SCHOTT: more than magic mirrors on the wall at Hamburg’s concert hall

The solution involves double layers: central to the design’s construction is semi-transparent mirrored glass MIRONA® from SCHOTT. On its reverse side, passe-partout has been imprinted to cover up the contours of a television display hidden behind it. When the display behind the glass remains switched off, the double-coated mineral glass functions as a mirror. However, when switched on, the interference layers from the light beams allow images to be projected on the display screen.

“This fascinating interplay between reflection and transmission makes it possible to incorporate a clever staging of the space and objects involved,” notes Moritz Busch, who, in his role as Sales Manager Processed Glass at SCHOTT, was closely involved in the project.

SCHOTT implemented the concept at the Elbphilharmonie with German partner Cristalux, specialists in glass applications, and on behalf of the full-service supplier of media system solutions, Amptown System Company (ASC), whose Hamburg location oversaw the installation, connection, and commissioning of light, audio, and intercom solutions and special structures in the quayside concert hall. For the TV mirror displays, ASC selected MIRONA® round, single pane safety glass with a thickness of 10mm and edges that take on a “C” shape in the grinding process.

The “wow” factor that comes when observing the object transforming from mirror to transparent glass makes MIRONA® an attractive option for several technical applications, including information boards and furniture installations as well as decorative partition walls. In addition, SCHOTT offers five product variations that come in an assortment of standard dimensions and thicknesses.