WHAT IS DIRECTIONAL TRANSPARENCY? A UNIQUE FEATURE OF HONEYCOMB
Lines of sight are physically directed through the cellular structure of Bonded Series honeycomb panels, 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 Bonded Series panel varies dynamically, through movement, as the angle of the viewer’s line of sight changes and as the viewer’s distance to the panel 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, and the facing finish (transparent or satin).
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 honeycomb cell diameter is larger.
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 larger honeycomb cell diameter means a larger cone of vision.
UP TO 65% DAYLIGHT TRANSMISSION – HONEYCOMB TRANSMITS AND DIFFUSES LIGHT RAYS TO SAVE LIGHTING ENERGY
Just as it directs sight lines, honeycomb directs light rays. In fact, honeycomb amplifies diffuse light because light bounces within the honeycomb cells. Some daylight is transmitted directly, and most is diffused, to reduce the energy required for artificial lighting, reduce glare, and increase user comfort. The degree to which daylight is transmitted directly or diffused depends on the panel type chosen. Satin facings ensure total diffusion when desired while transparent facings allow views and some direct light, and both factors. can be increased by increasing the honeycomb cell diameter. View all product options here.
APPLICATIONS
In the following applications Bonded Series translucent honeycomb panels provide a dynamic visual element while meeting the program’s need for transparency, privacy, or both.
At Westfield headquarters in Los Angeles, Woods Bagot Architects chose three different panel types to create color variation and degrees of privacy. (Violet: Aluminum Hexagonal (AH)/ Hexaben / B-AH-VT-21; Blue: Tubular Clear (TC) / Lightben / B-TC-BT-21; Yellow: Random Mix (Tubular) Clear (RC) / B-RC-YT-21). More images.
Bonded Series Tubular Clear (TC) | Lightben B-TC-RT-21 used to provide semi-privacy at Google’s Seattle offices.
Callison chose Bonded Series Lightben Tubular Clear (TC) with transparent orange facings (Bonded Series B-TC-OT-21) to give a peek-a-boo quality to the boxing room at Equinox fitness in Manhattan. More images.
In their trade show booth design for twentyfour54, Diller Scofidio + Renfro wanted the opposite of transparency. They chose satin-faced Bonded Series panels (B-TCCTS Bonded Series Core: Tubular Clear / Facing: Clear, Transparent one side, Satin one side) to create an eye-catching, diffuse back-lit effect. More images.
LEARN MORE
Transparency and Views can be designed through facing options as well as honeycomb core types. View all the Bonded Series Product Options and contact us for design assistance.
Panelite’s high-performance exterior-grade ClearShade honeycomb glazing also provides significant daylighting, privacy and energy-saving benefits. Learn more in the Product Overview.