Hello Everyone,
Does anyone have a tested solution for preventing vision into patient rooms that still allows the occupant to have clear visibility out, as well as full tilt control of their window treatments? A particular glazing manufacturer perhaps? Something other than the switchable glass option on the Mendota project…
I appreciate any insights you can share.
Hello Gina,
Have you consider a one way, perforated vinyl wrap on an interior surface of the glazing?
I presume it would be out of reach depending on the location.
SP
Hi Gina;
There are ceramic frits that can be applied to glass that maintain the view out, but limit view in. there are some patterns that actually control view from the inside as well if you’re worried about a room to room view angle. the frit pattern can be applied to any of the glass surfaces (and some polycarbonates) and it is easily maintained. One-Way Vision Glass | Mcgrory Glass.
As for integral blinds with controls, those a bit more maintenance, but also essential for people inside to feel like they have privacy (something the frit won’t provide). I’m sure our Wausau team can help on that. The switch glass typically won’t let you see you out or in, so it is like a shade. Hope this provides some ideas.
Shiva
Hello Gina. Our behavioral care windows do come with (optional) blinds in 5/8" or 1" slats. Raise / lower cords are for custodial operation only and are “hidden” within the system itself, not accessible by occupants. We have 3 “standard” options for anti-ligature tilt controls. 2 of those are intended for occupant operation to give them a sense of control over their environment. Our blind supplier also offers mechanically operated blinds. Switchable glazing as provided on MMHI is pretty well the ultimate in privacy glass, and if I’m not mistaken can be occupant controlled with nurse station overrides. The McGrory solution is headed in the right direction for exterior glazing. It’s a bit of a tough one. Tints and one-way mirror or reflective glass are great during the day, but don’t offer much privacy at night if there’s a light on in the room.
Hello! We have also struggled for a good solution for this on ground floor applications.
On a recent project, the main concern was ground floor patient room windows and the risk of patients purposely exposing themselves to anyone outside the windows facing a public way. The solution we arrived at is using a security sash with integral blinds that the patient can control, and placing an obscuring translucent gradient film that still allows clear view of the sky on the exterior face of the security sash. This solution is likely not viable if the exterior window unit also contains operable blinds - it conflicts with the warranty language.
Thanks, everyone. This gave me some great ideas to research and consider. I also learned about Lumisity film as a possibility, but have not vetted it yet. Maybe this is what you were referring to, @stephenparker23? I’ll follow up with the group when I hear back from the manufacturer.