Design for Life in Motion with New C-Power™ enabled Click-to-Conceal™ Panels
We design for a world in motion. But our buildings are traditionally stagnant.
The market’s message is clear: adaptable buildings are in high demand. Across sectors, clients are seeking dynamic architectural elements that match the rhythm of their day, whether it's an expanding restaurant patio or a home garage-turned-studio. This evolving demand requires that kineticism be treated as a fundamental design objective.
Avante® garage door with C-Power enabled Click-to-Conceal panels in Clear/White Opaque laminated glass in a black anodized aluminum frame.The demand for dynamic, adaptable spaces is reshaping architecture. We're designing for seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, and the Avante line and 904 and 906 doors with Click-to-Conceal panels are important in achieving this. This option empowers architects to offer expansive views and flexibility, without compromising the essential elements of privacy and security.
"This technology allows us to design smarter, more responsive buildings that reflect modern living and commercial needs,” said Ross Baran, Architectural Design Support Supervisor for Clopay Corporation.
Key Takeaways
- • A Tool for Kinetic Architecture: C-Power™ enabling technology is more than a door feature; it's a key component for creating the kinetic, adaptable buildings that modern clients demand. It allows a single façade to serve multiple functions without compromise.
- • Protect Sightlines: By integrating switchable glass directly into the door, Click-to-Conceal™ Panels eliminate the need for separate shades, blinds, or curtains. This protects sight lines and allows for pure, intentional design free of visual clutter.
- • Functionality Meets Form: C-Power™ enabled Click-to-Conceal™ Panels are seamlessly integrated. With concealed wiring and a durable aluminum frame, the system delivers advanced functionality without sacrificing aesthetics, ensuring a clean, modern look.
- • Control Light, Not Just Privacy: The benefits extend beyond privacy. In its opaque state, the glass blocks 99% of UV rays, reducing solar heat gain and protecting interiors. This gives you a powerful tool for managing a building's environment.
How Clopay's C-Power™ Enabling Technology Empowers Kinetic Design
Click-to-Conceal panels switch from clear to opaque with a wireless remote. This isn't just about changing appearance; it's about refining the environment. The switchable glass filters 99% of UV rays, reducing heat and eliminating glare to protect interiors and give users absolute control.
This breakthrough unlocks a new level of functionality. By providing a modern, durable solution for indoor/outdoor living with powerful control over daylight and privacy, it effectively strips away the need for traditional window coverings. This leaves room for pure, intentional design.
“Integrating privacy control directly into the panels is a huge win from a design perspective,” adds Ross. “It eliminates the need for secondary shading systems that can clutter sightlines and require ongoing maintenance. This allows for a cleaner architectural expression, where the focus remains on the form and the connection to the outdoors.”
As with many kinetic elements, C-Power enabled Click-to-Conceal Panels move and breathe with the space. From the first light of dawn to the deep privacy of night, they transform a static wall into a living façade—one that is in constant, effortless dialogue with its environment and its occupants.
The Science Behind C-Power Click-to-Conceal Panels
Click-to-Conceal panels essentially act like a digital shutter. Instead of traditional blinds, it’s a “blind” embedded in the glass itself. Click the remote and within milliseconds, the glass switches between clear, full-view panels for maximum daylight and opaque, solid panels for privacy.
Housed within a 2-1/8” thick aluminum frame, the fully integrated power system and concealed wiring ensure the panels are protected from the elements without giving an inch on aesthetics.
A Signature Element for Responsive Architecture
With a holistic combination of dynamic glass, durable materials, and trusted performance, the Avante and Avante Sleek residential doors and commercial Models 904 and 906 with Click-to-Conceal Panels offer a cohesive solution for projects that demand flexibility, privacy, and clean design.
“This is what responsive architecture is all about—creating buildings that actively serve their occupants,” concludes Ross. “Click-to-Conceal panels create a dynamic façade element we can specify to solve for light, privacy, and aesthetics in one elegant package. It becomes a signature feature that elevates a project, demonstrating a commitment to both innovative design and practical functionality.”
Your C-Power enabled Click-to-Conceal Panels Specification Toolbox
To integrate Click-to-Conceal Panels into your specific design vision, consider the following specifications:
The Frame: Residential Avante and commercial Model 904 doors feature a rectangular grid pattern. The Avante Sleek and Model 906 doors have long, narrow horizontal panels with minimal stiles for wider, unobstructed views. Standard framing colors, premium color, and Color Blast® (custom) are available.
The Glass and Glazing: Available in 5/16” Laminated and 5/8” Insulated Tempered Glazing in Clear/White Opaque and Gray Clear/Gray Opaque.
The Performance: Frames are available with or without insulation. Built-in WindCode® reinforcement is available up to W6 (non-impact).
FAQ
1. How do the panels switch from clear to opaque?
The change is controlled by a wireless remote control. Our proprietary C-Power™ enabling technology continuously delivers power directly to the door panels, allowing the glass to instantly transition between states.
2. What is the state of the glass during normal operation?
When the power is on, the glass is clear. When there is no power to the panel, the glass is opaque.
3. Which Clopay doors are C-Power™ enabled
This feature is exclusively available on our modern aluminum frame models. For residential applications, it's offered on the Avante and Avante Sleek doors. For commercial projects, it is available on the Architectural Series models 904 and 906.
4. What happens if the power goes out?
The panels will default to opaque regardless of their previous state.
5. How durable are the Click-to-Conceal™ panels?
They are engineered for exceptional durability. The specialized film is laminated and protected between layers of glass, all housed within a rugged, 2-1/8" thick commercial-grade aluminum frame. The system is designed to withstand daily use and environmental exposure, offering the same trusted performance as any Clopay® overhead door.
6. How does the technology affect energy efficiency?
The panels contribute positively to energy management. In their opaque state, they block 99% of UV rays, which helps reduce solar heat gain and protects interiors from fading. In their clear state, they allow for maximum natural daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Insulated frame options are also available to further enhance thermal performance.