I am an A-level product design student with a fondness for tortoises and small reptiles so I have in my mind to design a coffee table-like product that is also a habitat for a tortoise. It would be created as a 4 feet long table from timber and the case would be made from glass (question 2: what kind of glass is appropriate?). I was hoping I could make the enclosure floor like a tray so it can be easily cleaned and changed. I need advice to whether a glassed environment is suitable. There will be a 10cm gap from the table top and the glass for ventilation (question 3: is this ventilation suitable?). I understand that there is a need for heat lamps for a basking area and a UV-B light. The suitable is sunstrate is loam or sand and needs to be to the height of half the thickness of the animal (question 4: am I right?). There also needs a thermometre to check air temp, humidity and substrate temp (question 5: is this all one thermometre that does this or seperate thing? And is it like that laser thing in Finding Nemo that checks the state of the tank?). The table top would be made from timber that can lift off to clean the tank. Any other advice would be appreciated!

A good idea as a design exercise, similar types are sold as aquaria. In reality not so good. Coffee tables tend to be in frequented areas. Movement of legs/feet would be stressful to to the inhabitant(s). Solid sides are preferable to glass & this would defeat your object, sorry.
Re substrate, yes loam (topsoil) about 5cm deep, no sand
needed. The basking spot temp & the 'cool' end temp are the critical ones. Plenty of this & other info in the green boxes on the left. Enjoy.
Regards
Tom