Recycled CDs used as window screen

[Dave-1]

My foyer gets warm during summer and very cool in winter. I have wanted to have a curtain or something to block the view and retain the warmth or reflect heat for years. I deal with ewaste at work and one of the things I have a lot of is old cd/dvd's 

I really wanted to reuse these instead of destroying them and sending them to landfill.

This was an experiment to see if there was a noticeable difference in temperature from before to after. There was a large difference.

Materials

CD/DVDs a lot of

Paperclips 50mm size

19mm *8mm length of timber

Old curtain hooks

Tools

Hand saw

Drill

Hands

Steps

Step 1

As this was only a narrow opening I screw two large cuphooks into the top of the inside of the window frame. Then measured the distance between the studs and subtracted 10mm for any sideways movement. I unfolded the paperclips to form a giant double hook and then it was a matter of stitching them horizontally and vertically to make a blanket type deal.

I figured that two cup hooks would hold the discs tho they are only single sided.

Stitching them together

They really start blocking the sunlight. There is also frosted glass for the bit between the door and wall.

With the light on. (Its not a strong light)

Step 2

The CD/DVD's are only single sided for this project. I wanted the black on the back to be inside to provide a uniformity and the silver to reflect the sun as much as possible.

Showing how the paperclip is unfolded and how to stitch the discs together, I only stitched every 3rd row horizontally.

I used an elastic band between two thumbtacks to stop the discs "shuffling about" when the door is open/closed. I will replace this with string or fishing line.

From outside looking in, excuse the paintwork (it is on the list) but really gives a lot more privacy and stops the heat entering the foyer in summer.

[EricL · Accepted solution]

Hi @Dave-1 

Thanks for sharing that fantastic idea, I was wondering how your paper clip system worked, that is quite impressive. The best part I like is that it can be removed should the need arise. The frosted glass really adds a nice effect to the CD's.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Sorry @EricL 

I didnt realise that you had a question. 

Re - The paperclip work

I pretty much bent the paper clip straight on the bend furthererst from the ends of the metal. Fluked out that the distance works so well between the discs. I then would slot the expanded paper clip throug the center hole of the disk and slide it back so half is one side and half the other. I will see if I can take a photo tonight to show the process.

The paper clip should look like this

(________)

with the top part of the long oval coming back a third. (def will take a photo or two to show

Dave