The Breathtaking Possibilities of Dichroic Glass

What happens when dichroic film and laminated safety glass are combined? A durable, long-lasting product that brings beauty and modern sophistication – and even a sense of movement – to any architectural design project.

What is Dichroic Film?

Manufactured by 3M and made of hundreds of micro-thin polymer layers, dichroic film transmits shifting wavelengths of light depending on seasonality, time of day, and a viewer’s perspective. When placed between two layers of glass, the film’s light reflecting qualities evoke a sense of movement and color, creating breathtaking and refined focus to architectural design.

Dichroic film is available in two colors: the warm tones of Copper Bronze, which show cyan, blue, and magenta in transmission, and red and gold hues in reflection; and the cooler tones of Gold Blue, which exhibit blue, magenta, and yellow in transmission, and gold and blue in reflection. The film is easily combined with patterned, etched, or mirrored glass to create unique designs for modern architectural needs.

How is Dichroic Glass Used?

Since 2009, Goldray has partnered with 3M to design a unique glass product that helps create contemporary, vibrant spaces, such as the Museum at Prairiefire and Reunion Tower. The dynamic and brilliant light reflective qualities of dichroic glass are also perfect for public art, as with the Tsawwassen Mills Fish Icon. The resulting look is sophisticated, yet playful. It is architectural decorative glass that transforms public spaces.

The Transformative Power of Dichroic Glass: Ohio State University Chiller Plant

In 2012, Goldray partnered with Chicago-based Ross Barney Architects to create a sustainable and beautiful building design solution for chilled water production at Ohio State University in Columbus. Goldray embraced the challenge of creating a colorful, animated exterior. The end design was LEED Silver Certified and used more than 200 precast panels hung as “fins” on an otherwise industrial-looking building. Eleven different 3x5 feet panel designs, rotated or flipped when bracketed to the building’s exterior, created a kaleidoscopic and visually stunning effect.

Video credit to Brad Feinknopf Photography and Ross Barney Architects

What’s Next for Dichroic Glass?

Over the years, Goldray has embraced the use of laminated dichroic glass in many small and large-scale projects, creating beautiful focal points within the interior of an office or public space. The movement of light through and around the glass also makes it ideal for public art or building exteriors, and its durability only increases its possibilities for use. Dichroic glass adds beauty, refinement, and sophisticated style to architecture, establishing new and exciting ways to transform and elevate how public spaces are experienced.