Don’t know what SONTE film is? Discover the technology that turns glass into an intelligent surface

Did you know that glass is made from sand that transforms into a transparent material at temperatures exceeding 1400°C? It’s an extraordinary material, lightweight, strong, and so adaptable that it can “flow” over decades (which is why old window panes are often thicker at the bottom than at the top).

It’s no surprise that glass has become a symbol of modern interiors. It brings in light, openness, and transparency. Yet despite all its advantages, it has one major drawback, one that most office users and employees experience daily: it offers no privacy.

For years, investors, architects, and business owners have searched for a way to combine the aesthetics of glass with real functionality. It is precisely at this intersection that SONTE technology was created, an intelligent PDLC liquid crystal film that transforms glass from a static surface into one that responds to the needs of its users.

The biggest misconception

For many people, “window film” simply means a basic decorative film that creates a frosted effect and permanently covers what’s behind the glass. It’s a natural assumption but in the case of SONTE, it’s incorrect.

SONTE film has nothing to do with decoration. It is also entirely different from frosted glass, which must be ordered as a completely new pane and whose appearance cannot be changed afterward. SONTE is a technological product that uses liquid crystals responding to electric voltage. Thanks to this technology, the glass can switch between transparent and milky white, depending on what the user needs at that moment.

Why this matters: glass plays an increasingly important role in modern spaces

How SONTE film works – the simplest explanation of PDLC technology

SONTE film contains liquid crystals positioned between thin layers of material. The alignment of these crystals determines whether the glass allows light to pass through or diffuses it.

• ON mode (power on) – the crystals align in a single direction, allowing light to pass through the film, making the glass transparent.
  OFF mode (power off) – the crystals become randomly arranged, scattering the light and creating a milky white, opaque surface.

The entire transition takes a fraction of a second. SONTE can be controlled via a wall switch, a remote control, or integrated into smart home and BMS systems. This makes the film part of a broader building architecture and automation concept.

Technical parameters

In addition, there are performance parameters that further enhance user comfort:

• 99% UV blockage – protects furnishings and skin,

• Up to 80% IR reduction – helps limit heat gain inside the space,

• Low energy consumption: 5.5 W/m² – roughly comparable to a TV in standby mode.

In practice, this means that SONTE not only improves privacy, but also has a tangible impact on thermal comfort and energy efficiency.

Available colors and widths

SONTE technology is designed to integrate seamlessly with modern architecture. That’s why it is available in three color variants, each suited to different glazing conditions:

White

For interiors where privacy is essential without compromising brightness.

Characteristics:

• Highest light transmission,
• Neutral and elegant appearance,
• Ideal for spaces where lightness and natural brightness matter.

Applications:

• Glass office partitions,
• Conference rooms, private offices, and meeting areas,
• Internal residential partitions (bathrooms, walk-in closets, bedrooms),
• Service and medical spaces where both privacy and daylight are required.

Gray

For spaces requiring subtle light control.

Characteristics:

• Slightly tinted shade,
• Helps reduce glare and reflections,
• Maintains a minimalist, modern glass appearance.

Applications:

• Well-lit offices with southern exposure,
• Creative spaces and meeting rooms where glare is disruptive,
• Modern interiors with extensive glazing,
• Areas where light needs to be softened without darkening the room.

Black

For maximum protection against sunlight.

Characteristics:

• Highest UV and IR reduction,
• Significant limitation of intense light,
• Ideal for demanding projects and sun-exposed glazing.

Applications:

• Façades and fully glazed elevations,
• Offices exposed to strong sunlight,
• Premium spaces requiring enhanced light control,
• Projects demanding stronger heat radiation reduction.

Available widths

The film is available in large sheet formats, allowing installation on extensive glass surfaces.

• White and gray variants: 1000, 1200, 1500, and 1800 mm widths

• Black variant: 1000, 1200, and 1500 mm widths

This enables precise adaptation to existing glazing, even in cases of unusual dimensions or non-standard shapes. Wider sheets also help minimize the number of joints, resulting in a clean and uniform visual effect.

Where does SONTE perform best? Real-world applications

SONTE film is used in spaces where balancing transparency and privacy is essential. It is an ideal solution for offices and conference rooms, where one moment calls for openness and the next requires discretion. It also performs exceptionally well in clinics and medical practices, replacing curtains and blinds that are often difficult to maintain hygienically.

In hotels and premium apartments, SONTE is applied in bathrooms, bedrooms, and wellness areas, creating a sense of luxury and comfort. In private homes, the film is commonly used in walk-in closets, bathrooms, and glass partitions between rooms.

There are also more creative applications. For example, at Kino Kijów in Kraków, SONTE film functions as a rear projection screen and, once the projector is turned off, returns to serving as a standard glass façade. At the Mediateka in Piotrków Trybunalski, it is used as a light-control tool in modern, transparent educational spaces.

This demonstrates that SONTE is not a product limited to one type of interior, it is a technology that enables designers to create dynamic environments that respond to the changing needs of users.

Why is SONTE a premium solution? Key benefits for users

The greatest advantage of SONTE is on-demand privacy, the ability to switch glass from transparent to frosted in a fraction of a second. The technology is also extremely simple and intuitive to use, requiring no technical expertise.

SONTE makes it possible to upgrade existing spaces without replacing the glazing, which is a major advantage in fully operational offices. It is energy-efficient and compatible with Smart Home and BMS systems.

All of these elements come together in a solution that genuinely enhances the quality of life and work. That is precisely why so many companies, institutions, and private clients choose to implement SONTE film in their spaces.

What’s next? Your next step

SONTE film is a technology that allows glass to be used in an entirely new way, combining transparency, privacy, and modern functionality in a single solution. With retrofit installation, high light transmission, and intuitive control, it becomes a practical design tool that enhances the comfort and quality of any space.

If you’d like to see how SONTE can transform your glazing into intelligent surfaces, get in touch with us. We’ll be happy to demonstrate how the technology works and help you choose the best solution for your project.