Literature review of solar control smart building glazing: Technologies, performance, and research insights Henriqueta Teixeira, A. Rodrigues Moret, Daniel Aelenei, M. Glória Gomes Building and Environment, 2025 Conventional glazing, typically exhibits poor performance characterized by high thermal losses, overheating and potential glare, thereby compromising both building energy efficiency and occupants’ comfort. In response, the scientific community has been actively engaged in researching and developing innovative glazing solutions capable to adapt to environmental conditions and even produce energy, such as smart glazing. This paper provides a comprehensive literature review of the performance of solar control smart glazing solutions installed on building façades. First, the smart glazing technologies covered in this review are introduced: photochromic, thermochromic, phase change, gasochromic, electrochromic, suspended particles and liquid crystals. Subsequently, research studies on these technologies are carefully analyzed to identify the type of glazing, climate and energy and comfort performance outcomes. The studies covered include tropical, arid, temperate and continental climates. The findings highlight that electrochromic and thermochromic glazing solutions are the most extensively studied, achieving notable energy savings and improvement of indoor comfort. Photochromic, suspended particles and liquid crystals glazing increase visual comfort, while studies on gasochromic glazing are scarce, though they report energy savings. Finally, this review identifies research gaps and emphasizes the need for future studies that holistically assess the energy, comfort, economic and environmental aspects of these glazing solutions under different climates.
Solar-optical and thermal behavior of photochromic glazing: Small-scale testing under real sky conditions Henriqueta Teixeira, A. Moret Rodrigues, Daniel Aelenei, Isabel Ferreira, M. Glória Gomes Construction and Building Materials, 2024 The poor performance of conventional building glazing, which is usually responsible for large climatization needs and glare problems, has been promoting the development of innovative smart glazing technologies with an improved performance. Photochromic glazing, a type of smart glazing, exhibits a dynamic behavior by darkening/bleaching in reaction to the presence/absence of solar radiation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the thermal and solar-optical behavior of a photochromic filmed clear glazing, against the same glazing without film, through experimental tests. The transmittance and reflectance spectra of the glazing solutions were initially measured with a spectrophotometer. Then two small-scale models were used to assess the behavior of the glazing solutions under real sky conditions (clear and overcast). The thermal behavior was assessed through air and surface temperature measurements. The solar-optical behavior was investigated through solar radiation and illuminance measurements, which were also used to compute the solar and visible transmittance of the glazing systems, respectively. The dynamic behavior of the photochromic film resulted on a reduction of 14 % of the interior temperature. Interior illuminance and irradiance levels were significantly reduced with the film, corresponding to 10–50 % and 15–35 % visible and solar transmittance values of the photochromic glazing, respectively. • Experimental characterization of a photochromic (PC) glazing versus clear glazing. • Spectrophotometric tests and small-scale tests under overcast and clear sky. • The PC glazing tinted under both sky conditions, increasing its solar absorptance. • Reduction of 14 % of interior temperature with the PC glazing. • Significant reduction of illuminance and irradiance levels with the PC glazing.
Solar responsive building glazing: Experimental analysis of the impact of photochromic glazing on indoor thermal and luminous conditions Henriqueta Teixeira, M. Glória Gomes, A. Moret Rodrigues, Daniel Aelenei Journal of Building Engineering, 2024 The application of films on conventional glazing aims at increasing the glazing performance by reducing energy needs and increasing indoor comfort. Photochromic films in particular can alter their optical properties due to a chromatic change in response to solar radiation, allowing for reduced glare levels and solar heat gains. However, despite the potential of application, this refurbishment solution is still poorly explored. Therefore, the main purpose of this work was to experimentally evaluate the thermal and luminous performance of a double glazing with and without a photochromic film installed, using two office rooms in Lisbon as case study. An extended field experimental campaign was conducted simultaneously in both offices, where temperature, solar radiation and illuminance levels were collected. The key contribution and novelty of this research lies on the experimental assessment of the thermal and visual comfort conditions with the photochromic film under real-occupancy. Even though the photochromic film significantly increased the surface temperatures of the glazing, the indoor air temperature was not negatively affected, with an increase up to 14% of working hours with comfortable temperature during the heating period. Illuminance levels on vertical/horizontal plane were reduced by 24/36% in the presence of the photochromic film, when compared to the clear glazing without film, resulting in an increase of 7% of working hours with useful illuminance during the heating period, and large areas in the office room with imperceptible daylight glare levels when facing the glazing system. The impact of the film was less noticeable during the cooling period.
Simulation-Based Evaluation of the Impact of an Electrochromic Glazing on the Energy Use and Indoor Comfort of an Office Room Henriqueta Teixeira, A. Moret Rodrigues, Daniel Aelenei, M. Glória Gomes Energies, 2024 Electrochromic glazing alters its optical properties in the absence/presence of an electrical charge, varying from clear to dark to control daylighting and solar heat gains. This study aims to evaluate the impact of an electrochromic glazing, with indoor glare or temperature control, on the energy performance and thermal and visual comfort of an office room under three European climates, using a calibrated simulation model. The novelty of the paper lies in its combined performance assessment, using different standards and metrics. The results showed reduced climatization energy requirements with temperature control, but significantly increased artificial lighting energy use. Glare control achieved useful illuminance levels during 74–80% of working hours. Concerning temperature control, working hours within thermal comfort increased (21–43%) under a free-float regime. Moreover, the performance of this glazing was compared to that of a clear glazing with/without a reflective film and a thermochromic glazing for different solar orientations. The electrochromic glazing with glare control showed the highest energy savings (14–36%) for a western orientation, and the lowest negative impact on daylighting for a northern orientation. The best glare reduction was achieved with the reflective film. Considering the free-float regime, the electrochromic glazing, with temperature control, showed the highest increase in working hours within thermal comfort (6–9%) for a western orientation.
Multi-objective optimization of thermochromic glazing properties to enhance building energy performance G.R. Araújo, Henriqueta Teixeira, M. Glória Gomes, A. Moret Rodrigues Solar Energy, 2023 Glazings systems are responsible for significant building gains and losses regarding energy and thermal loads. Thus, current research has converged on finding glazing solutions that minimize heating, cooling, and lighting needs. One example of innovative glazing systems is thermochromic glazings. These glazings change their optical and thermal properties according to their surface temperatures by darkening at higher temperatures and consequently decreasing visible and solar transmittance. These property transitions have an impact not only on the heating and cooling needs of a building but also on the electric lighting needs. This research aims to study the impact that different switching temperature ranges and thermochromic coating transmittance values have on the energy use of an office room in different climates. This is accomplished with the annual energy simulation for heating, cooling, and electric lighting energy use of an office with a thermochromic glazing system in two different climates. A multi-objective optimization process is integrated to minimize the office’s thermal, lighting, and total energy use according to the thermochromic glazing transition temperatures and transmittances. Optimization results show highly conflicting values between the office room’s electric lighting and climatization energy use, showing that electric lighting energy use can increase up to 200% with low transition temperatures. Additionally, optimum solutions show improvements of 15% in total energy use against one off-the-market thermochromic glazing.
Performance of Solar Control Films on Building Glazing: A Literature Review Júlia Pereira, Henriqueta Teixeira, Maria da Glória Gomes, António Moret Rodrigues Applied Sciences Switzerland, 2022 Buildings with a high window-to-wall ratio tend to suffer from excessive solar gains/losses that usually result in high energy demand and discomfort for occupants. Solar control films (SCFs) are a passive solution with the potential to increase the performance of new or refurbished glazing they are applied to. This paper presents a comprehensive literature review of the performance of SCFs applied to glazing systems of buildings. Research studies with experimental, analytical and computer simulation approaches were gathered and analyzed, identifying glass and film systems, climatic conditions, energy savings and comfort performance. The research approaches and main findings of existing research studies were compared and discussed. The presence of SCFs significantly reduced indoor solar radiation and illuminance levels, particularly with reflective films applied to south-oriented glazing (northern hemisphere). Glazing systems with SCFs were reported to promote cooling energy savings compared with clear glazing in hot climates. Few studies have explored the visual and thermal comfort performance of SCFs, concluding that these films promote thermal comfort, and reduce excessive illuminance and potential glare. Furthermore, this paper helps to highlight areas of guidance for future studies on the topic.
Assessment of the visual, thermal and energy performance of static vs thermochromic double-glazing under different European climates Henriqueta Teixeira, M. Glória Gomes, A. Moret Rodrigues, Daniel Aelenei Building and Environment, 2022 Highly glazed buildings are typically responsible for significant solar heat gains/losses and, consequently, considerable cooling and heating energy needs throughout the year. Thermochromic glazing is an innovative passive technology, which autonomously and reversibly modifies its thermal and optical properties when direct sunlight heats it, potentially improving both energy efficiency and comfort. However, there is scarce evidence about the global performance of this glazing when installed in commercial buildings. Therefore, this study aims at assessing the annual visual, thermal and energy performance of a thermochromic glazing (12 + 12 + 6 mm) against a conventional clear glazing (6 + 12 + 4 mm) with and without a reflective solar control film installed in an existing office room, considering different European climates. To this aim, a building simulation model calibrated with experimental data obtained on a previous study was used. The results showed that in respect of the percentage of working hours with useful illuminance levels the thermochromic glazing (80%–88%) is better than the conventional clear glazing (64%–74%). However, the glazing with the reflective solar control film is more effective in reducing potential glare. Regarding the thermal performance assessment, under free-float conditions (no mechanical heating/cooling), the thermochromic glazing shows a better performance (20%–48% working hours within comfort conditions) when compared to conventional glazing (1%–42%). The results also show significant total energy savings (climate control and artificial lighting) in the case of the thermochromic glazing, particularly in the hot climate of Lisbon (50%).
Assessing energy, thermal and visual performance of photochromic glazing: From spectrophotometric characterization to building simulations H Teixeira, AM Rodrigues, D Aelenei, MG Gomes Energy and Buildings, 117625 , 2026 2026.0
Assessment of the Hygrothermal Performance of Prefabricated Concrete Panel Materials for Modular Construction R Sarmento, H Teixeira, J Silva, M da Glória Gomes Biennial RILEM Youth Symposium on Building Materials and Construction, 927-936 , 2025 2025.0
Impact of Static and Dynamic Solar Control Window Films on Thermal and Visual Comfort Under European Climates H Teixeira, M Glória Gomes, A Moret Rodrigues, D Aelenei International Conference on Construction, Energy, Environment and … , 2025 2025.0
Literature review of solar control smart building glazing H Teixeira, A Rodrigues Moret, D Aelenei, MG Gomes 2025.0
Literature review of solar control smart building glazing: Technologies, performance, and research insights H Teixeira, AR Moret, D Aelenei, MG Gomes Building and Environment 274, 112784 , 2025 2025.0 Citations: 21
Solar-optical and thermal behavior of photochromic glazing H Teixeira, A Moret Rodrigues, D Aelenei, I Ferreira, MG Gomes 2024.0
Solar-optical and thermal behavior of photochromic glazing: Small-scale testing under real sky conditions H Teixeira, AM Rodrigues, D Aelenei, I Ferreira, MG Gomes Construction and Building Materials 456, 139309 , 2024 2024.0 Citations: 3
Solar responsive building glazing H Teixeira, MG Gomes, AM Rodrigues, D Aelenei 2024.0
Solar responsive building glazing: experimental analysis of the impact of photochromic glazing on indoor thermal and luminous conditions H Teixeira, MG Gomes, AM Rodrigues, D Aelenei Journal of Building Engineering 92, 109812 , 2024 2024.0 Citations: 21
Simulation-based evaluation of the impact of an electrochromic glazing on the energy use and indoor comfort of an office room H Teixeira, A Moret Rodrigues, D Aelenei, MG Gomes Energies 17 (9), 2110 , 2024 2024.0 Citations: 15
Analise Dinâmica do Desempenho Energético de um Envidraçado Termocrómico em Diferentes Zonas Climáticas de Portugal H Teixeiraa, MG Gomesa, AM Rodriguesa, D Aeleneib Engenharia Civil UM 66 (66), 28-37 , 2023 2023.0
Multi-objective optimization of thermochromic glazing properties to enhance building energy performance GR Araújo, H Teixeira, MG Gomes, AM Rodrigues Solar Energy 249, 446-456 , 2023 2023.0 Citations: 46
Performance of solar control films on building glazing: a literature review J Pereira, H Teixeira, MG Gomes, A Moret Rodrigues Applied Sciences 12 (12), 5923 , 2022 2022.0 Citations: 60
Assessment of the visual, thermal and energy performance of static vs thermochromic double-glazing under different European climates H Teixeira, MG Gomes, AM Rodrigues, D Aelenei Building and Environment 217, 109115 , 2022 2022.0 Citations: 54
In-service thermal and luminous performance monitoring of a refurbished building with solar control films on the glazing system H Teixeira, MG Gomes, A Moret Rodrigues, J Pereira Energies 14 (5), 1388 , 2021 2021.0 Citations: 11
Small-scale field study of window films’ impact on daylight availability under clear sky conditions JO Pereira, MG Gomes, AM Rodrigues, H Teixeira, M Almeida Journal of Facade Design and Engineering 8 (1), 65-84 , 2020 2020.0 Citations: 15
Thermal and visual comfort, energy use and environmental performance of glazing systems with solar control films H Teixeira, MG Gomes, AM Rodrigues, J Pereira Building and Environment 168, 106474 , 2020 2020.0 Citations: 83
Numerical simulation of the performance of glazing systems with solar control window films H Teixeira, J Pereira, M da Glória Gomes, A Moret New Trends in Green Construction; UCOPRESS: Córdoba, Spain, 103 , 2019 2019.0 Citations: 2
Gene symbol: GJB2. T Matos, H Caria, H Teixeira, G Fialho Human Genetics 121 (2), 298-298 , 2007 2007.0
Small-scale F eld Study of W ndow F lms’ Impact on Dayl ght Ava lab l ty under Clear Sky Cond t ons J Pereira, MG Gomes, AM Rodrigues, H Teixeira, M Almeida
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Thermal and visual comfort, energy use and environmental performance of glazing systems with solar control films H Teixeira, MG Gomes, AM Rodrigues, J Pereira Building and Environment 168, 106474 , 2020 2020.0 Citations: 83
Performance of solar control films on building glazing: a literature review J Pereira, H Teixeira, MG Gomes, A Moret Rodrigues Applied Sciences 12 (12), 5923 , 2022 2022.0 Citations: 60
Assessment of the visual, thermal and energy performance of static vs thermochromic double-glazing under different European climates H Teixeira, MG Gomes, AM Rodrigues, D Aelenei Building and Environment 217, 109115 , 2022 2022.0 Citations: 54
Multi-objective optimization of thermochromic glazing properties to enhance building energy performance GR Araújo, H Teixeira, MG Gomes, AM Rodrigues Solar Energy 249, 446-456 , 2023 2023.0 Citations: 46
Literature review of solar control smart building glazing: Technologies, performance, and research insights H Teixeira, AR Moret, D Aelenei, MG Gomes Building and Environment 274, 112784 , 2025 2025.0 Citations: 21
Solar responsive building glazing: experimental analysis of the impact of photochromic glazing on indoor thermal and luminous conditions H Teixeira, MG Gomes, AM Rodrigues, D Aelenei Journal of Building Engineering 92, 109812 , 2024 2024.0 Citations: 21
Simulation-based evaluation of the impact of an electrochromic glazing on the energy use and indoor comfort of an office room H Teixeira, A Moret Rodrigues, D Aelenei, MG Gomes Energies 17 (9), 2110 , 2024 2024.0 Citations: 15
Small-scale field study of window films’ impact on daylight availability under clear sky conditions JO Pereira, MG Gomes, AM Rodrigues, H Teixeira, M Almeida Journal of Facade Design and Engineering 8 (1), 65-84 , 2020 2020.0 Citations: 15
In-service thermal and luminous performance monitoring of a refurbished building with solar control films on the glazing system H Teixeira, MG Gomes, A Moret Rodrigues, J Pereira Energies 14 (5), 1388 , 2021 2021.0 Citations: 11
Solar-optical and thermal behavior of photochromic glazing: Small-scale testing under real sky conditions H Teixeira, AM Rodrigues, D Aelenei, I Ferreira, MG Gomes Construction and Building Materials 456, 139309 , 2024 2024.0 Citations: 3
Numerical simulation of the performance of glazing systems with solar control window films H Teixeira, J Pereira, M da Glória Gomes, A Moret New Trends in Green Construction; UCOPRESS: Córdoba, Spain, 103 , 2019 2019.0 Citations: 2
Assessing energy, thermal and visual performance of photochromic glazing: From spectrophotometric characterization to building simulations H Teixeira, AM Rodrigues, D Aelenei, MG Gomes Energy and Buildings, 117625 , 2026 2026.0
Assessment of the Hygrothermal Performance of Prefabricated Concrete Panel Materials for Modular Construction R Sarmento, H Teixeira, J Silva, M da Glória Gomes Biennial RILEM Youth Symposium on Building Materials and Construction, 927-936 , 2025 2025.0
Impact of Static and Dynamic Solar Control Window Films on Thermal and Visual Comfort Under European Climates H Teixeira, M Glória Gomes, A Moret Rodrigues, D Aelenei International Conference on Construction, Energy, Environment and … , 2025 2025.0
Literature review of solar control smart building glazing H Teixeira, A Rodrigues Moret, D Aelenei, MG Gomes 2025.0
Solar-optical and thermal behavior of photochromic glazing H Teixeira, A Moret Rodrigues, D Aelenei, I Ferreira, MG Gomes 2024.0
Solar responsive building glazing H Teixeira, MG Gomes, AM Rodrigues, D Aelenei 2024.0
Analise Dinâmica do Desempenho Energético de um Envidraçado Termocrómico em Diferentes Zonas Climáticas de Portugal H Teixeiraa, MG Gomesa, AM Rodriguesa, D Aeleneib Engenharia Civil UM 66 (66), 28-37 , 2023 2023.0
Gene symbol: GJB2. T Matos, H Caria, H Teixeira, G Fialho Human Genetics 121 (2), 298-298 , 2007 2007.0
Small-scale F eld Study of W ndow F lms’ Impact on Dayl ght Ava lab l ty under Clear Sky Cond t ons J Pereira, MG Gomes, AM Rodrigues, H Teixeira, M Almeida
