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Eccleston Square Hotel London gets No. 1 Place in Top Five Hotels with Top-Notch Technology

LC SmartGlass is installed in each room at the hotel offering guests privacy on demand whilst allowing a bright, spacious bedroom interior.

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“The nurse’s attempt to alter the environment through controlling the noise, light and emotional climate at the bedside is always against great environmental odds.”
(In Benner P, Hooper-Kyriakidis P, Stannard D: Clinical Wisdom and Interventions in Critical Care, 09′, p. 271)

The concept of healing environments in hospitals emerged as one where the environment can make a difference in how quickly the patient recovers. Common to all these environment designs is the notion of close observation and rapid intervention. Meeting patient needs through continuous monitoring is the hallmark of all critical care. However, the close monitoring has led to patient complaints of noise, lighting with no day–night distinction, and frequent interruptions of sleep and rest.

Historically, intensive care beds were often so close to each other that patients could hear everything happening to the critically ill patient in the next bed. Lack of privacy and fears related to overheard procedures and conversations in the unit created undue anxiety and the potential for physiological instability in vulnerable patients.

Patients experience a positive outcome in an environment that incorporates natural light, elements of nature, soothing colors, meaningful and varied stimuli, peaceful sounds, and pleasant views. In fact, research demonstrates less pain medication is needed and a faster recovery may occur when careful attention is given to providing a soothing environment. Hospitals that combine creative design elements with an emphasis on family-focused care are the leaders in creating healing spaces for recovery.

LC SmartGlass is leading the way in healthcare interiors with infection control and patient dignity being driven as key priorities throughout the NHS.

Patient observation can be carried out safely and efficiently by simply switching the LC SmartGlass to its clear state reducing the risk of cross-contamination as care staff do not have to physically enter the ward to observe patient activity.

Further to this, it has been proven that sheer, easily cleaned surfaces are essential in hospitals and particularly in ICCU’s in order to reduce the risks associated with the spread of super bugs such as Clostridium difficile (CDIFF), Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE).

LC SmartGlass provides the ideal surface to combat these deadly infections and eliminates the need for traditional blind systems which are difficult to clean and high risk in terms of harbouring dirt and bugs. The patient environment can be controlled precisely to the patients needs where privacy is available on demand whilst still allowing for 67% light transmission when switched to its “Off” state.

Journal of Business Management March 2010

LC SmartGlass “On”                                                         LC SmartGlass “Off”

LC SmartGlass when switched “On” allows 76% light transmission & when switched “Off” allows 67%.

LC SmartGlass provides efficient utilization of space for office interiors, offering instant privacy on demand at the flick of a switch. LC SmartGlass provides simple, instantaneous and reversible states of transparency with no alteration of light level making it an ideal solution for office interiors where ample lighting is fundamental.

The quality and simplicity of LC SmartGlass provides the ideal environment of privacy for office interiors and conference rooms.

LC SmartGlass can create small subdivisions of office spaces delivering instant privacy to carry out important meetings and presentations, without distractions from onlookers, and co-workers eliminating the “goldfish bowl” effect.

LC SmartGlass offers a sleek, sophisticated interior solution eliminating the need for curtains/blinds which can look dated and unpleasant.

Reducing Heathcare Associated Infections (HCAIs) is one of the NHS’s top priorities and it has set some challenging targets, for example to achieve a 30 per cent reduction in Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infections by the end of this year.

The NHS has launched a range of initiatives including the HCAI Technology Innovation Programme, which aims to speed up the adoption of technologies to combat infections. As part of the programme, in 2004 it set up the Rapid Review Panel (RRP) to provide independent advice on technologies that may be of value to the NHS in reducing infection.

A recent American study by the Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Centre in Ohio found that curtains which hang between patient beds in hospitals can become contaminated with drug-resistant bacteria and may be playing a role in the spread of these germs in hospitals.

The study showed that CDIFF, MRSA and VRE can be found on hospital privacy curtains. More worrying, researchers found that these bugs transfer onto the hands of people who handle the contaminated curtains, suggesting that health care workers who operate these may be spreading bugs. The study found that 43 percent of privacy curtains were contaminated with VRE, 22 percent of them harboured MRSA and four percent tested positive for CDIFF.

The findings, published in the Journal of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, have put contamination and privacy control in the spotlight. At the same time the healthcare industry is in the midst of substantial refurbishment projects which demand innovative design and products as hospitals continue to modernize.

The benefits of using LC SmartGlass to reduce the spread of infection have seen a growing number of NHS practices incorporate LC SmartGlass into their wards. These include St Mary’s Hospital, the Royal Sunderland Hospital, and the Windsor Knee Clinic.

St Mary’s Hospital in London, Paddington, is a general acute hospital that diagnoses and treats a range of adult and paediatric conditions. The hospital prides itself on delivering the best patient experience by continuously improving patient standards and facilities infrastructure. Facilities Director, Keith Murray, was keen to introduce innovative interior solutions which would help eliminate the threat of in-house infection and provide a comfortable environment where patient privacy and dignity would be protected at all times. The project involved using a series of glazed partition screens to section off clinical treatment rooms from public areas so that the spread of infection could be significantly reduced.

SmartGlass Medical completed the design, manufacture and installation of 55 LC SmartGlass toughened panels and toughened door panels for the Royal Sunderland Hospital in October, 2010. The Hospital specified that it wanted modern, minimalistic partitioning for high dependency, isolation, and general post-operation wards.

LC SmartGlass toughened panels and toughened door panels were specified for the walls and doorways of the cubicles respectively, serving multiple purposes. In addition to providing for a more hygienic and sterile environment for these specialized wards it has created an enhanced level of patient privacy and dignity in which patients or staff can change the seclusion and visual surroundings at the flick of a switch.

SmartGlass Medical also installed 18 LC SmartGlass panels used for nine separate consultancy rooms in the Windsor Knee Clinic, Berkshire. These panels proved a good fit with the clinic’s specification of a sleek, modern and clean finish. Each consultancy room is positioned along a corridor within the clinic with lots of people traffic passing by. SmartGlass provided the best solution to make each room instantly private and eliminated the need for curtains.

In all three cases, the use of LC SmartGlass has helped hospitals and healthcare facilities reduce the spread of infection through the provision of easily cleaned surfaces. In addition, staff and patients alike do not need to handle the glass as they would for curtains. Consequently, this reduces the contact between people and materials.

Cleaning SmartGlass can be done far more cheaply, supporting regular cleaning regimes with much less time and effort compared with traditional partitioning. Dr. Allison McGeer, head of infection control at Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital highlighted some of the issues with privacy curtains. Privacy curtains, she explained, are difficult to clean and take considerable time taking them down, washing them and putting them back up: “Changing bed linen, that’s easy. Changing privacy curtains, on the other hand, is a pain in the neck.”

SmartGlass partitioning also fits well with NHS directives to improve patient privacy and dignity by allowing patients to be in command of their surroundings. It provides for better soundproofing than curtains, giving patients enhanced control in resting and sleeping at their own behest. The material also lets in lots of light, which can help provide for a more holistic recovery process.

LC SmartGlass can be used as wall panels, internal doors and windows, x-ray screens, room dividers or mobile isolation screens. It offers the patient dignity and privacy, allowing hospital staff to safely and efficiently review patient wellbeing, while crucially providing several key facets for reducing hospital acquired infections.

Client

Chevron Upstream Europe

“The new HQ for Chevron is one of the largest commercial developments constructed in Aberdeen this decade.”
Charles Smith, Managing Director, SMC Jenkins & Marr

Project

Chevron House, the new Upstream European HQ for Chevron Upstream Europe at Hill of Rubislaw in Aberdeen is a significant project for SmartGlass International boasting an impressive variety of architectural features. This new workplace houses around 450 staff. With state of the art facilities and keen attention to ergonomics and workspace design, the building offers an exciting work environment to support Chevron’s European business.

Challenge

With natural daylight playing a critical role in building ergonomics, LC SmartGlass offers an ideal solution to the design brief by improving workspace design and creating a stimulating work environment.

Solution

LC SmartGlass was specified for this project to allow instant and precise privacy control for each meeting room situated along the corridor. Floor to ceiling LC SmartGlass panels are installed within a partition wall system as well as within the doors leading in to each meeting room. Switchable glass reduces the uncomfortable “gold fish bowl” feeling when working in high density office spaces.

Result

All LC SmartGlass panels are bespoke manufactured using a lamination process which encapsulates a PDLC film between 2 or more glass sheets. Using a minute electrical current, users can immediately switch the LC SmartGlass from clear to private (opaque) and vice versa.

LC SmartGlass has exceptional optical qualities that reduce eye strain and glare thus creating a more comfortable working environment. Visible light transmission is only reduced by 8% when the glass is in its opaque state meaning internal lighting is not affected when the glass is switched on/off throughout the day.

Testimonials

For more information email us on info@smartglassinternational.com.
Download the PDF version here.

Client

An Post, Swords Central

Project

A Smart solution for Swords Central…
Swords Central Post Office opened in The Pavilions shopping centre in Swords Co. Dublin on November 1st 2010. This state of the art development is 2,500 square feet with a mezzanine of a further 1,100 square feet and offers a new and improved customer experience. The new facility will greatly enhance the service on offer to businesses and the general public in the local and broader community in Swords, North Dublin.

Challenge

Privacy glass for a management office was specified as part of the projects initial design brief. This was chosen to allow management to view the shop floor instantly to monitor operating activity. This glass would also ensure safety measures from a security perspective where the back of house area is protected from the shop floor using a toughened security glass screen.

Solution

SmartGlass International provided the ultimate solution to these design requirements with its LC SmartGlass. LC SmartGlass offers instant privacy at the flick of a switch. Using a minute electrical current, users can immediately switch the LC SmartGlass from clear to private (opaque) and vice versa.

All LC SmartGlass panels are bespoke manufactured using a lamination process which encapsulates a PDLC film between 2 or more glass sheets. Two large LC SmartGlass panels were used to create the switchable security glass screen as can be seen in the imagery above.

Result

The management office is located behind the screen and situated in the corner of the floor space beside a number of “service zones”. These service zones will offer financial and insurance services where customers can sit down with a member of staff to discuss plans and packages.

Constant monitoring of this area is essential to allow management observe customer footfall and ensure that the very best customer service is being delivered to each and every patron by ensuring over crowding does not occur within these zones.

LC SmartGlass above all provides a sleek and sophisticated look creating an attractive corporate interior while at the same time offering an exceptionally practical function.

SmartGlass International is delighted to work with one of Irelands largest and most recognised companies on such a state of the art facility.

Testimonials

For more information email us on info@smartglassinternational.com.
Download the PDF version here.

Client

BBC Top Gear Live

SmartGlass drives in Top Gear…
Top Gear Live is a live arena show of the award winning TV program Top Gear. The live show features breath-taking stunts, remarkable special effects and epic driving sequences. The live show is home to an array of pyrotechnics, a bombardment of noise and a spectacle of motoring.

A collection of the finest cars from all over the globe grace the arena floor. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May host the live show with their cheeky approach to motoring and humour whilst some of the world’s best precision drivers perform awe-inspiring stunts live in the arena.

“This show is like nothing we have done before. It will have some very very special, special effects,” Jeremy Clarkson.

Ever since it made its live debut on the World Stage in 2008 Top Gear Live has been seen by over 1,000,000 fans and is continuing to push the boundaries of car theatre.

Project

Top Gear Live 2010
For the 2010 show, Top Gear producers wanted to create the ultimate car to star in the finale of the live show. After much debate regarding model, materials, specifications etc. they decided on an almost impossible concept.
“A car will come out and become invisible”
Richard Hammond

Challenge

The producers were faced with a problem. How would they design a car which could change state instantly and give this magnificent illusion? What type of materials would allow them to create this?

It was decided that a switchable glass would be used to make up the bodywork of the car which could switch on and off simultaneously giving the effect of changing visible/invisible states.

The interior of the car was visible when in its clear state showing the famous “Stig” and his female sidekick; when the glass switched to its “invisible” state the passengers could not be seen.

Solution

SmartGlass International
SmartGlass International was approached to quote this project at the early design stages and to investigate whether the concept would be viable.

SmartGlass International is the leading worldwide manufacturer of electronically switchable glass and provides the perfect solution to this design problem. SmartGlass can be used in almost every glazing application as it is available in a number of different shapes and can also be curved making it suitable for a range of different applications specializing in the hospitality, healthcare and commercial sectors.

LC SmartGlass
LC SmartGlass is one of the trademarked electrochromatic glass products available from SmartGlass International.

LC SmartGlass panels are bespoke manufactured using a lamination process which encapsulates a PDLC film between 2 or more glass sheets. When a minute electrical current is activated, users can immediately switch the LC SmartGlass from clear to private (opaque) and vice versa precisely meeting the proposed design brief.

In this case, polycarbonate replaced traditional glass to make up the panels. The panel sizes were much smaller for this application than usual and required much more detailed wiring so that each individual panel would switch at the exact same time on the car. Another design problem would be the convertible roof feature which would be manufactured entirely of SmartGlass.

Result

This was a challenge for the SmartGlass team, but through careful testing of the materials they found the ideal solution. The panels would be aligned and connected in such a way to allow the roof to lift up without the connection being lost so that the panels would switch simultaneously during this particular action scene of the show where the roof rises up to release a passenger from the car. A similar system is used when fitting SmartGlass panels into a folding door system.

SmartGlass International is thrilled to work on such a remarkable and exciting project.

Testimonials

For more information email us on info@smartglassinternational.com.
Download the PDF version here.