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Varilite™ was used more than a decade ago aboard Moonraker for privacy panels in the bulkheads of the yacht's exercise room and master head. This clever application controlled privacy while eliminating weight and the annoying vibration and noise that would most certainly have resulted from shades as the boat cruised at more than 50 knots.

One of the problems with the early application of PDLC film was that it was unable to accept variable current, so it was either on or off. That shortcoming has now been solved, and VectorLux, a product manufactured by SPD Systems can be controlled incrementally from clear to translucent. Known as Suspended Particle Device technology, the film in VectorLux can be laminated with Lexan or glass and can provide up to 80 percent heat rejection and a constant 99 percent ultraviolet protection. VectorLux panels can be used for portlights, windows, a skylights and hatches, as well as doors and interior partitions.

The principal problem with Varilite™, recalls designer Andrew Winch, was that hte material discolored over time. Not today, says Alex Martinez, a spokesman for SPD Systems, who notes that its two products do not suffer the same failing.

In addition, Martinez explains, SPD's dimmable film has a light transmission range of 40 percent light to 1.5 percent, which is quite dark. Its simpler, switchable film has a maximum light transmission of about 76 percent, compared to clear, quarter-inch architectural float glass that has a light transmission of about 88 percent.

Another interesting yet unexplored light control solution in marine applications has been used aboard business aircraft for a number of years. The simple, light weight system, manufactured by American Polarizers Inc., comprises two clear panes of polarized glass or plastic. The outboard pane is fixed in place, while the inboard pane can be rotated. As the panes become oriented from 0 to 90 degrees, light transmission becomes less and less, until it is near zero. Although this is a manually operated system, it is relatively inexpensive and can be used in portlight applications.

Lou Martin & Associates, manufactures of the highly regarded twin-curtain Easy Glide system, offers yet another alternative for light-weight, effective window treatments: a virtually noise-free, electrically operated curtain sandwiched between two panes of glass or plastic. Such a system was employed on Royal Huisman's Surama C to allow privacy and light control at the head of the owner's bed.

Despite its weight, glass is being used more and more for various interior elements. Designers Glad Johnson, Terence Disdale and others frequently put glass to use in etched or carved railing in stairways and integrate art glass elements in flooring, room dividers and bath enclosures. On Tiara, John Munford used etched glass panels in a pocket door between the owner's bath and dressing room.

New types of laminated and coated products can be used in a variety of ways These custom-made, composite panels include glass-to-stone, glass-to-metal and glass-to fabric. Proprietary coatings allow Silkglas to become invisible under properly designed lighting. Le Mystere panels change from clear to obscured as the viewer's angle shifts, while Fantasia panels change color, depending upon the viewer's location.

While the best choice for a particular design may not be as clear as glass, interior designers certainly have a far greater range of options today than ever before.