Practice
For new construction with flexible timelines and budgets, smart glass can be specified and integrated into the build programme. For refurbishment, retrofit, or multi-site projects where speed and minimal disruption matter, switchable smart film typically offers a more practical path.
- Faster installation with less disruption
- Lower upfront cost per square metre
- Suitable for live, occupied buildings
- Easier scalability across multiple sites
What Is Smart Glass?
Smart glass refers to factory-manufactured glazing units with switchable PDLC technology built into the glass itself. The privacy layer is laminated between two or more panes of glass during production.
Installing smart glass requires removing existing glazing and replacing it with new switchable units. This means coordinating glass fabrication, delivery, removal of old glass, and installation of new units — all of which adds time, cost, and complexity.
Typical Characteristics
- •Requires full glass replacement
- •Longer lead times (fabrication + delivery)
- •Higher upfront cost per m²
- •More disruptive to install
Best Suited For
- •New build projects with flexible timelines
- •Projects with large capital budgets
- •Specialist architectural applications
What Is Switchable Smart Film?
Switchable smart film uses the same PDLC technology as smart glass, but delivers it as a retrofit solution. The film is applied directly to your existing glazing, transforming standard glass into switchable privacy glass without replacement.
This approach is faster, less disruptive, and significantly more cost-effective for refurbishment and retrofit projects. It's particularly suited to occupied buildings where minimising downtime is critical.
PriviFilm™ is a UK-distributed switchable smart film system, supplied and supported nationally by Forti Nova and installed locally through approved partners. This ensures consistent standards, manufacturer backing, and UK-wide coverage.
Typical Characteristics
- Applied to existing glass (no replacement)
- 1-3 day installation per room
- Lower upfront cost
- Minimal disruption to occupants
Best Suited For
- Office and commercial refurbishments
- Healthcare and clinical upgrades
- Multi-site rollouts requiring consistency
- Live, occupied buildings
Smart Glass vs Switchable Smart Film
A practical comparison of key project considerations
| Criteria | Smart Glass Replacement | Switchable Smart Film (PriviFilm System) |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Time | Weeks to months (full glass replacement) | 1-3 days per room (film applied to existing glass) |
| Disruption to Occupants | High - requires removal and replacement of glazing | Minimal - film applied in-situ without glass removal |
| Upfront Cost | Project quotation (varies by glazing specification and scope) | From £350/m² + VAT for suitable surveyed projects; final quotation varies |
| Retrofit Suitability | Requires existing glass removal and disposal | Designed specifically for retrofit applications |
| Scalability Across Sites | Complex logistics and longer project timelines | Faster deployment across multiple locations |
| Availability of Trained Installers | Specialist glaziers required | UK-wide approved installer network (PriviFilm) |
| Manufacturer / System Backing | Varies by glass manufacturer | Centralised system support (Forti Nova / PriviFilm) |
Note: Costs and timelines are indicative and vary by project scope, specification, and location. The comparison reflects typical retrofit and refurbishment scenarios across UK commercial projects.
Why System Delivery Matters
The importance of choosing a system-backed approach over one-off installers
Manufacturer Backing
PriviFilm systems are distributed by Forti Nova with technical support and the applicable written manufacturer warranty terms for the quoted system.
Trained Installer Network
PriviFilm projects can be delivered by our in-house team or a suitable trained approved contractor, depending on the location and scope. The delivery route and responsibilities are confirmed for each project.
Regional Consistency
For multi-site projects, system delivery ensures the same specification, warranty terms, and support apply across all locations — not dependent on the availability or continuity of a single installer.
The Risk of One-Off Installers
Independent installers may offer lower upfront pricing, but without manufacturer backing, centralised support, or trained network coverage, you risk inconsistent results, warranty complications, and no recourse if the installer ceases trading or becomes unavailable for future work.
Which Is Right for Your Project?
New Build Projects
Smart glass may be appropriate if specified early and factored into construction timeline and budget.
Refurbishment & Live Buildings
Switchable smart film is typically the more practical solution for occupied or operational spaces.
Multi-Site Rollouts
Smart film systems offer faster, more consistent deployment across regional or national portfolios.
Considering Smart Glass or Smart Film?
Speak to our team to discuss your project requirements, or apply to join our approved installer network.
Installing smart film professionally?
Join the approved installer network and receive qualified project leads in your region.
PriviFilm systems are supplied and supported nationally and installed locally through approved partners.