The all-glass house has long been a desirable idea – not only for aesthetic reasons but also because natural daylight is scientifically proven to improve for our mood and well-being. But up until now, the feasibility of all-glass living has faced numerous practical problems including both climate and privacy control issues. However, a prototype called Photon Space offers a potential reconsideration of the way we live and work thanks to a new type of intelligent glass that blocks noise, damaging UV rays and switches from transparent to opaque with a smart phone.

Developed by UK-based glass engineering company Cantifix, Photon Space features nano-scale particles between glass layers that can be controlled with an app in order to adjust the amount of light and heat that enters. This means it is possible to program interior conditions according to the specific wishes of the inhabitants. For example, the glass could be programmed to combat the effects of jetlag by inputting the time of day and length and direction of travel. The glass is further impressive in terms of its performance data with 63% of solar radiation blocked, 99.9% of UV blocked, 85% of external sound blocked and an insulation value of 0.6 W/m2k. In short, the glass offers the potential for dwelling all year in an all-glass house with little need for excessive heating or cooling.

However, Cantifix don’t expect to see a total transformation towards glasshouse living just yet for reasons such as light pollution and urban density. But they hope the invention will catch on in the form of ‘daylight suites’ where people can take a break from their regular routine. As such, their initial target market will be spas and hotels.

Cantifix are also beginning a research project with Oxford University to test the benefits of spending time inside Photon Space. 300 people will spend about three weeks in one of these prototypes, while researchers measure the impact upon their productivity, mood and overall health.

Cantifix are currently raising funds through the Photon Project on Crowdcube. The initiative will be live until January 25, 2015.