Though I live in palmy, balmy coastal San Diego County, my south-facing office windows at the Carlsbad Forum occasionally melt candles and ignite otherwise cool tempers. These floor-to-ceiling shaded and plant-screened windows were just tinted—in a last-ditch effort to avoid black-out draperies and one very grumpy Realtor and writer.
That may explain an unusual and abiding interest in window technology. And there must be a Murphy’s Law somewhere about the best solution to a problem arriving two days after implementation of an inferior one.
In this case, I just discovered “switchable” mirror windows that make regular-looking windows disappear by turning into mirrors. It appeared to be a dream-come-true for energy conservation, privacy and those who are otherwise destined to sit by windows that magnify the sun’s heat.
On cooler days and evening, I treasure the hillside and verdant views—and the warmth that
comes through the windows. On hot days, I would welcome a windowless cellar. The idea of windows that can quickly and easily change to reflective mirrors should excite us all—especially now that we are all seeking ways to lessen our dependence on petroleum fuels.
Clever Japanese scientists Kazuki Yoshimura and Shanhu Bao have recently developed this new technology utilizing and manipulating, among other things, a magical mix of gases between two panes of glass. Smart home builders should take note!
Clever and timely reporting by Lisa Zyga and PhysOrg.com brought this whiz bang technology to my attention. For further reading, go to:
