# Partly Submerged Modern Villas The Glass Villa by Mecanoo Boasts a Transparent Silhouette By Kalin Ned | Published 2018-12-12 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-villa References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2018/12/12/mecanoo-glass-villa-lake-architecture-cotswolds-england/) & [mecanoo.nl](https://www.mecanoo.nl/) Dutch studio [Mecanoo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natural-history-museum-abu-dhab) builds a stunning Glass Villa on a body of water near the town of Lechlade. Spanning three floors, the structure is the epitome of contemporary design — from the slick and elegant dark wood detailing to the ultra-modern, fully glazed facade. The floor-to-ceiling windows do not only add an aesthetic appeal to Mecanoo's Glass Villa, but they also allow residents to experience striking [panoramic views](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/villa-95) of the surrounding vegetation. This makes the dwelling a worthy escape from the hectic urban environment. With the residence, Mecanoo attempted to "create the feeling of [living outside on water](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baan-oo)." To do so, the Dutch architecture firm also submerged the basement floor underneath the surface of the water. Photo Credits: María Barricart ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.5/10 - Popularity: 62% | Activity: 36% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Submerged Architecture:** Creating partially submerged buildings for both functional and aesthetic purposes. - **Panoramic Views:** Incorporating floor-to-ceiling windows to offer stunning views of the surrounding environment. - **Modern Architecture:** Designing sleek and elegant structures with a contemporary aesthetic. ### Where This Applies - **Real Estate:** Offering new and unique home designs that appeal to modern tastes. - **Tourism/hospitality:** Building hotels or resorts with partially submerged architecture for a unique and memorable experience. - **Architecture/construction:** Exploring new design possibilities with submerged structures and innovative use of materials. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Light Reflective Modern Villas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ppaa.md) - [Bamboo-Clad Residential Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/open-park-villa.md) - [Glass‑brick Belgian Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-brick-house.md) - [Cliffside Minimalist Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aip-azia-villa.md) - [Glamorous Urban Tranquil Villas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natural-villa.md) - [Organic Coastal Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diachok-architects.md) - [Circular Garden Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/villa-o.md) - [Water-Centric Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/10m.md) - [Nature-Inspired Floral Villas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blue-water-lily.md)