A window assembly , comprising: an electro-optic element , comprising: a first substantially transparent substrate defining first and second surfaces , wherein the second surface comprises a first electrically conductive layer ; a second substantially transparent substrate defining third and fourth surfaces , wherein the third surface comprises a second electrically conductive layer and a cavity is defined between the first substantially transparent substrate and second substantially transparent substrates ; and an electro-optic medium disposed in the cavity , the electro-optic medium being variably transmissive such that the electro-optic element is operable between substantially clear and darkened states, wherein the window assembly further comprises: a first pane positioned proximate the first surface of the electro-optic element ; an infrared reflective film positioned on a surface of the window assembly on an outward side of the electro-optic element ; and a third pane positioned proximate to the fourth surface of the electro-optic element characterized in that the first pane is spaced apart from the electro-optic element by a first gap and the third pane is separated from the electro-optic element by a third interpane gap , wherein the interpane gaps separate the panes from the electro-optic element by an air space. a first substantially transparent substrate defining first and second surfaces , wherein the second surface comprises a first electrically conductive layer ; a second substantially transparent substrate defining third and fourth surfaces , wherein the third surface comprises a second electrically conductive layer and a cavity is defined between the first substantially transparent substrate and second substantially transparent substrates ; and an electro-optic medium disposed in the cavity , the electro-optic medium being variably transmissive such that the electro-optic element is operable between substantially clear and darkened states, wherein the window assembly further comprises: a first pane positioned proximate the first surface of the electro-optic element ; an infrared reflective film positioned on a surface of the window assembly on an outward side of the electro-optic element ; and a third pane positioned proximate to the fourth surface of the electro-optic element characterized in that the first pane is spaced apart from the electro-optic element by a first gap and the third pane is separated from the electro-optic element by a third interpane gap , wherein the interpane gaps separate the panes from the electro-optic element by an air space. a first pane positioned proximate the first surface of the electro-optic element ; an infrared reflective film positioned on a surface of the window assembly on an outward side of the electro-optic element ; and a third pane positioned proximate to the fourth surface of the electro-optic element characterized in that the first pane is spaced apart from the electro-optic element by a first gap and the third pane is separated from the electro-optic element by a third interpane gap , wherein the interpane gaps separate the panes from the electro-optic element by an air space. <EOS>