WHAT IS DIRECTIONAL TRANSPARENCY? A UNIQUE FEATURE OF HONEYCOMB
Lines of sight are physically directed through the tubular, cellular structure of ClearShade honeycomb, and a variety of factors can be manipulated to achieve design goals of visibility and privacy, transparency, color and texture.
Directional transparency means that the degree of transparency of the ClearShade unit varies dynamically, through movement, as the angle of the viewer’s line of sight changes and as the viewer’s distance to the unit changes. Directional transparency and related factors such as privacy, views, and the prominence – or not – of texture and color are further determined by non-dynamic, static factors such as the cell diameter, opacity or transparency, and thickness of the ClearShade insert.
DIRECTIONAL TRANSPARENCY IS EXPERIENCED DYNAMICALLY
Section diagrams illustrate the effect on transparency and cone of vision when the viewer’s distance to the unit is increased, or when the ClearShade insert is thinner.
The plan view shows that transparency and cone of vision are greatest when the viewer is directly perpendicular to the unit, while at an angle, sightlines are blocked by the honeycomb cell walls. Again, a thinner ClearShade insert means a larger cone of vision.
CLEARSHADE INSERT THICKNESS AND VIEWING ANGLE
In the left and right images above, both black ClearShade inserts inserts have a 7mm diameter cell. The insert on the left is 12mm thick and appears darker and denser when viewed on an angle, whereas the insert on the right is 6mm thick and appears more transparent than the thicker insert, from all angles. When viewed perpendicular, both inserts appear almost completely transparent, providing ample views. This effect can also be manipulated with the use of honeycomb inserts cut on a specified angle to direct the line of sight towards or away from a specific view.
CLEARSHADE INSERT THICKNESS: EFFECT ON TRANSPARENCY/VIEWS
At left, TrueWhite ClearShade insert with 10mm cell diameter and 12mm thickness. At right, TrueWhite ClearShade insert with 3.8mm cell diameter and 6mm thickness. Even though the cell diameter is larger on the left, the thinner insert provides much greater transparency and increased cone of vision.
APPLICATIONS
In the following applications ClearShade provides a dynamic visual element while meeting the program’s need for transparency, privacy, or both.
ClearShade CS-TB7 at Drexel University Northside Dining Terrace, Erdy McHenry Architects. More images.
ClearShade CS-TC7 at St Louis Science Center, HKW Architects. More images.
ClearShade CS-TC7 in a retrofit application at the Tse Ping & Cheng Cheung Ling Sports Center at Hutchinson Gymnasium, University of Pennsylvania, Crawford Architects, Kansas City. More images.
LEARN MORE
Transparency and Views can be further refined through glass lite specification, including color, coatings, etching, and frit patterns. View all the ClearShade Product Options.
Learn more about ClearShade honeycomb glazing, including how its proprietary cellular technology also provides exceptional daylighting and solar heat gain control in the Product Overview.
The following projects demonstrate transparency and vision-based specifications:
McDonough + Partners’ Allan Hubbard Library – ClearShade for ample light and views.
AC Martin Partners’ Hollenback Police Station – ClearShade for privacy/one-way observation.
Marquis Condominiums by Arquitectonica – ClearShade for the perfect balance of privacy and views.
Syracuse University School of Architecture by Gluckman Mayner Architects.
INV Management Headquarters by Gluckman Mayner Architects.