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

Authors:
Gediminas Tunaitis, Dalija Tiškuvienė, Martynas Lukša, Anna Don
Curvilinear Facade Composed of Glass Blocks and Sand Bricks in a Sustainable Desert Home

Project in-detail

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.
The Sand Villa exemplifies contemporary architectural design while providing a functional living space that integrates harmoniously with its desert environment. The architectural design aims to create a balanced relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, emphasizing sustainability and innovative use of materials. Grounded in a rectangular form, this project incorporates multiple layers and volumes, facilitating a fluid transition between areas while ensuring privacy and comfort.

Distinctly designed, the villa strategically arranges various living zones, with an emphasis on natural light and cross-ventilation. The structure’s separation of public and private areas enhances user experience, allowing for both communal interaction and personal retreat. The design leverages the local geography through careful placement of openings that optimize views and airflow, further connecting the inhabitants with their surroundings.

Unique Design Approach
The Sand Villa features a dynamic curved facade that integrates seamlessly with the landscape, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. This design choice not only makes a visual statement but also contributes to passive cooling and natural shading throughout the day. The use of glass blocks allows natural light to permeate the interior while providing insulation and privacy.

Incorporating sustainable practices is also a primary focus of the project, with elements such as solar panels and natural ventilation systems designed to reduce energy consumption. The use of local materials like sand embedded within the glass bricks further solidifies the villa’s connection to its environment, highlighting innovative material applications in contemporary architecture.

Functional Layout and Spatial Arrangements
The spatial organization of the Sand Villa divides the living areas into distinct zones across two levels. The ground floor includes a spacious entry that opens to a pool area, promoting outdoor activities and social gatherings. The placement of the open-plan living and dining areas encourages interaction while maintaining sightlines to the exterior.

On the first floor, private spaces such as bedrooms and flexible use areas are arranged to maximize privacy and comfort. Balconies and terraces provide outdoor space for relaxation, enhancing the livability of each private room. This thoughtful zoning not only supports functional living but also emphasizes connections to the landscape, fostering a relationship between the building and its setting.

For further exploration of the Sand Villa, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and detailed architectural designs, interested readers are encouraged to review the project presentation. Insight into the architectural ideas employed will enhance understanding of the project’s innovative contributions to modern residential architecture.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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