South Korean company, G-Smatt, opens its European headquarters in Oxford

Unique Smart Glass solution creates new opportunities for building facades and in the event sector

Following success in the Far East for its architectural and events media display solutions, G-SMATT has established its European HQ in Oxford. The company, led by Dr Orhan Ertughrul, is bringing the benefits of its unique, smart glass solution to the architectural/city planning audiences and the events industry. Orhan is joined by Niraj Kapur, Sales Director and a team of experienced and skilled design and architectural personnel. 

Dr Ertughrul, Executive Vice President Europe, said; "G-Smatt’s digital glass façade has had an amazing response in South Korea and we're excited about the opportunities for both architectural and event solutions in the UK and wider European market. Oxford is a vibrant area for business and with its excellent transport connections, it is the ideal location.” 

The company’s newly refurbished offices at King Charles House, Park End Street, contain two walls of the media active glass, and were opened this week by Ho Joon, G-Smatt's Chief Executive and Councillor Fooks,Lord Mayor of Oxford, who said; 

“We are very pleased to welcome G-Smatt to Oxford and delighted that they have chosen our city for their European headquarters. Oxford is keen to embrace the benefits of being a ‘smart’ city and we look forward to opportunities to work with G-Smatt as our plans progress.”

The 100 plus guests were also asked to leave their business cards in a bowl for one of two local charities and as a result, G-Smatt Europe is donating £240 to the Sobell House Hospice and £200 to the Oxford Children’s Hospital.     

Background on the product

Constructing a building with a digital media façade with full connectivity means that the sides of the building can be used to share information, for example local traffic updates, advice from emergency services and news from local councils. This same connectivity will also allow building owners to project the purpose of their buildings into the community, change the way their buildings are perceived and create new business models where the building itself can function as a revenue generator. 

The company is also using the same glass on its G-Tainer product, a combination of smart glass and a steel container structure that allows companies and brands to communicate and interact with their audiences in a new and exciting way.

The small LEDs that provide the media capability are placed at regular intervals, approx 69-90mm apart, depending on the specification and when viewed from the inside there is less than 1% reduction in visibility through the glass. This is considerably less than other current alternatives such as an overlay or frame structure is used which can give the impression of being in a cage or prison cell when viewed by the building's occupants. Even when illuminated at night people within the building are not dazzled by reflection as less than 10% of the light emitted by the LED's is reflected into the building https://vimeo.com/channels/1175317

G-SMATT Glass is successfully installed at several locations in Asia including the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

Company Profile

G-SMATT is a Korean company that produces an innovative digital media façade product. Launched in 2013 the company now has offices in five countries and an annual turnover of about $125 M. The company believes in the transformation of the digital city scape with compelling architectural media and interactivity. Its innovative, building grade, laminated media glass provides full transparency and rich media capability. This allows developers and architects to provide a new way for people to experience and enjoy their buildings and the surrounding urban spaces without compromising on the aesthetic beauty of their original design.

In the new world of the Internet of Things it also allows for unparalleled connectivity and integration, a key in the development of the smart city. G-SMATT produces both architectural and exhibition products.