Smart Windows in Taiwan: Development Trends and Future Prospects

Ms. Winifred CHUNG | 20 Oct 2023 | PropTech Insights # 85

Executive Summary

With the continual development of technology, "Smart Windows" have gradually transitioned from science fiction to reality. This article will explore the development trends of smart windows, particularly the application of electrochromic technology, and how STARTEK, a brand that offers application scenarios, promotes its services. The article will also delve into the current and future trends in smart windows, from the advanced technologies described by Corning Glass in 2011 to current global and Taiwanese achievements. It will also discuss how smart windows, when combined with other technical areas like vehicles and buildings, contribute to the mainstream market focus on "sustainability and energy conservation."

Smart Window Development: From Dream to Reality

In 2011, Corning Glass showcased a future day built entirely out of glass through their promotional video "A Day Made of Glass" (Link). The video depicted scenes of waking up to sunlight introduced by electrochromic smart windows, checking the day's weather and calendar via LCD panels, and confirming appointments via smart mirrors. The protagonist then proceeds to drive to work, where the car features a large touch-screen display made of glass and a panoramic sunroof that blocks light. Ten years later, these scenarios have become reality.

Electrochromic Market Analysis

In 2015, the electrochromic market was valued at approximately $16.4 million, and it is projected to reach $1.34 billion by 2022. According to a report by the Industrial Research Institute, the smart window market adopting electrochromic coating technology was valued at $16.4 million in 2015 and is expected to rise to $1.34 billion by 2022. This growth emphasizes the importance of this technology and market demand. The technology will benefit various sectors, including real estate, automotive, and retail.

Development of Smart Windows in Taiwan

In 2022, Merck collaborated with Innolux to create the "Sustainable Light Corridor," a 69-square-meter liquid crystal smart window, which is the largest in Taiwan. Unlike other windows, this project focuses on skylights and requires only 1 watt of electricity per square meter to regulate both light and heat. This demonstrates the durability and reliability of liquid crystal smart windows.

In 2023, BenQ Materials introduced the world's first green building material with electrochromic dimming film capabilities. This technology offers multiple advantages and is suitable for floor-to-ceiling windows and curtains. Not only does it provide privacy protection, but it also effectively blocks UV and IR rays, reducing indoor temperatures by 2°C and saving 13-18% on air conditioning energy consumption. Users can easily switch between transparency and a frosted appearance, achieving both light regulation and privacy. Additionally, this material is easy to clean and offers high UV resistance, reducing the risk of skin cancer and slowing down the aging of furniture. It also contributes to energy savings and carbon emission reduction, and adds an extra layer of safety due to its explosion-proof film feature.

Furthermore, the manufacturing process for this PDLC film is 100% non-toxic, employing a UV exposure process and a solvent-free green process in compliance with environmental and sustainability principles. It has undergone multiple third-party certifications, such as REACH and RoHS, ensuring no residual toxic substances. It is suitable for use in buildings and contains no formaldehyde, asbestos, or radioactive substances, thereby ensuring personal safety.

The Pioneering Steps Toward Market Adoption

Startek, a well-known Taiwanese brand for electrochromic smart windows and partition systems, has witnessed the industry's maturity over the past decade. With more economical costs, higher light transmittance, and significant energy-saving effects, Startek aims to provide a more comprehensive and professional service to consumers eagerly awaiting such products.

1. Diverse and Convenient, Quick-to-Install Product Applications:

Startek leads the industry by being the first to integrate systems, offering a range of solution advantages such as "sound insulation, earthquake resistance, and fire resistance." These solutions not only meet the high sound insulation standards required for the conference room partitions at the global headquarters of multinational companies but also make inroads into the construction project market. Through quick installation (which can be completed in a single day), Startek reduces labor and material costs. Moreover, for real estate properties with small square footage but high total prices, the company provides smart partition plans that are more technologically advanced, thinner (only 1/10 the thickness of traditional partition walls), effective, and capable of maintaining both natural lighting and privacy.

2. Energy-saving Green Building Materials:

In 2022, BMW launched the iX electric vehicle, featuring a design and innovative experience. The panoramic sunroof employs electrochromic technology, allowing the car's all-glass roof to be electrically adjusted for lighting. This creates an open and bright space inside the car, accompanied by a relaxed atmosphere. The electrochromic sunshade can be adjusted to prevent direct sunlight from entering the vehicle. This application has drawn increased attention to the development of smart windows.

In 2023, Startek collaborated with BenQ Materials to showcase their next-generation products in Startek's curated retail gallery. In addition to introducing the concept of green building materials, Startek also provide channel services and a five-to-ten-year post-purchase warranty plan, giving users easy to make a purchase. (Think Outside the Box! Transforming Taiwan's Most Beautiful Electrochromic Glass Exhibition Space into an Art Gallery, and Exploring the Ultimate Aesthetic of Breaking Spatial Boundaries: Link).

3. International Brand Authorization and Global Service Channel:

From the outset, Startek has positioned itself as a specialized channel and service brand for smart partitions. Not only does it hold patents for its own researched and developed accessories, but it has also documented all service processes into standardized guidelines and training manuals. This helps international clients who want to adopt the system to reduce their learning costs. No specialized certifications are required; clients can quickly grasp and implement the system through systematic educational training. Additionally, Startek assists with procurement and processing, establishing technical centers to offer real-time support, evaluation, and turnkey store setup services to global customers.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The market for smart windows is growing rapidly, especially in the area of electrochromic technology. Startek, as a key player in this field, will play a crucial role. In addition to providing higher-quality products, these technologies will also contribute to energy-saving and sustainable development. Through brand licensing and global market promotion, smart windows have the potential to go beyond the high-end market and become a part of everyday life.

The maturation and development of smart window technology is an unstoppable trend. From Corning Glass's future vision to current practical applications, market demand and development potential are both significantly increasing. We should continue to monitor the progress of these technologies and look for suitable collaboration opportunities to ensure a leading position in the field of smart real estate technology. ■

The Author

Winifred (Wan-Ting) Chung, the founder of JOSHUA STARTEK LTD. (Startek), was the first to propose the concept of "returning the common area ratio to each individual." By replacing traditional walls with "invisible partitions," Startek not only offers a solution that is lighter (only 1/10 of the weight), private, well-lit, and soundproof, but also breaks through the limitations of traditional building materials that are non-recyclable and non-reusable. Startek introduced a Lego-style concept that allows for recycling and reuse. In 2022, Startek created Taiwan's first technology partition aesthetic experience space and received the prestigious "Brand Golden Boat Award in the ESG category" from the President in the same year. Startek believes that through smart partitions to bring people closer together, the world will become a better place.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Proptech Institute, including its directors, employees and affiliates.

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