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CM's Architecture Thread - Thornton Cottage (pg 8) & a homeless home (pg 9)

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  • aricaraiaricarai Posts: 8,984 Member
    Over in @aricarai's little pixel place, she takes the viewer on a humorous video walk down nostalgia lane. Pulling an old, old, old build up from the cobwebs of time, she first gives some hilarious critique of her old work, and then instead of actually 'renovating' it, she scraps the build entirely and builds a brand new house.

    While that house is magnificent, I thought I would take a stab at actually renovating her old build. It was a starter placed on a 25x25 lot, and at first I thought I would try to stick to a starter budget and so rather than placing her build I recreated it on a smaller 20x20 lot to save a bit on cost.

    Of course, about 5 minutes into furnishing the build I decided to scrap the budget entirely and went wild, but the heart of the build is still the little bungalow that aricarai created.

    I hope you (and she!) enjoy my fresh take on it!

    Life's A Beach photo album
    Exchange Link

    This looks amazing! I love that you built it on a sloped lot. The next time I do a What the Plum episode, may I feature some of your screenshots in it as well as a link to the download and photos? <3
  • creativemetaphorcreativemetaphor Posts: 1,543 Member
    @rosemow Thank you for your wonderful comments! It was a bit outside my norm to do a beach aesthetic, but I am very happy with how it turned out. I'm so glad you liked it :)

    @aricarai Of course! I would be honored and delighted <3
  • creativemetaphorcreativemetaphor Posts: 1,543 Member
    edited May 2020
    Anything But Basic - no cc exchange link
    exterior-1.jpg

    For the latest BuildnShare challenge, we were asked to design a lot using only base game materials. No store content, no expansions, no cc (not that I ever use it), nothing! For that restriction, I wanted to make a house that looked as if it was not absolutely confined to base game items, and I think I succeeded!

    There were several inspirations for this build - I had hoped to do a hobbit-style house but the limitations on lot size (had to keep it on a 20x30 lot) made that difficult to fit the extra bedrooms in on the main level. I wanted to really push myself to do an traditional cottage without the help of additional content from expansions or stores, but I also wanted it to have an old world elegance rather than a purely rustic feel. In the end, I imagined the new owners made a loving renovation of an old house, wanting to keep true to the original feel.

    The main floor is buried in the hillside, only the front face is fully exposed, with two small depressions on the sides for additional windows for the kitchen and master bath. If one truly wanted the hobbit hole feel, they could delete the upper floor (yes, making it only a one bedroom house) and cover it with a low green roof or a flat ceiling and then lots of shrubs and/or rocks.

    I may end up moving this build to a larger lot and expanding for more bedrooms but all on the main floor and make it into a more proper hobbit hole! :)


    Out front are both flower and vegetable gardens to enjoy, as well as a telescope for exploring the stars. Inside has a traditional foyer which is open to the living and beyond to the dining giving both a more open feel and yet keeping the rooms defined. The kitchen was left more rustic with the original stone walls but was updated with indoor plumbing! ;) The rooms were heavily inspired by Victorian era decor, colors, and patterns. The bathrooms have retained their original charm with claw-foot tubs

    The study offers a quiet place for reading and art, and the powder room was added for the convenience of guests. Upstairs belongs to the children with two bedrooms and a shared bath.

    Throughout, the home was decorated almost exclusively with self-made art from the easel, however it did not transfer when I saved the lot so I added more game art so the walls wouldn't look so bare. So the uploaded lot is a tad over the 75,000 budget for the challenge.


    Anything But Basic pictures

    Post edited by creativemetaphor on
  • rosemowrosemow Posts: 163,519 Member
    The exterior design and the layout of Anything but Basic is very nice! :) It looks great that it is built into the hillside. The flowers in the front and side gardens look very pretty! It is great that there is a fruit and vegies nook for Sims to enjoy growing and harvesting plants. The white picket fencing is a nice touch and the red windows look great. Very nice furnishing of the interior of the home! The pictures on the entry hall wall are very nice for Sims to see as they enter the home. Very nice living room! The wall pattern and patterned floor rug give a very nice feel to the room. Sims will enjoy sitting and relaxing there chatting near the fire. They will have fun playing chess. It looks very nice the way that the dining room complements with the living room area. The wall texture in the kitchen and the type of kitchen counters used looks very nice! The sunflowers on the table in the corner nook are a sunny touch in the room. Very nice study room for Sims to enjoy sitting at the desk table reading a book or enjoy painting on the easel. The furnishing of the master bedroom is very nice! Nice windows armchairs reading nook in the room for Sims to enjoy the sunshine coming in onto them through the windows as they are sitting there. The curtained bath tub nook in the master bathroom looks great! Very nice designs of the kids rooms .
    It is a very nice family home only using base game items! :)
  • creativemetaphorcreativemetaphor Posts: 1,543 Member
    @rosemow thank you so much for your kind comment :)
  • creativemetaphorcreativemetaphor Posts: 1,543 Member
    edited May 2020
    Very proud of this build so sharing here - not yet uploaded but look for it in future.

    Built for current BuildnShare challenge - We Need Some Space. We were tasked with building a Mars Habitat for simulated isolation tests. Here is my entry:


    M.A.R.S. Colony 6


    LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: The M.A.R.S. project (Mars Artificial Research Simulation was begun to test ways to send a research team to Mars, in hopes of determining feasibility for possible future colonization. A rigorous vetting process produced six of the best candidates for the project experiment - to isolate a crew and see how well they can perform under a two years' Mars living simulation.

    The habitat was designed as several modules connected to a central core. This allows the modules to be isolated in case of emergency or environmental breach. This also allows it to be constructed in phases. The modules have expansion joints (as seen on exterior pictures) to allow for compact transport and expansion on site. There are locks on either side of each door for keyed entry or lock-out. (The only door that does not have a keypad on both sides is, of course, the quarantine room which is designed to keep people in!) Unlocked doors are green whereas locked/sealed doors are red.

    The Command Module which would - in a real Mars mission - carry the crew and dock with the base. This allows the crew to then leave the base intact on Mars and rendezvous with a ship and their replacement crew, or evacuate in case of emergencies. The Command Module docks on the Core Module with access to the electronics systems and airlocks. Except for simulated evacuations run by the simulated Earth Ground Crew, this module would be largely unused.

    Outside is accessed through the airlock. Crew must wear EVA suits for all "Extra Vehicular Activity" to simulate the Martian environment. Once they have suited up and the airlock has depressurized, they can move into the vehicle bay and access the exterior of the base.

    The lowest floor of the Core Module contains the health and fitness area with personal lockers, a storage locker, fitness equipment, large mirror, and laundry facilities. It also has the access to the hygiene facilities.

    The other three modules of the base are the Habitation Module, Greenhouse and Air/Water Purification Module, and the Science and Medical Modules. Every room has a speaker for base-wide announcements and emergency alarms.

    The Habitation Module holds the common living areas and crew quarters. The ground level contains lounge, kitchen, dining, and both solo and cooperative recreational activities. Meals are prepared by all members on a rotating schedule. Once the greenhouse module is fully operational, the hope is that the majority of the nutritional needs can be met by food grown on site.

    On the wall beside the dining table are 6 clocks - each one provided by one of the crew members and set to their home-town's time zone on Earth. The walls themselves were designed to be relaxing and evoke a more earth-like setting, the pale blues to offset the red outside.

    There is also access to the storage/pantry which is contained in the core module.

    The lower floor contains the crew quarters and a quiet lounge where reading can take place. Each crew member has a separate berth which contains an elevated bed, shelf for personal objects, a chair, and a dresser with mirror. Each member has been allowed to bring a small number of personal items to decorate their room.

    The Greenhouse and Air/Water Purification Module has an open central core where the air is filtered and recycled throughout the base. Several large purifiers assist until the greenhouse has grown enough to allow the base to rely only on the smaller units. The water filtration also has small filtration units. The ground floor has a variety of plants growing around the perimeter, these largely are used for experiments. The sub-floor is where the base's food is grown, bees are kept, and a variety of foliage helps recycle the air and water.

    The Science Module has a third-floor observation deck for astronomical research with two telescopes pointed in opposite directions, and the communication antennae array. The ground floor level has the remaining work-stations with computers and a variety of scientific research equipment - including live animal research ability.

    The lowest floor of this module is the medical bay with two sick beds, Dr. Cho's office for regular crew exams, quarantine room, and a surgery/autopsy facility. The medical bay connects to the health and fitness room to allow the doctor to perform fitness tests on the crew.

    The crew are each assigned one EVA suit, one casual suit, a work-out suit, and a skin suit (swimwear). The mission colors are yellow and black. In addition, they have job-specific gear, and are allowed to have personal sleep-wear. They are also expected to have one formal attire for photo-ops.

    screenshot-224.jpg

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    From Left to Right:
    General Kathrine Johnson - Mission Commander & Astronomical Specalist
    Colonel Lavernius Tucker - Payload Commander & Pilot
    Nicki Ahaniania - Botanist & Nutritional Specialist
    Ian McKay - Mechanical & Electrical Engineer
    Doctor Liyan Cho - Medical Doctor
    Doctor Sulman binAfi - Chemical & Geological Specalist
    Post edited by creativemetaphor on
  • rosemowrosemow Posts: 163,519 Member
    You have put so much detailed work and creative ideas into the MARS Colony 6 Build! :) The Build is very great! It would have involved a lot of time designing and furnishing each of the modules! You are so very creative! It was great reading about each module and each area of the build! You have designed it so very well! It is a nice touch that there are 6 clocks in the build, with each set to the time of their home town.
    It is a very creatively designed Mars Colony ! :)
  • soocoolsimsoocoolsim Posts: 6,260 Member

    It was such fun looking through your pics. Well done on this build. Loving the creativity :D
  • creativemetaphorcreativemetaphor Posts: 1,543 Member
    @rosemow and @soocoolsim Thank you both! I had so much fun with this build! What's funny is the actual build itself took almost no time at all, then I spent like 2 weeks CASting everything and fussing with little bits of clutter! :D So glad you both enjoyed and commented!
  • creativemetaphorcreativemetaphor Posts: 1,543 Member
    edited May 2020
    For this month's buildnshare challenge, we were given a pre-built house based on the monotone but all white inside and out, and we had to revise the build in any way we wanted with the following rules:

    Could place the lot anywhere we wanted in any world
    No walls could be added to, removed, or changed on the existing building.
    No doors or windows could be removed or moved on the existing building, but they could be replaced with same sized items of the same type.
    All existing furnishings had to remain, though they could be moved anywhere on the lot.
    You could add doors, windows, or arches.
    You could add other buildings provided they did not intersect the original building.
    Our budget for the final build was 140k.

    Pretty much everything else was up to us. So this is what I came up with. I created a whole story to explain why I put the existing furniture where I did.

    Link to media: Once...


    It is a comfortable house, not too big but neither too small, but like a certain story it is ‘just right’. It is tucked away at the end of an overgrown road, not too far from the quaint little town, but neither does it lie too close.

    It has new windows and doors, and an appealing exterior which fits right in to the surrounding country. A thatched roof completes the look, and an attic tower peeks out above, though no one is quite sure what is up there.

    Trees grow here and there, and densely planted flowers and bushes fill the gardens and frame the house.

    In the middle of a stone-fenced courtyard with a large wooden gate, there is a quaint old well pump and pool. Also in the courtyard is a mysterious statue which seems to watch over a mystical orb that shows the phases of the moon.

    Opening off of the courtyard are the main doors to both the house and the second, smaller building. Between them is a narrow space of garden partially covered by a roof spanning the gap and offering cover to a stone bench there.

    The main house contains the entertaining rooms: a splendid parlor and dining room connected by a wide archway, and each with a fireplace, comfortable chairs, and beautiful wall coverings.

    The parlor had mirrored candles all around which make the room bright and welcoming. There is a fine desk behind the sofa, and a rocking chair beside the hearth, and in the corner is an easel. The back door opens onto a trellised patio with a table and chairs and where an outhouse can be found.

    The dining room has a grand iron chandelier over the table, and a fancy harpsichord in one corner. There is a cabinet with several curios on display, and a fine tapestry. The table is set with four candles around a decorative botanical centerpiece.

    Beyond the dining room is the kitchen which also contains a hearth, as well as several pantry shelves and a door to the greenhouse which is tucked into the corner of the house and opens out onto the vegetable and herb garden along the backside of the house, where there is also a beehive.

    Going around the back of the house is a narrow, enclosed sitting garden with more statues tucked in amongst the foliage, and benches for enjoying the outdoors. It connects to the passage between the buildings and back to the courtyard.

    The smaller, more private building contains on the main floor workshop with a large hearth and cauldron, an alchemy station, and a storage hutch for elixirs. There is another outhouse under the stairs, and an extravagantly furnished loft with a double bed, wardrobe, thick carpets, and lush seating around yet another fireplace.

    From both without and within it seems the perfect fairy-book home.

    But this home holds a terrible secret.

    In a hidden basement accessed through a secret trap door, down an old wooden ladder and beyond a rusted iron gate, there lies an oubliette. With dark walls and rough furnishings, there is only just enough to sustain a sim and no more; bare comfort and no entertainment.

    Who is the sad occupant of this room? Who the author of this imprisonment? Perhaps there is more to this mystery than meets the eye...
    screenshot-2.jpg
    screenshot-114.jpg

    Post edited by creativemetaphor on
  • rosemowrosemow Posts: 163,519 Member
    edited November 2018
    The home looks very homely, warm and nice! :) The thatched roofing and design of the roof is very nice! Very nice Tuder style wall patterning. The flowers , tres and plants in the outdoors areas look very pretty! Very nice gardening nook for Sims to enjoy growing plants and using the bee hive. Very nice furnishing of the interior! The wall patterning and panelling looks very nice. The candles in the parlour are a very nice touch. Very nice dining room! The chandelier is a nice touch over the table, and the floral wall tapestry is pretty for Sims to see whilst sitting there eating a meal. The piano is very creatively made! Sims will enjoy playing or listening to the piano music being played. Very nice design of the kitchen! The fireplace design is very nice. It is great that there is an alchemy station area in the workshop for Sims to enjoy making elixirs,It is nice that there is a greenhouse for growing plants indoors.The oubliette is a dark secret! It is unsettling to wonder why it is there!
    The storybook style build is very nice! :)
  • creativemetaphorcreativemetaphor Posts: 1,543 Member
    @rosemow Thank you for your ever-enjoyed comment!! I am glad you enjoyed looking through the pictures :)
  • ZeiZei Posts: 254 Member
    @creativemetaphor Where can I download Once, please? It's so beautiful!
  • creativemetaphorcreativemetaphor Posts: 1,543 Member
    @zei I went looking for it but can't find it yet. I might have lost the file, unfortunately, but I have several old saves to look through yet. I'll let you know!
  • creativemetaphorcreativemetaphor Posts: 1,543 Member
    @Zei You (and me, both!) are in luck! I managed to find the build, it wasn't in the file I thought it was! Here you are: Once...

    Just a warning, I'm not sure I fully play tested this so you may find one or two issues, but shouldn't be anything too bad. Hope you enjoy :)
  • LucidLennyLucidLenny Posts: 180 Member
    Your builds are incredible!!! I HAVE NO WORDS!
    Lenny | Sims 3 | Uni Student | Timezone: EDT (UTC -4) |My blood type is A- | 50% Anxiety 25% Angst 25% Awesome | I bleed for cute sims <3
  • creativemetaphorcreativemetaphor Posts: 1,543 Member
    @LucidLenny :blush: Aw, thank you very much! I'm glad you like them!
  • creativemetaphorcreativemetaphor Posts: 1,543 Member
    edited May 2020
    Built for The Sims 3 Shell Challenge Corner Challenge #1 (though I rotated the foundation so not technically an entry)

    Download: Casa Arancione - no cc
    Photo Album: Casa Arancione

    Inspired by Monte Vista, this 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath house offers ample entertaining areas both indoors and out, and is fully upgraded/fireproofed. For the wealthy sims who want to upscale their style without going too big.

    Skill and fun items include several bookshelves, a piano and guitar, computer, indoor and outdoor kitchens, 3 fireplaces, telescope, chess, a small 'vineyard' of nectar grapes and some fruit trees, swimming pool and hot tub, fire pit, a dance floor, tv and radio, two easels, and some toys in the kids' room.
    screenshot-16.jpg




    Post edited by creativemetaphor on
  • soocoolsimsoocoolsim Posts: 6,260 Member

    A lovely casa. Well done 🌟
  • creativemetaphorcreativemetaphor Posts: 1,543 Member
    @soocoolsim Thank you, I am so glad you liked it! And thank you for your comment :)
  • creativemetaphorcreativemetaphor Posts: 1,543 Member
    edited May 2020
    Donwload link: Cedarview Cabin - no cc
    Photo album: Cedarview Cabin

    Created for Build n Share challenge #226 Starstruck, a famous Ms Grace wanted a cozy, a 'touch' rustic getaway for her and some of her friends. I definitely built this falling firmly on the rustic-end of "a touch" with a mountain cabin. I used stone, wood, and neutral colors throughout with pops of color (so really I kind of inverted the brief there). The cabin would also work great for a family. It contains three bedrooms (sleeps 5), 2 1/2 baths, two fireplaces - the master bedroom has its own - a large kitchen and ample dining (seating) options.

    Borrowing from one of @aricarai 's signature elements, there are large double barn 'doors' off the dining room. There is a pass-through window between the kitchen and dining, using double cabinets to create an eating bar (pictured below) There is a juice bar and seating under the trellis on the porch, and below on the patio there are lounge chairs which also take advantage of the trellis.

    Large pool, access to an open back yard, and a variety of activities. Many of the typical skill items such as easel or chess table are absent but could be added - probably outdoors. A computer could be added to one of the seating areas if desired. Provided skill items are largely confined to the bookshelf, tv, cooking, and swimming pool. There is plenty of room to add a harvestable garden if one wishes.

    The download is fully upgraded unbreakable/fireproof. The budget for the build was 80,000, but I didn't note what the final cost was after upgrading/depreciation. So... under 80,000.
    (I was really delighted to get this screenshot with the rainbow in it!)
    screenshot-59.jpg
    screenshot-18.jpg
    Post edited by creativemetaphor on
  • creativemetaphorcreativemetaphor Posts: 1,543 Member
    The urge to name this cottage 'Wicker'-something was almost overwhelming ;)

    Thornton Cottage - a homage renovation of @aricarai 's Quaint Cottage

    Her review of this early build of hers is absolutely hilarious! And her make-over is stunning (as always). But once again, I couldn't help but dip my fingers in and meddle with her original build. I gave the original some nods, which include some stone, the raised kitchen/dining area which is echoed in the master bedroom, the firepit outside, and green in the master bedroom. And no, I couldn't resist adding just a touch of wicker. :p

    The front door moved, and the kitchen/dining and living rooms swapped places. The roof was redone and the landscaping was completely changed, including flattening the lot.

    Taking ample advantage of depreciation this does manage to just squeak in as a starter home for a family of 4, and hopefully will keep up with basic needs for a little while, at least. It contains 2 bedrooms (sleeps 4), 2 1/2 baths, and a small enclosed garden off the back. Play tested and fully upgraded to fireproofed/unbreakable. Admittedly there were a few things that I sacrificed to make this a family starter, but I am still quite happy with the results, and I hope aricarai enjoys my take on her build.


    Thornton Cottage - no cc download
    Thornton Cottage photo album


    screenshot-39.jpg
    screenshot-41.jpg
    screenshot-46.jpg


  • aricaraiaricarai Posts: 8,984 Member
    Wow! A) How do you build so quickly? B) Love what you did with this, it definitely looks and feels like a family cottage. Love the little wicker nods and also the use of platforms, especially in the kitchen area! LOVE! C) May I please borrow some of the screenshots for the next WTP, which I promise won't be two years away?
  • soocoolsimsoocoolsim Posts: 6,260 Member

    It looks great, and so well furnished for a starter home. Well done! :D
  • creativemetaphorcreativemetaphor Posts: 1,543 Member
    @aricarai I'm so glad! Yes, of course you can use whatever screenshots you like :) (though my graphic settings aren't the best, you're welcome to take some of your own if you prefer)

    @soocoolsim Thank you! It's amazing how much you can fit in if you just 'wait' long enough :D
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