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Curvilinear Facade Composed of Glass Blocks and Sand Bricks in a Sustainable Desert Home

Curvilinear Facade Composed of Glass Blocks and Sand Bricks in a Sustainable Desert Home
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A dynamic curved facade crafted from glass blocks and sand bricks complements the sustainable design of this desert residence, providing an optimal balance of natural light and ventilation while creating inviting living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved facade design enhances wind flow and sunlight penetration.
02
Sand bricks incorporate local materials for environmental integration.
03
Glass blocks provide insulation while maintaining transparency.
04
Outdoor terraces extend living spaces, promoting connection to nature.
05
Passive cooling features reduce reliance on mechanical ventilation.

## Project Overview

Located in a desert environment, the Sand Villa explores a modern architectural approach that integrates design with its unique natural surroundings. The project focuses on creating functional and comfortable living spaces while respecting the distinct characteristics of the local landscape. The design incorporates a rectangular volume as its foundation, emphasizing a layered spatial arrangement that includes designated zones for entry, leisure, and communal activities.

## Architectural Form

**Dynamic Facade:** The villa features a curvilinear facade that balances aesthetic appeal with practical considerations such as shading and wind direction. This cascading form enhances the building’s three-dimensional quality, encouraging visual engagement from various vantage points.

**Spatial Organization:** The layout promotes a blend of privacy and interaction, with a clear segregation between private and communal areas. Living spaces are strategically placed to optimize natural light and views, ensuring a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor environments.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The chosen material palette reflects both the environmental context and contemporary design principles. Glass blocks are prominently featured in the facade, allowing for transparency and interaction with the surroundings. Reinforced concrete provides durability, while sand incorporated within the glass bricks resonates with the local geography. Natural stone and terracotta finishes honor traditional materials, and wood elements are introduced for warmth in the interior spaces.

### Sustainable Features

The design emphasizes passive cooling techniques, incorporating windcatchers and operable windows to enhance ventilation and reduce reliance on mechanical systems. Additionally, rooftop solar energy installations contribute to the villa's sustainability, aligning with an environmentally conscious approach to modern living.

## Spatial Arrangements

**Ground Floor (77.95 m²):** This level includes versatile spaces such as a garage and an open entryway leading directly to outdoor areas, including a pool.

**First Floor (82.23 m²):** The layout comprises living and dining areas, along with a dedicated children's area. Balconies serve to foster outdoor connection while maintaining sightlines to the downstairs pool area.

**Second Floor (139.18 m²):** Designed for tranquility, the upper level features bedrooms with serene views and sufficient storage, many of which access outdoor terraces.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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