Flexypix Information

Contemporary environmentally-led design will benefit from being able to incorporate smart surfaces that can adapt to, and enhance, our indoor environments. Flexypix is a start-up dedicated to unlocking the potential of flexible plastic displays that can be integrated into glass windows enabling them to switch from transparent to opaque, providing privacy or reflecting unwanted heat. Founded by Dr Chris Williamson, these displays make use of a liquid crystal based material that can be switched on demand in seconds. Unlike alternatives, this technology does not require constant power, and testing has shown that it is up to 10 times cheaper to both purchase and maintain, making it both energy-efficient and more responsive to user-control. The displays are flexible in more ways than one. Ultra-thin, plastic panels can be seamlessly retro-fitted to existing surfaces, or integrated within materials such as glass during manufacture. They can also be tailored to display company logos or other custom imagery, and change between these at the flick of a switch. The manufacturing process is being developed with a view to establishing continuous mass-production. The aim is to access part of the global commercial indoor window market, which was valued at $30 billion in 2015. The rapid growth of the sector reflects increasing interest in smart glass for architecture, and its potential to make significant contributions to sustainable design, and helping buildings to meet environmental targets.