The New and Improved Build-n-Share ARCHIVES

#BnS200 -The Age of Aquarius

Challenge deadline: 1st April 2018

You look at what can only be described as the colorful group in front of you, not entirely sure they did not just walk off the stage of Hair and into your office. The faint smells of patchouli tickles your nose as the group sits, several of them on the floor despite having enough chairs for all.

There are three men and three women, each decked in the most outrageous hippy outfits: bright patterns, flowers in their hair, sandaled feet mixed into the eclectic wardrobes, the works.

"A place for all six of you?" you ask, making sure you have the notes right.

"Not like one place, but all connected, like the universe, man, like all of us," says the man who gave his name only as Essence.

Unfortunately, that doesn't really clarify anything, but thankfully the girl identified as Lavender speaks up. "A commune, y'know? Like back in the day, when people all lived together but still had their own space, too."

"Oh, yes, I see! So you'll want six...?"

"Nah, man," Essence says, head rolling oddly from one side to the other. "Three pairs, right? Y'dig?"

"Of course, three," you say, and despite the truly bizarre interview happening you actually feel yourself thinking this might be an interesting project.

Sparrow, the youngest-looking of the women, speaks up. She has a soft voice and doesn't look quite fully at you. "But all one kitchen and bathrooms and gardens."

"And places for our skills, like," offers Storm, the only one of the men not to have facial hair. You silently wonder if that is deliberate or if he just can't grow any.

"...like?" you prompt.

"Raven needs room for making her art," Lavender says, indicating the third woman with hair the color of her name. "Essence plays guitar, Sparrow collects things - y'know, rocks, bugs, that kind of stuff."

"Space rocks, man," Essence interjects. “Like, far out.”

You think he might be trying a bit too hard at this 'hippy' thing.

Continuing on, Lavender adds, "I'm a writer, but my publisher won't take long-hand copies so I do need a computer. Storm does the gardening and Sky cooks. But there's already going to be a garden and kitchen, won’t there?" she adds as an afterthought.

"Maybe a place to swim, hm?" Sky asks.

"Man, don't be greedy," Essence says. "Pools are, like, the visible cancer of materialistic excess of the bourgeois."

Resisting a sigh, you go back over your notes quickly. "Right, so to make sure I have everything, you want an isolated lot where you can set up your commune with no cars, only walking or bikes. Three separate spaces, but communal living and cooking areas, a garden, space for all your hobbies and skills, and maybe a place to swim, provided it is not overly materialistic or excessive. Have I got that right?"

They all looked at one another for silent confirmation, then nodded together.

Oh good. "And, what kind of budget do you have available?"


Brief

§125,000k budget

Design and build a commune with 3 separate private buildings, a communal building with kitchen, communal bathing facilities, a garden, and room for their noted skill or hobby items.

Lot should be in as isolated a location as possible.

No roads or pavement, only walking or bike paths.

Build should incorporate generally eco-friendly elements.


Optional challenge:
Create Essence, Lavender, Sparrow, Raven, Storm, and Sky based on their descriptions above. They are all eco-friendly, but the rest of their attributes are up to you. Tell us a bit about them and show their reaction to their new communal homes.


Entry List

Beginners

N/A

Intermediate

OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM #200 - The Age of Aquarius
NAME: @Jessabeans
LINK TO LOT: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9200367
LINK TO MEDIA: http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/16382495/#Comment_16382495
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: n/a
LEVEL: intermediate
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 40x40, 9 Sunstone Ct, Hidden Springs §100,226
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: Located in a spacious and secluded lot in Hidden Springs, adjacent to the river and also centered around a pond. Crafted with a mix of sustainable new and reclaimed wood. (the barn and the bridge are a fresh cut unfinished wood as they would have likely been new construction, and the cabins and greenhouse appear to be from reclaimed wood, and the potting shed looks more weathered since it didn't need to be winterized.) Many natural finishes, but sprinkled with a little personality and comfort. (I assumed the girls would want a more whitewashed look and some purely decorative elements for their room and the common areas, but kept the reclaimed lumber look and sparse functional decor for the men's cabins and outbuildings.) I added a small pool within the pond so it would be swimmable but not be a bourgeoisie swimming pool.
Looking at hippie communes for inspiration, I found heat and renewable food sources to be a necessity so I gave them some starter plants in the garden, stocked the pond with fish(spawners) and outfitted each cabin with a wood burning stove and left them a stockpile of firewood. It should be a self-sustaining farm if they don't get distracted by Essence's moodlamp. No promises.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: yes
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: No cc used

OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM #200 - The Age of Aquarius
NAME: Kgaff
LINK TO LOT: n/a
LINK TO MEDIA: http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/16400410/#Comment_16400410
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: included with lot
I just had fun making the sims and really don't have a back story.
LEVEL: intermediate
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 50x50 - no address in Riverview - 114,754
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: The lot was placed in the farthest reaches of Riverview along a path and near the river.
Before I started building the lot I thought about how the outer areas (outside the lot itself) would lend privacy so I built up a rocky outcrop for the pond area and landscaped it so the pond didn't just look like a hole in the ground using edit world.
The commune is based on eco friendliness and recycling. It is a self-supporting commune with plenty of food options, fishing, a very large garden, fruit trees, bees and even a chicken coop.
Water collection areas, wind power and solar panels keep everything up and running.
In one corner is the bathing tent with two showers and a bath tub. Even though there are no actual doors on the tent everyone is very happy to take a bath from time to time.
There are two outhouse style "composting" toilets near the bath tent.
The "communal living" building has a huge eat-in kitchen with a bakers oven, canning station and regular kitchen appliances. The large living room has seating for everyone, it's large enough for playing guitar, dancing to tunes on an old school record player and places for all the collectables. The third room has all the art objects, and a computer for the writer of the bunch. There are also a sculpting station and jewelry making station outside.
Three separate cabins are located in the front corner, with a bon-fire ring and a party pavilion for dancing the nights away.
There are several bikes for transportation as well as those good old feet!
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: "yes"
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: n/a

OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM #200 - The Age of Aquarius
NAME: ElleDaes
LINK TO LOT: TBD
LINK TO MEDIA: https://www.facebook.com/pg/ElleDaes/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2036015719972033
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: n/a
LEVEL: intermediate
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 40x40 Lot, no address, $124,999
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS:
A commune that takes advantage of all that modern eco-research has to offer. Solar panels, wind power, water collection and radiant thermal windows along with ecofriendly materials like hempcrete and cork flooring all work together to minimize the eco footprint of this lot.
Built deep in the hills of Los Aniegos, the only means of accessing this property is by foot. Offering 360 degree views of the surrounding hills, this commune is isolated away from the “visible cancer of materialistic excess of the bourgeois”. With a lot of something for everyone.
Each private residence has a loft bed accessible from both sides via ladder and a private sitting area each decorated with a unique flair to suite our eclectic and eccentric future occupants.
The communal building holds a shared living room with built ins for collection display; an oversized kitchen made for group meal prep, harvestable clean up and canning and cooking; bench seating dining under a custom low energy, high character light display; and, finally, the communal bathroom with double vanity and prep area, three toilet stalls, two shower heads and a natural spring bath; upstairs is a flex space which holds a small work station for aspiring authors and one for aspiring artists, let the 270 degree views take your artistic works to new heights and fill up the full length book shelf and wall space with your own works.
The grounds hold an inviting array of activities, from the natural spring swim area, to the bon fire, extensive gardens, elevated patio with wood fire oven and musician performance area to clothes line. Chickens, bees, wildlife and full landscaping fill out the space.
This commune is ready for Essence and co’ to make it their forever home far, far away from my office. Seriously, natural soap exists dude. Apply it.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Yes
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: n/a

Advanced

OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM: No.200: The Age of Aquarius
NAME: Mederouin
LINK TO LOT: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9203403
LINK TO MEDIA: https://imgur.com/a/O0Z6X
(Hopefully this will work because I have been having uploading issues with Flickr, so trying this for the first time. Fingers Crossed it works out better)
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: N/A
LEVEL: Advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 64 X 64 Placed lot off of S Falls Ave in Moonlight Falls, Final cost: 98,517
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: For this project I wanted to do something that played with the idea of leaving the land in better condition than when you found it. I thought that would be fitting considering that the clients here wanted to be as eco-friendly as possible and a big part of that is recycling. So instead of starting with a "pure" lot, I chose to work off of the idea that my lot had been an abandoned port of some kind. It had overgrown piles of garbage and old shipping containers laying around that now half caved in shipping lanes and the old restrooms were in sore need of repair. I used this imagined version of my placed lot to rehab the whole lot by turning the restrooms into a bathhouse and the shipping containers into the rest of the buildings. I chose to put everything onto the pile foundations in order to maintain the natural landscape and minimize the terrain sculpting that needed to be done in order to put the building on. For the inside I wanted it to have not quite a minimalistic feel, but something that wasn't materialistic. I wanted it to feel put together, but without trying too hard to make everything match if that makes sense. I wanted the whole thing to be about reclaiming something that others had thrown away and forgotten. I left some of the "garbage" on the lot to act as sculptures and perhaps reminders of why the clients wanted to live this way in the first place.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Yes, please
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: N/A

OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM #200 - The Age of Aquarius
NAME: creativemetaphor
LINK TO LOT: not uploaded
LINK TO MEDIA: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPR-p2uMuy3OnaNbpfPbq-WXHLkZHB7BdTTCbgLghc51fQ2Zy7H7iFlMzjhibjYpw?key=UDBrMTBYRklGR19iT3owSXRGbjlXSEd1dXN3YTVn
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: included in above
LEVEL: advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 64X54 - Stoney Falls, 57 Waterfall Way, Sunset Valley - final cost: 114,717
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: At first I was going to build on the lot next to Stoney Falls, but then the idea of showering using the waterfall was just too cool!
This lot is built on top of Stoney Falls, revitalizing the old Stoney Mill there beside the waterfall. The walkways criss-cross the pond, giving adequate access to all corners of the lot while keeping the center open to appreciate the beauty of nature.
The first small building one comes to is the bike shed, with the mail box and garbage and recycle bins. Near that is the covered firepit for roasting marshmallows and telling ghost stories!
There are three cabins for private spaces -
The first (labeled Cabin A) is the largest with two floors for Sky and his kid sister Sparrow. He is a natural cook who loves to swim, is quite handy, neat, and eco-friendly. His favorites are green, mushroom omelette, and Chinese music. He keeps his room on the main floor very tidy, with the view from his bed overlooking the area of the pond where it's easy to swim.
Sparrow is on the second floor, with a nook for all her collectible items. She's a teen who is very adventurous, loves the outdoors, gathers and is eco-friendly. Her favorites are yellow, parfait, and Egyptian music.
Cabin B is where Raven and her wife and artistic partner Lavender live. It is the smallest cabin, but that is how they like it. Cozy and comfortable, with just enough space for their things. Raven has two easels, one indoor and one outdoor depending on her mood. She is artistic, dramatic, a perfectionist, vegetarian, and eco-friendly. Her favorites are blue (but really, she's an artist, she loves all colors!), mushroom omelette, and classical music.
Lavender has her laptop and desk where she can write beside the window which overlooks the pond. She is also artistic, vegetarian, perfectionist, and eco-friendly, and is also a bookworm. Her favorites are white, falafel and indie music.\
The third Cabin, C, is for Storm and Essence. It has a grand wrap porch with space to relax and watch the chickens peck around the garden. Essence has three guitars and loves to play his favorite indie music. His other favorites are red and dim sum. He is absent minded, avant garden, artistic, a virtuoso, and eco-friendly.
Storm loves his garden and wanted it to be close by, and keeps indoor plants as well. His favorite color is of course green, and he loves autumn salad and roots music. He is absent minded, loves the outdoors, is a night owl, eco-friendly, and definitely has a green thumb. He enjoys fishing late into the night.
While their respective cabins offer some private space when needed, in general they don't treat any space as off-limits to anyone. The old Mill was revitalized into the commons - where the kitchen, living and dining areas, games loft and a greenhouse can be found. There is a fireplace and plenty of seating for everyone to enjoy hanging out with one another, reading, listening to music, or trying their hand in the kitchen. There is even a canning station for keeping the produce for year-round enjoyment. The old water wheel provides most of the electricity needed for the lot.
The outhouse building has 4 toilet stalls, two sinks, and shelves for all those spare necessities like extra toilet paper! The shower area is right under the waterfall, and has a sauna for extra relaxation.
Every corner was designed to be eclectic, a jumble of styles, patterns, and colors pulled together from thrift stores and handed-down items. Even so, comfort was paramount - the spaces had to feel welcoming and bright without hurting the eyes or being overwhelming. And, of course, the individual preferences of those living in the spaces were taken into consideration.
This lot puts the "aqua" in Aquarius, the pond being central both literally and as a focus for the covered porches off the private cabins.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: yes, please
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: n/a

Results

Beginners -:
Comments: N/A
1st Place: N/A
Optional Challenge: N/A

Intermediates -:
Comments
1st Place: @ElleDaes
Optional Challenge:N/A

Advanced -:
Comments
1st Place: @creativemetaphor
Optional Challenge: N/A

#BnS201 -The Hawthorne Project Part II

Challenge deadline: 1st May 2018

“I can’t believe it’s been three months since I met Ms Hawthorne” You think to yourself as you open the email from The Hawthorne Legacy on your laptop. You still had Rose sitting in the foyer being her ultra efficient self, now, the foyer looks a little like a bomb site, with papers and folio’s littering most of the surfaces.

“I really miss Rose. She's only been on holiday a week and it's like she was never here!.” You ruminate on this as you read the email.

Hi, my name is Karl Hedges, I saw a flyer for the Hawthorne Project and had to email in for my sister, Julia. She is new to the area and is stuck in a small one room apartment in a shady area of town. It’s a shame she’s so much of a loner, she barely leaves her apartment. She deserves better than this, I would love to help her myself, but my husband was recently made redundant and we have three wonderful children to support. She moved here to be closer to us and I feel just awful that things haven’t turned out as planned. We were planning on building an annex to our home for her to live in, so that I could return to work as a Personal Assistant. Julia is a nanny, she is so family oriented, we were going to provide room and board for her services. I have attached a link to her Simpinterest account so that you can see the sort of decor ideas she has.

You click the link and you are taken to a page that shows a real love of shabby chic, lots of baby pinks and blues and creams. This girl has taste you think to yourself. As you continue to browse Julia’s Pins you notice that there are lots of Yoga poses and clothing, as well as healthy recipes. You continue to read the rest of Karl’s email.

She doesn’t know that I am doing this for her, she is quite proud and would hate to think that she was being given ‘charity’, but I want her to be safe and have a home she can love. Everyone deserves at least that. She is so cheerful about her situation, insisting that something will turn up.

Thanks for taking the time to read this email and I really hope to hear from you soon.

Regards.

Karl Hedges

This is perfect, you think to yourself, you start up your design programme and start beavering away on ideas for your new project.

Brief

• §30,000 budget
  
• A 1 or 2 bedroom home, you have free reign on how the house is built, landscaped, laid out etc.
  
• Must include: a computer, a vegetable garden, a chess table, an easel, at least one musical instrument, at least one piece of fitness equipment and a book case.
  

Optional challenge:
Create Julia and include 3 pictures of her enjoying her new home.


Entry List


Beginner


NAME: Kesminlix
LINK TO LOT: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9210380
LINK TO MEDIA: https://imgur.com/a/mIyQ5Vn
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: N/A
LEVEL: Beginner
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: $29,986 451 Riverview Road, Riverview 20x30
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: The Julia is a quaint little home. It is very shabby chic inspired and contains the client's favorite colors: baby blues, pinks, and creams. While it is technically a 2 bedroom home, one bedroom is decorated as an office/art studio. Meaning guests are welcome to visit, but are not allow to stay. There is a large backyard so that the nieces and nephews can run around and play. While there is a small garden, there is enough room for the garden to expand (as well as the house).
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: No
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: N/A


Intermediate

OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM #201 - The Hawthorne Project Part II
NAME: Kgaff
LINK TO LOT:
LINK TO MEDIA: https://www.flickr.com/photos/154029363@N06/albums/72157665976199427
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: if you entered the optional challenge, include a link here
LEVEL: intermediate
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 25 x 25 Somewhere in Moonlight Falls on a lot placed by me, 29,977
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: This is a one bedroom cottage built for Julia who loves the shabby chic decorating style. I used pink, baby blue, cream and a very light turquoise for the wall coverings and rugs and such. She has a large eat-in kitchen, a small office area with her computer, a chess table and her favorite guitar. The living room is full of mismatched, ruffled furniture with several keepsakes scattered around.
There is a starter garden and a chin-up bar for exercise and a comfy bench under the tree.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: "yes" if you'd like suggestions for improvement, "no" if you'd like only positive feedback
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: n/a


OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM #201 - The Hawthorne Project Part II
NAME: AlphaFen
LINK TO LOT: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9212617
LINK TO MEDIA: http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/13864878/#Comment_13864878
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: Not entered
LEVEL: Intermediate, due to the fact that I’ve been building for a while now rather than any form of competence. I will not be offended if you feel beginner is more suitable
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: Size: 15 x 20. Address: plonked by me in Hidden Springs. Cost: 29,998 blood, sweat and constant redecorates
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS:
Client traits: Loner, Virtuoso, Family Friendly, Artistic and Eco-Friendly
Thinking behind the build: An old cottage that provides solitude in the countryside for Julia while being a plumbob’s throw from the Hedges. The cottage was in a run down state and needed a complete overhaul giving Julia a chance to not see it as “charity” but as a project to give new life to a piece of sim heritage. She spent many happy hours scouring flea markets and craft fairs for second hand furniture to upcycle and personalize her new home with. This allowed her to combine saving money and the planet, while hopefully giving an element of shabby chic that is in keeping with the cottage’s original features. Plus all that furniture painting provided a fun family activity (and a lot of mess!).
Though this is very much meant to be Julia’s haven the downstairs is large and open to provide space for when the kids do come round. Upstairs is her private sanctuary where she can do yoga on the balcony or invite close friends up for tea. All items required are included. However, the athletic item is a kicky bag (on the end table in the lounge, where one of the kids left a frisbee) which you may not be able to see.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Yes please, any pointers would be appreciated
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: No CC was used or harmed in the making of this build


Advanced


OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM #201 - The Hawthorne Project Part II
NAME: creativemetaphor
LINK TO LOT: not uploaded
LINK TO MEDIA: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOHafoG4ojECDb_mFxb7jc5pppqRhn5i2P7RKbevZDi5mxZ62IfaPyEZcvNHkBacg?key=OTNZSnNXUTUzenhLTzkzX3FrYjlhVTJIREpXbDFR
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: included in above
LEVEL: advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: custom placed 20x25 in Riverview - Final cost 30,000
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: I had originally tried to build this in France but it caused some issues and I realized I couldn't have Julia move in there so I ended up moving it to Riverview. But that ultimately inspired my story for this build.
Julia Dubois grew up in the lush countryside of France. Her brother married and moved away to his new home with his husband, and Julia soon followed after, missing him too much and longing to be around her niece and nephews.
Coming from such an open, friendly area, being stuck in a small city apartment was torture. This little cottage is the perfect home for her. It was just like the small cottages of her home town, cozy and small but still giving so much space for her loves.
It has two bedrooms, and even though she is usually a loner, it offers space for family to visit. The living room has a fireplace, comfortable seating, and her computer. The quaint kitchen feels just like being at her grandmother's house, and the tea set for relaxing after an afternoon in the garden.
The bathroom has delightful vintage fixtures, and a storage cabinet for linens and her toiletries.
There is a full attic bonus room which offers space for her yoga and ballet practice, a little reading nook, and place for her art overlooking the countryside.
It is situated out in the country near a river, not far from her brother's house but enough to give them both ample privacy when needed and yet close enough for even the children to walk between them.
Julia Dubois herself is a family-oriented loner who is a natural cook, has a green thumb, and enjoys exploring her artistic side.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: yes, please
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: n/a


OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM No.201:The Hawthorne Project Part II
NAME: Mederouin
LINK TO LOT: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9206983
LINK TO MEDIA: https://imgur.com/a/4rhsS
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: N/A
LEVEL: Advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 20X30; 451 Riverview Rd, Riverview; Final Cost: 30,000
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: As is probably obvious by now I enjoy reclaimed or found architecture and so when I read the prompt and found out that Julia liked shabby chic design I thought about designing her a cottage or a mini Victorian that would complement the romantic aspects of the shabby chic, but in the end I guess I wanted something more organic and less predictable if that is the right word. So I built a Victorian inspired greenhouse. I tried to reason that it had been some forgotten part of a long time gone estate that had been left to the woods and had been found and converted into a cute little home. I left the front lawn a bit overgrown to enhance the sense of privicy that could be missing from living in a glass box and I wanted to leave some of the "planting benches" and the stone floors inside to give it a more old world feel like someone had wanted to preserve that which had endured for so long. Hope you enjoy.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Yes, please
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: N/A


NAME: ElleDaes
LINK TO LOT: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9213072
LINK TO MEDIA: https://www.facebook.com/pg/ElleDaes/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2050766151830323
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: n/a
LEVEL: advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 10 Hinkley Road, Los Aniegoes, $30,000
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS:
A 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath home custom built for Julia Hedges. I hope she likes to garden. This shabby chic home comes complete with extensive fruit and vegetable gardens, art easel, large back deck, fire pit, and parking space. The interior is spacious with an eat-in kitchen, spa like ensuite, laundry/half-bath, living, working and creative space. Built on a custom placed lot in Los Aniegos World.
*You can't kind of see the garden in the link to lot, but the upload is weird, half the pictures are missing.*
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: yes
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: n/a


OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM #201 - The Hawthorne Project Part II
NAME: aricarai
LINK TO LOT: n/a
LINK TO MEDIA: http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/16457465/#Comment_16457465
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: n/a
LEVEL: advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: placed 20x25 lot in Moonlight Falls, §29,995
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: A small, yet quaint coach house makes for the perfect one bedroom, one bathroom cottage for a Sim that loves a cozy space decorated in a shabby chic style. With colors of baby blue, pinks, and flower patterns throughout, The Coach House is very feminine in its décor. It features an open main floor plan with an elevated sun room that looks out onto the small pond, back deck and vegetable garden. Even though it is a small home, there is plenty to do from playing chess, playing piano, painting or simply curling up with a good book in front of the fireplace.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Yes, please
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED:
- Doors & Windows:
- Asarina Build Set
- Maxime Build Set
- Flooring:
- Cakenoodles
- Patterns:
- omfgingers
- omfgingers
- peacemaker-ic
- peacemaker-ic
- Pralinesims


Results


Beginners -:
Comments
1st Place: @Kesminlix
Optional Challenge: N/A

Intermediates -:
Comments
1st Place: @Kgaff
Optional Challenge:N/A

Advanced -:
Comments
1st Place: @aricarai
Optional Challenge: N/A

#BnS202 - A Fairy Tale Cottage

The deadline for this challenge is 1st June 2018

As you breeze into the studio after a two-hour lunch (you’re entitled!), you can’t help but be thankful that Rose is back from her vacation. You notice a very thin, plain looking young woman with a pleasant smile sitting quietly in the waiting area. Rose whispers, “She’s your 2 o’clock appointment. She got here an hour early!”

You whisper back, “Give me a minute, and then send her in.”

Rose escorts her into your office and offers her something to drink.

“Oh my!” she says, “I don’t know… I…” as if somehow asking for anything was the biggest imposition in the world.

You say to her, “I was just going to have a cup of tea. Will you join me?”

“Why yes, thank you. If it’s not too much trouble…”

“No trouble at all!” you reassure her.

As Rose is getting the tea, you take a quick glance at your appointment book and discover that the young woman sitting opposite you is one Louise Ehrmantraut.

“So, Ms Ehrmantraut,” you say as Rose serves the tea, “how may we help you?”

She sips her tea and takes a few moments to gather the courage to speak. “Well… I mean… that is, I heard that you help people with… well… not just rich people.”

“That’s right,” you smile. “We help people no matter what the budget.”

Finally, after a long pause and a few more sips of tea, she begins her story, “You should know that I work at the Willow Creek Nursing Home as an aide. I really love my work. I do! The residents are fascinating. Everyone has a story to tell. But there is—I should say—was a man there (he passed just a week ago) who was my favorite. I know I shouldn’t have favorites, but Jack Nimble was. He had the best stories about his life and I could sit for hours listening to him. Anyway, as I said, he passed recently.”

“I’m so sorry,” you murmur sympathetically.

“Thank you!” Louise smiles gratefully. “So I was surprised when a man in a suit showed up two days ago at the door of the trailer I rent in Oasis Springs. He said he was Frank O’Pinyon from the law firm of Dewey Cheatham & Howe. He said that Mr. Nimble had left me §20,000! I couldn’t believe it! I’ve never had any kind of money like that! And that got me thinking that I’d really like to get out of that trailer and buy a place of my own in Willow Creek so that I could walk to work. I know §20,000 isn’t very much, but…”

“We have worked with smaller budgets than that!” you interject. “What sort of a house would you like?”

“Well… I like to read, you know, fantasy and romance,” she smiles blushing. “I’ve always sort of pictured myself in a little cottage—sort of like in a fairy tale.” She blushes even more.

“That’s a lovely idea!” you reassure her again. “And a fitting tribute to your friend who left you the bequest.”

“Thank you! You’ve been so kind!”

You continue to discuss her needs, and as you see her out, you say to her, “Ms Ehrmantraut, you are about to become the heroine of your own story!”

THE BRIEF:

Create a small, fairy tale cottage for Louise on a lot in Sunset Valley. The cottage needs a place for her to sleep, to cook, to eat, and to read. The lot should include at least one bookshelf and a toilet, sink and bathtub or shower. Suitable landscaping for a fairy tale cottage should also be included!

BUDGET: §20,000 = Lot Cost + Building Cost

Hint: when building a starter home, terrain paint and the debug menu (cheat: bb.showhiddenobjects) are your friends!

SIM CHALLENGE: Create Louise Ehrmantraut. She is a young adult. Her aspiration is to be Super Popular, and she has the Bookworm trait. All other traits are up to you. Show her enjoying her new cottage and/or living life!


Entry List


Beginners


N/A


Intermediates


NAME: Kgaff
LINK TO LOT: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9216018
LINK TO MEDIA: https://www.flickr.com/photos/154029363@N06/albums/72157666886797657
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: included in above media
LEVEL: intermediate
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 20x20, placed by me on Pinochle Point, 19,997
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS:This is a small fairy tale "inspired" cottage for Louise who love to paint, read, has a childish streak but can be prim and proper when needed.
The decor is part chic, part fantasy and all very comfortable. There is one bedroom, one bath, a large kitchen and combo dining and living room. Outside there is a small covered patio with an easel and hiding around the corner of the house is a water feature. A sitting bench and wishing well are in the front yard.
Some of the pictures show paintings done by Louise after I started playing and testing the lot. They were not included in the price or in the uploaded lot.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: "yes"
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: n/a


FORUM LINK: https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/16481284/#Comment_16481284
NAME: cwaddell
LINK TO LOT: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9217174
LINK TO MEDIA: http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/16469685/#Comment_16469685
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: n/a
LEVEL: intermediate
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 20x30 at 18 Maywood Lane in Sunset Valley (next to the Bunch house). Cost $18,742.
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: This is a small cozy cottage for one person consisting of a sitting room by the fireplace, an eat-in kitchen, bedroom and bath. Although this is a gingerbread cottage that could be hidden in a clearing deep in an ancient forest it fits in very well on this lot in Sunset Valley that borders the Maywood Glen Park. The cupola is a fantasy play on the one on the city hall building seen over the treeline.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: "yes"
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: n/a


FORUM LINK - https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/16490606/#Comment_16490606
NAME: suzses
LINK TO LOT: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9218344 <--Slightly modified version of my lot with wall closed off between bedroom and bath and arch added.
LINK TO MEDIA: https://www.flickr.com/photos/149259598@N06/sets/72157669163165508
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE:
Media: https://flic.kr/s/aHskyrc3rM
Link (household): https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9218319
LEVEL: Intermediate
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 20 x 15 custom lot between corporate tower and criminal warehouse in Sunset Valley - cost 19,959.
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: I wanted to be able to use some nice furniture and decor so chose to build a small structure on a very small custom placed lot located between the corporate tower and criminal warehouse rabbit hole, just off a pathway. It's somewhat hidden between trees and the other buildings, so it would be kind of a surprise to discover if you were walking along the path. Unfortunately, it was also very difficult to take pictures at that location, so I placed a copy of the lot elsewhere and took some of the pictures there. Nothing about the actual lot is different; it's just moved somewhere where it was somewhat easier to maneuver the camera.
The interior rooms of the house are not completely closed off from each other, so there are openings from the living room to bedroom to bathroom. This is fine for a single sim or a couple as long as they don't have company and someone needs to use the restroom. :o When considering whether to upload this lot, I thought perhaps it would be better to do a slightly different version of it with the bathroom closed off from the rest of the house. I thought I'd put up a link to that version once it's uploaded.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Yes, please.
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: N/A


Advanced


FORUM LINK - https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/16464539/#Comment_16464539
NAME: creativemetaphor
LINK TO LOT: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9214412 (MODIFIED version - placed on a flat lot and a few more items/landscaping added)
LINK TO MEDIA: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOgewQQfbzYpoQ6_iQF6-7CkcITGZSoaY52wxpIFXScZoHgwFZ9HShkUx25BhUTdQ?key=SlBZWWlIR2ZIUnlMNG1TQUlSVFdXRFE2aE95T2Rn
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: included in above
LEVEL: advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: custom placed 20x20 lot in Sunset Valley; final cost 19,995
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: This little cottage is the perfect escape from the mundane life. Visitors are treated to a wooden foot bridge which spans a small water feature babbling down the rocks. A set of stone steps winds down to the walk-out basement and garden area with a stone table for outdoor eating and a side gate.
The living room has a spectacular view of the water through the bay window, a cozy fireplace, and comfortable seating for guests. The bedroom is kept suitably secluded from the living room.
Down stairs is the eat-in kitchen with a view over the garden and large cooking hearth. The bathroom has a deep, wooden tub and the toilet is tucked in behind a screen.
Louise is a shy, vegetarian bookworm, but she's also artistic and a hopeless romantic. Her favorite color is green, and she's always dreamed of living in her very own fairy tale cottage
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: yes please
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: N/A


FORUM LINK - https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/16487932/#Comment_16487932
NAME: Mederouin
LINK TO LOT: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9218172
LINK TO MEDIA: https://imgur.com/a/GG7mjjA
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: N/A
LEVEL: Advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 30X30; 2300 Pinochle Point; Final Cost: 20,000
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: For this build I wanted to build something that resembled a tutor cottage with a picturesque landscape. I wanted the landscape to be something that looked too perfectly sculpted to be natural, but also to look like it was intended to seem natural with the little pond and the tree in the center island that would make a perfect reading spot. For the inside I wanted to go with something that reminded me of a vacation cottage with hand me down furniture and random forgotten knickknacks just left behind. I wanted it to feel cozy and kind of simple, like it was always meant to fit into the landscape. Hope you enjoy.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Yes, Please
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: N/A


Results


Beginners -:
Comments: N/A
1st Place: N/A
Optional Challenge: N/A

Intermediates -:
Comments
1st Place: @suzses
Honorable Mention: @cwaddell
Optional Challenge: @Kgaff

Advanced -:
Comments
1st Place: @creativemetaphor
Optional Challenge: @creativemetaphor

#BnS203 - East Meets West

The deadline for this challenge is 30th June 2018

“I’m getting hungry!” Rose says to you, even though it is only an hour after you’ve both had lunch.

“Huh?” you respond.

“Your two o’clock appointment: they're both renowned chefs,” she winks.

You have been looking forward to meeting this husband and wife team, who are opening a new restaurant in Sunset Valley. When Tiàowu Songshu and Clotilde St. Honoré walk in, you are struck by what an elegant pair they make.

“We met in Paris,” Clotilde tells you, “when Tiàowu was studying at the Cordon Bleu. I had a little pâtisserie in Caen and had come into town for the day. I won’t say it was love at first sight, but rather love at first bite. I knew I wanted this man the moment I tasted his rice flour crêpes filled with five-spice pork!”

“And she had me the first time I tasted her tarte Tatin,” her husband laughs.

“So what kind of restaurant are you looking to open,” you say, getting down to business.

“A pan-Asian fusion restaurant. We want to serve the best of Asia and Europe combined!” Tiàowu says enthusiastically.

“Of course, all the desserts will be French,” Clotilde inserts.

“Sounds wonderful!” you say. “What will you call it?”

Tiàowu answers, “Clotilde suggested ‘The King and Pie’, but Thai is only one of the Asian cuisines we will be referencing in the menu. So we’re open to suggestions.”

You discuss the budget and details and work out a building schedule.

“We’re eager to open up!” Clotilde tells you as the couple leaves.

“And I guarantee I’ll be your first customer!” you reply.

“Not if I get there before you do!” Rose interjects.


THE BRIEF:

Lot: Any 30x40 lot in Sunset Valley (can be custom placed)

Architecture/Interior style: let the menu inspire your choices—a sophisticated combination of Asian and European influences!

Minimum requirements:

• kitchen (counter, stove or chef station, refrigerator, dishwasher and sink)
• tables and seating for at least 10 people
• host station (this will require some creative thinking)
• clearing area (again, think outside the box)
• 2 toilets
• customer waiting area
• waste disposal

BUDGET: §80,000


Entry List


Intermediates


FORUM LINK: https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/16568160/#Comment_16568160
OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM #203 - East Meets West
NAME: Kgaff
LINK TO LOT: not downloaded
LINK TO MEDIA: https://www.flickr.com/photos/154029363@N06/albums/72157692614680880
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: n/a
LEVEL: intermediate
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 30x40, no address I bulldozed something and don't remember, $79,987
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: My restaurant is named Le Petit Chopstick, an Asian fusion restaurant with touches of the french countryside.
The main theme is obviously of Asian influence with the color palette and decor, but if you look closely there are touches of the french side as well. The awnings over the bakery and the dessert bar and the lighting choices in the bar and dining room are defiantly french inspired.
The bar area has decor that melds the Asian and french influences with soft lighting and French and Asian decor.
Diners have the choice of seating at a sushi bar or one of the more intimate tables for two or four. There are views of the koi pond out front or the action kitchen to watch your entrees being made.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: yes
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: n/a


FORUM LINK: https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/16569561/#Comment_16569561
NAME: suzses
LINK TO LOT: Not yet uploaded. Will be testing as a community lot, maybe adding a few things to that version, and will provide a link for that when ready. (I did convert it long enough to see if NPC's would staff the appropriate spots - they do - and included a couple staff members in my photos.)
Edited to add:
Link to uploaded version: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9230859
(I've made it a Hang Out, which seems to work pretty well with everything on the lot, and added some things that didn't make the budget for the challenge.)
LINK TO MEDIA: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmicyAKh
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: N/A
LEVEL: Intermediate
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 30x40, 373 Skyborough Lane, $79, 989.
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: My inspiration for this was a picture of a restaurant with an area with colored lighting off the dining room and lots of plants, but not combined the way I did with the plant side rooms around the dining area. (I turned on the plant lights and think they will stay on, but if not, and someone downloads the version I eventually upload, they are set on cyan, dim for "this room." There are wall lights in both of the two plant rooms to click on to set them. The other lights in those areas are all buydebug ceiling lights, and you won't be able to click them in live mode.)
"Lemongrass" kept sticking in my mind as a name for some unknown to me reason, so I looked around for whether it is used in French cooking (because I didn't want to exclude the French side of things) and found some examples, like sauteed bass with lemongrass and ginger-lemongrass creme brulee. We'll just consider them to be on the menu, k?
I really didn't like my building looking too, too Asian-ish in its neighborhood, so I opted to do something more US business inspired, with most of the attention (and expense) paid to the front facade and including some Asian influence in the decor. This is how most of the Asian restaurants are in my area - actually, they are often former fast-food spots and the like redone - and since it felt like it fit my community, I went with it. Once I was finished, I thought perhaps I had missed the mark on the challenge, but I was pretty committed to my style by then, so it is what is.
I really think what everything is is pretty obvious, but the picture names in my album may provide a few clues if not.
Oh, one more thing: Pictures are in "my" Sunset Valley, which is not the usual Sunset Valley, so you may pick up some unexpected things in the background of some pictures.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Yes, please, I always appreciate it.
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: None used.


FORUM LINK: https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/16574263/#Comment_16574263
NAME: paneinger
LINK TO LOT: n/a
LINK TO MEDIA: https://www.flickr.com/photos/157238170@N02/albums/72157698426705495/with/43080404941/
LEVEL: intermediate
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 40x30; $79.993
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: I made my lot a little bit different, but I really like it. I didn't want the traditional Asian feel, so its more of a modern Asian feel with lots of Frenchy and European vibes. Lots of blues instead of the traditional red - I even named it Le Bleu - and there's little pops to tie it back into the Asian theme. I used a lot of cranes in the decor, for instance. I really love the huge sculpture outside, rising from the fountain, but each table also has a little origami crane lamp. The architecture outside is modern with a lot of fountains and lillies, huge Asian lanterns, and the giant crane. If you look closely, part of the dining room and the sushi bar is built so it's actually floating overtop of the fountain, which I think is really cool.
Inside, it's a blend of modern, Asian, and French country decor. There' a huge fireplace in the host/waiting area with more artsy touches. That area leads to the bathroom and kitchen with staff bathroom. The clearing area has a lot of storage built into the wall for goods/dishes. On the wall with the sink, there's a trash chute and the dumpster is directly outside - so just pretend that the trash chute leads into the dumpster. There's a large prep station with a fridge, and it's actually a CC item that functions as a prep station so it can be playable as a restaurant. There's a pass through on either side of the prep station that goes behind the bar. I built it that way to cut down on the random sims ending up behind the bar where it should be staff-only.
The dining room has 6 four-top tables, plus a little area for baked goods. Again, I think its more French/Euro than Asian, but each table has the little crane lamp and a gold dragon, as well as a drink menu and condiments. Each table has the same set of accessories so I added a picture of that too. I used bamboo, Asian lanterns, and fans for decor, as well as pastel floral prints and chalkboard menu-ish prints. I think it works well together though. I left the waiting area and dining room open to the second floor and just added some rafters (so the lights wouldn't be hanging from nothing lol) I felt like it opened up the space and made it feel roomier, compared to the sushi bar with its low ceiling.
In the very back, there's a grill with seating so you can watch your dinner, or you can just go to the bar. The back wall has yet more blue birds. I was planning on adding a bamboo garden outside the wraparound windows, but ran out of money.
My sims had a good time playtesting it and I added some cute shots too.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: yes please - I'm planning to renovate and expand with an unlimited budget and keep it in my game.
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED:


Results


Beginners -:
Comments: N/A
1st Place: N/A
Optional Challenge: N/A

Intermediates -:
Comments
1st Place: @suzses
Optional Challenge: N/A

Advanced -:
Comments: N/A
1st Place: N/A
Optional Challenge: N/A

#BnS204 - Dream A Little Dream

The deadline for this challenge is 31st July 2018

You walk through the main office doors and can’t help but think of how much Rose would love this! The reception area is just the thing he’s always wanted. He doesn’t know you know, but you know he secretly has always wished for this or that to make his job here easier, and this set-up has it all.

There is ample seating for clients, and a wonderfully large conference room for you to take meetings in. It’s… you didn’t even know it was what you wanted until you stood looking at it in awe.

You have to see your office! You look around, opening doors until you find the one that must be yours, and like everything else you’ve seen, it is perfect. So much so you wonder how anyone could ever have built such a thing. It doesn’t even seem real.

You are about to go see the last thing, the most important thing, the thing that you want to see more than anything when the intercom buzzes, waking you from your sleep.

You sit up and rub your eyes, blinking as you look around at your real office, the perfect one of your dreams lingering in your mind’s eye.

The intercom buzzes again and you finally answer it.

“Yes, Rose?”

“Well, we’re pretty slow, no clients on the schedule. I was wondering if I might take off early.”

“Oh. Yes, of course. Before you do, can you come in here for a moment?”

“On my way,” he says.

You grab a pencil and paper and begin to furiously draw everything you can remember from your dream. After all, business has been more than good lately, and you are feeling like maybe you’ve outgrown this place.

When Rose pokes her head in you look up and grin. “Rose, how would you like to have a new office?”


THE BRIEF


* Unlimited Budget
* Build a new office for yourself! Build the office literally from your dreams.
* Reception area, conference room, offices, and something special you’ve always wanted.
* Any style in any town.


Entry List


Advanced


https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/16624416/#Comment_16624416
NAME: Mederouin
LINK TO LOT: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9235369
LINK TO MEDIA: https://imgur.com/a/pVYZanQ
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: N/A
LEVEL: Advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 30X30; 2350 Pinochle Point, Sunset Valley; Final cost: 73,847
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: For me architecture will never be about what is built. It will never just be a piece of rock and metal stuck into the ground to turn its back on everything other than form. Architecture for me needs to be almost symbiotic, it needs to embody the spirit of the place it is placed into. For me architecture isn't so much the opportunity to make something, but rather to enhance something. When I design I want someone to look at it and say that belongs here. Not that it makes some huge statement or commands all attention, no I would rather have something that makes people feel comforted rather than impressed. I often find that a lot of architecture becomes about the view, it becomes about looking at something and becoming separate from it. I want the opposite to be true that when we are inside of a building we become part of the landscape, that we experience the world around us rather than just looking at it. For my studio I tried to embody this sense of quiet power. I wanted it to be a space that people would come to for inspiration and not to be impressed. I set up the conference room like a living room to strip it of its formality. For my special feature I have included the two observation decks. The one attached to the main studio space has a curtained off space that I would love to use for sketching, just listening to the water and feeling the breeze. Hope you enjoy.
ONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Yes, please
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: N/A


https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/16634406/#Comment_16634406
NAME: suzses
LINK TO LOT: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9236707
LINK TO MEDIA: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmn3pxce
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: N/A
LEVEL: Advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 30x30 lot at 525 Skyborough Blvd. in custom Sunset Valley - $96,105.
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: In my mind, I've just taken Rose and "myself" from a small office in a converted house to a newly built professional office. When considering in what environment I work well, I realized that even though I love homey little places, I feel much more professional and "together" in a nice clean, contemporary setting. On the flip side, when I'm stressed out, I really need some elements of nature around me to give me a sense of calm. I'm sure that's because I grew up with the woods at my back door, and so I'm happiest when I can look out my door or window and see things like trees.
I've been building up a town in Rflong7's Sunset Valley Dark, which has darker terrain paints than normal Sunset Valley, and only some community lots preplaced, and since I'm really enjoying it, I decided this was a good place to locate. I've been looking for something to put in the lot where the police station usually sits because I had put in a combination rabbit hole that includes the police station, and I no longer needed that building. Thinking about where to put the office, I realized this was the perfect spot - located where people could easily find it in the downtown, yet providing lots of natural views. It overlooks the large central park, a smaller natural park to the side, mountains in the distance, and evergreens to the back of the property.
To further the emphasis on nature, I included a two-story garden atrium in the building and a private outdoor sitting spot for staff at the back of the property.
Since we've outgrown our office, I thought of us as also expanding the staff, and since Rose is truly my right hand, I decided she would be moving out of the reception area as soon as we did some hiring. The office behind the reception area is her eventual intended spot (and labeled that way in pictures). There are two other work areas/offices for other staff members, which I've called "creative areas," one on the first floor and the other on the second. "My" office is on the second floor.
The special thing I've always wanted is that atrium with a real live tree and the sounds of running water from the side fountains. My dream must have, of course, been a little mixed up since I would need to go right by it to reach my office.
I've named it "AIDA at the Atrium," with AIDA standing for Architectural and Interior Design Associates.
A couple other little things:
(1) The tree in the atrium sometimes does not want to display on the lower levels, although it's always visible on the second floor. This doesn't seem to be entirely due to viewing distance. When it disappears for me, I just grab it in build/buy mode on the second floor and then hit escape to "let go." Then, you can see it again on all levels.
(2) I'm thinking about using this, with the addition of a rabbit hole rug, as my corporate building in the town where I've placed it and thought a good spot for the rug might be on the porch to the right of the main entrance.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Yes, please.
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: N/A


https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/16645985/#Comment_16645985
NAME: paneinger
LINK TO LOT: n/a
LINK TO MEDIA: https://www.flickr.com/photos/157238170@N02/albums/72157697669063421
(edit - flickr uploaded all of my pictures out of order and I could cry. sorry
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: N/A
LEVEL: Advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 54 x 25; total cost was just about 850k total (I literally just closed the game and forgot to check)
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: So, this is a bit different. My idea of a dream office isn't a standalone building. Instead, I'm dreaming of something like in a small community of trendy shops and hangouts. Slate Street Shoppes is a converted row of townhouses, gutted and rebuilt into many different stores. Each shop front is tailored to the style of the store, but overall the feel is homey and lived in, but a tad sophisticated. I got lost in London last year and part of where I wandered reminded me of this. This lot is going to go in a world surrounded with a couple other residential lots with the same shell to make for a really nice feel as the sims walk down "Slate Street" and it'll be awesome if my computer doesn't hate it too much. Anyway!
My office is on the first and second floor of the left side of the lot. Walk up the stairs to the landing and you'll see a little potted garden and bike storage. Immediately upon entering, you'll find yourself in the lobby. Rose's office and the client rest room is to the right, the conference room and stairs to the left. I tried to add some architect-y bits, but subtly. There are some dollhouses and building models in various places downstairs. I used a lot of built-ins for a custom and upscale look. Upstairs, you'll find a storage room (with a daybed for napping at work!), my office, and my private bathroom. Again, more built-ins. I also used a lot of rough looking brick to imitate an old building that had been renovated. Lots of purples with green things and cacti because I've been feeling that lately. I added a dog bed with extra pillows and toys by my desk because I would 110% take my dogs to work if I could. I added a couple pics with the POV you would have sitting at my desk. There's the laptop, PC, dock for music, and a little glass tabletop for the electric kettle and a teacup - I must have for my desk! Pretend that the tv on the wall can be a remote computer monitor and you're good. I even found a CC item for one of my favorite makeup palettes and included it in my "private" bathroom for midday touch ups. Overall, this is very, very much my style and a place that I could relax in and feel at home.
But I'm not done yet! One of the other aspects of my dream office is the surrounding space. Forget your lunch? Fine - there's a food truck, diner, farmer's market, and coffee shop. Nice day? Sit outside on the patio and people watch with a laptop while you work. Bad weather? On the third floor, you still have a decent view of everything. I think the lot has a very trendy and community feel to it - and its very functional! Here's a breakdown of the rest of the lot:
Ground Floor (L -> R)
1. Amontillado - a nectary that boasts a room to make your own nectar. Sims can also browse, buy, and taste nectar, as well as order a drink from the bar. We have absolutely never bricked up customers in the basement and can't believe you would ask such a thing.
2. Pink Sugar - 50's style diner done in pinks and featuring lots of cupcakes, ice cream, and candy. The rug is a diner rabbithole. Has functional ice cream machines, snow cone machine, chocolate fountain, etc. Additional seating outside. *there is an elevator tucked in the corner of the diner - that goes up to the (empty) third floor that may eventually be used for something.
3. Food Truck - for when you need some grease to offset the sugar crash
4. Annie's Organics - farmer's market with lots of fresh fruit and veggies, as well as preserves and pumpkins. The rug is a grocery store rabbithole. Includes a food register as well.
5. The Pesky Pescado - a tiny store selling exotic fish for aquariums. Includes a working pet register. **FREE deathfish with $500+ purchase**
6. Public Restrooms - 9 all-in-one restrooms. Pretty much self explanatory.
7. Laundromat - wash all the things here! Includes 6 sets of washers and dryers, a clothesline and hamper.
8. Dumpsters - I'm not really sure if this counts as an attraction, but there's plenty of dumpsters for diving located behind the food truck?
First Floor (L -> R)
2. Eden Falls Architecture - AKA "my office"
3. The Mortar and Pestle - witchy shop with a faerie house, magic mirror, crystal ball, grimoire, jellybean tree, and potions register. Also, in one corner you can find Gregoire the Gargoyle - or "that one guy who tried to steal something and got caught." Outside, there's a LLAMA to take you anywhere you want to go.
4. Lotus - a salon with an upgraded styling station. Offers everything you would need for a makeover, and a large tv and comfy couch for bored husbands. Please ignore the gaping hole in the ceiling - I forgot to replace the ceiling tile after adding a hot tub upstairs.
5. The Poisoned Pen - a bookstore with plenty of books and a nice sitting area with a fireplace (and no books near the fireplace!). The rug is a spa/bookstore rabbithole. Fun fact - The Poisoned Pen is a real bookstore in AZ and I borrowed their name because they're awesome.
Second Floor (L -> R)
1. Eden Falls Architecture - AKA "my office"
2. The Mortar and Pestle - witchy workings area. It includes an upgraded wardrobe, grimoire, alchemy station, cauldron, and gem cutter. The rug is a gypsy caravan rabbithole.
3. Lotus - the second floor of the salon is a relaxing spa. Multiple fireplaces, sauna, soaking tubs, massage tables, hot tub, lots of fountains and a huge fish tank. I find the woods relaxing, so it's done in a forest theme.
4. The Poisoned Pen - the second floor of the bookstore has a barista with all sorts of goodies, vending machines, seating area with piano and chess set. The comic book displays are also upstairs. It's partially open to the floor below, basically because I wanted huge two story bookshelves and the very fancy chandelier.
In each of the stores, I tried to put a lot of detail. For instance, the exterior of each shop has little things. My office has real estate signs. The magic shop has several occult things. The bookstore has a clearance sign and old newspapers. The spa has a huge lotus sign. The nectary has a hanging wine bottle. I also tried to keep it decorated without being too cluttered for sims to use (yay playtesting!) and looking like something that you would actually find in a small town like this. Also, I'm a little obsessed with the built-in arches and when I discovered I could make a "tunnel" for cars to drive through the building, I had to have it as part of the design.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Yes please


Results


Beginners -:
Comments: N/A
1st Place: N/A
Optional Challenge: N/A

Intermediates -:
Comments: N/A
1st Place: N/A
Optional Challenge: N/A

Advanced -:
Comments
1st Place: @mederouin
Optional Challenge: N/A

#BnS205 - Back to Basics

The deadline for this challenge is 31st August 2018


THE BRIEF:

Build a house for a four-person family (2 adults, 1 teen, 1 child or toddler — any genders, traditional or non-traditional family) with 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, kitchen, dining and living spaces, and fully landscaped on a 20 x 30 lot anywhere you choose. You may use base game materials only! The house can be any style inside and out.

• §75,000
  
• 20x30 lot
  
• Any style in any town.

SIM CHALLENGE: Create a family (2 adults, 1 teen, 1 child or toddler) and show them enjoying life in their new home. Use base game materials only in creating them (hair, clothing, etc).


Entry List


Intermediate


https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/16657929/#Comment_16657929
NAME: Kesminlix
LINK TO LOT: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9240441
LINK TO MEDIA: https://imgur.com/a/kNHj083
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: N/A
LEVEL: Intermediate (because I used MOO and actually CASt. I still feel like a noob when it comes to building though )
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 20x30 18 Maywood Lane (Sunset Valley) $73,946
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: A small family home furnished for 2 adults, a teen girl and a toddler (likely boy as the room is blue, but it really could be gender neutral). There is also a "big kids" bed in the toddler room for when the toddler ages up (or you could shove grandma in there when she comes to visit ). The garage has room for 1 car and 2 bicycles. There are also harvestable plants on the sides of the backyard as well as the back left corner of the yard.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: No
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: No CC. Basegame only. However, I did base it off of this floorplan.
TWITTER TAG: kessiesims


https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/16659232/#Comment_16659232
NAME: Kgaff
LINK TO LOT: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9240589
LINK TO MEDIA: http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/16659230/#Comment_16659230
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: n/a
LEVEL: Intermediate
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 20x30 placed by me on Pinochle Point Sunset Valley. final price 74,989
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: This house holds a very dear spot in my heart as the first house bought by me and my husband.
The style is American Four Square and ours was built in 1910. The interior of the foursquare is just that, square. Ours had a bay window in the dining room that broke up the boxiness.
Common elements for four squares that were also present in our house were a large front porch across the front of the house, craftsman like woodwork (luckily ours was never painted), built in cabinetry (we had a china hutch and butler's pantry) and a hipped roof with 3 or 4 dormers.
The lower level had massive pocket doors that closed off the living room from the foyer and dining room. The front, back and upstairs doors had transoms, that way you could close the doors open the transoms and have excellent air flow.
We also thought it was possible that the house was a Sears House because we found numbers on a lot of the wood in the attic and the window sills and sashes had small brass numbered buttons on them. This was never confirmed but it was fun to think about
There were no garages because once the original one fell down the city would not allow you to build a new one.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: yes


https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/16702451/#Comment_16702451
NAME: iampes23
LINK TO LOT: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9246823
LINK TO MEDIA: https://imgur.com/a/1iy08bt
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: n/a
LEVEL: intermediate
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 20x30 lot at 55 Water Lily Lane, $75,000
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: A modern-looking house with clean lines to entice people to come, this new home has touches of coziness and warmth inside for any family to enjoy! The first floor is mainly black and white with pops of red. The second floor is given up to the children, including a reading area and play area. The third floor is really a rooftop deck for all sorts of outdoor actives. A pool and barbecue area make this home especially family-friendly!
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: yes, please
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: only recolors in game using Maxis patterns
TWITTER TAG: (entirely optional but makes it easier for us to tag you)
FACEBOOK PROFILE: (entirely optional but makes it easier for us to tag you)
TUMBLR LINK: (entirely optional but makes it easier for us to tag you)


https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/16705985/#Comment_16705985
NAME: cwaddell
LINK TO LOT: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9247596
LINK TO MEDIA: Forum Thread - Builds by cwaddell https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/16702544/#Comment_16702544
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: NA
LEVEL: intermediate
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 20x30, 9 Sun Song Ave Sunset Valley, costs $74,350
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: I chose the empty 20x30 lot next to the Frio brothers in Sunset Valley because it gives a +15 moodlet for a beautiful vista. The lot location determined the style of house - a beach house. To take advantage of the view I built an "upside down" house with the living areas on the second floor. Because this is a new house, never lived in before, there is no accumulated clutter.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: yes
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: NA


Advanced


https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/16656353/#Comment_16656353
NAME: creativemetaphor
LINK TO LOT: Anything But Basic - no cc (Sim-made art was replaced by game art) https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9240787
LINK TO MEDIA: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipM7jnqccacvyYyjCM-nxtfiKIGSF7V5lR5vBlDpKiPJS8Msv2ve9NB_WEJ5w2ytYA?key=NUZES3B5MFRnWFFLYjB5c0owNlZHTW5fOTJTRHRn
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: included in above
LEVEL: advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 30x20, Custom placed Sunset Valley, Final cost 72,093
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: more coming soon
There were several inspirations for this build - I had hoped to do a hobbit-style house but the limitations on lot size 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. Out front are both flower and vegetable gardens to enjoy, as well as a telescope for exploring the stars.
Inside has a traditional entry hallway 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 other 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 has been decorated almost exclusively with self-made art from the easel. (art cost included in cost of build)
- The Basic Family -
Salina Basic is a self-made artist, and earns money selling her paintings. She is a perfectionist and loves the outdoors. She's also a vegetarian, which is one of the things that makes her wife perfect for her!
Kayla Basic is an avid gardener and cook, and is quite handy around the house. Even so, she still loves to read and expand her mind. She and Salina enjoy games of chess together.
Lakshmi is the eldest child, and though she is easily impressed she is also a perfectionist. One of her favorite past times is gazing through the telescope. She loves indie music and french toast!
Lianne is the younger child, and is the athletic one of the family. She is quite the little daredevil and is always up to something. She loves the color blue.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Yes, please
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: n/a


https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/16662839/#Comment_16662839
NAME: suzses
LINK TO LOT: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9241040
LINK TO MEDIA: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmnT3Bfx
>>> Correction removing and replacing two store items with base game items. Price remains about the same with removed items totalling 285 simoleans and replacements totalling 280. Changes shown in spoiler below plus are at end of album above.
Spoiler
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: N/A
(I know I said I was working on a family, but I realized they just weren't "base game" in terms of professions, etc., so I decided to bag that. I was using Louise from a couple months ago, much later in life, with her teacher husband, a foster teen with family problems her husband had brought home, and their grand-daughter who was living with them while their daughter was in medical school in a foreign country.)
LEVEL: advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 20x30 lot - 365 Oak Grove Rd. in Sunset Valley (I bulldozed the 30x30 lot there and replaced it with the 20x30) - $74,975.
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: First off, this was a lot more fun than I expected! Maybe that's because I didn't spend a lot of time going back and forth on which things to use since there wasn't much available. I had saved an inspiration picture of a house with wonderful flower boxes and that was the basis for this house (the picture is the last in my album for the build). Of course, I couldn't pull off such wonderful flower boxes, but I still liked what I was able to come up with. The floor plan is just what occurred naturally given the spaces available, and the decor was, of course, determined by what the base game allows.
Downstairs is an open living/dining/kitchen area, somewhat broken up by the stairs to the second floor, plus the master bedroom and bath. Upstairs has a teen boy's bedroom at the back, child girl's room at the front, a second full bath, and a desk/art area on the landing. The backyard is fenced with a large deck at the back of the house.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Yes, please.
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: None.
TWITTER TAG: / FACEBOOK PROFILE: / TUMBLR LINK: I'm happily social media free.


https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/16684705/#Comment_16684705
NAME: Mederouin
LINK TO LOT: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9243991
LINK TO MEDIA: https://imgur.com/a/8Uw6HaE
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: N/A
LEVEL: Advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 20x30; 18 Maywood Lane Sunset Valley; Final cost: 73, 352
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: For this challenge I perhaps combined the back to basic challenge with the back to school attitude that all the stores are pushing. So I made a basic schoolhouse. As is well evidenced by a lot of my builds I have a fondness for conversions and well this one just stuck in my head. I worked loosely with the idea that this had been Sunset Valley's school before they became a city, it had been left to ruin until some ambitious sim came along to make a community fixture into a habitable space once again. Hope you enjoy.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Yes, please
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: N/A


Results


Beginners -:
Comments: N/A
1st Place: N/A
Optional Challenge: N/A

Intermediates -:
Comments
1st Place: @iampes23
Optional Challenge: N/A

Advanced -:
Comments
1st Place: @suzses
Optional Challenge: N/A

#BnS206 - We Need Some Space

The deadline for this challenge is 30th September 2018

The intercom buzzes, and Rose’s voice on the other end sounds odd. Not frightened, more… in awe?

“There are some… people here for you?”

Was that a question? “Well, go ahead and schedule an appointment. I think next week is free-“

“I think you need to see this for yourself,” she whispers.

You head out to the lobby to find out what could possibly have your secretary in such a state. There are three large men in black suits and sunglasses with radios in their ears. You wonder if this is a prank, they look straight out of some government conspiracy movie. You aren’t entirely sure which one is in charge so you simply address them as a group.

“Good morning, gentlemen. What can I do for you?”

One looks around the room before talking into a hidden microphone. “It’s all clear.”

You are certainly seeing why Rose was a little overwhelmed. Just then a very professional-looking woman enters carrying a briefcase and followed by another man in a suit. She walks up and offers her hand, which you take politely.

“You must be the architect. I apologize for the…” She tips her head toward the three men and smiles. “Protocol.”

“Of course. Protocol,” you echo, still having no idea what is going on. “I’m sorry, I missed your name.”

“General Leanne Harris, SSA,” she says, and you are caught off guard by how warm her presence is. You always though Generals were meant to be gruff. And… old.

“The Sim Space Agency?” You see Rose’s eyes pop, and hope you are keeping better hold on your own surprise. “What can I do for you?”

Because you honestly have no idea what you could possibly do for the SSA

“Can we talk in your office?” General Harris asks.

Oh dear, you really are flustered by this! “Of course, my apologies. This way.” You lead her to your office, the man behind her following but the other three staying in the lobby.

She doesn’t sit, but instead opens her briefcase and hands you a yellow folder. “As you are no doubt aware, the SSA is researching the possibility of sending Sims to Mars.”

Of course you know, you’ve been following the news whenever you can. You just love the idea of space travel!

“But what does that have to do with me?” you ask, opening the folder and seeing some concept sketches for… Mars habitations?

General Harris smiles. “We at SSA know that sometimes the best ideas can come from the least expected places. Our engineers can handle the logistics of interplanetary goods movements, material strength, desalinization, that sort of thing,” she says with a wave of her hand. “But when it comes to people, to psychology, we want to tap into the resources available right here in our community. Your work in architecture has become something of a legend, and we’d like you to help design a Mars habitation unit.”

You gape.

“Just a prototype, of course. It will be built here on earth, but we need to conduct extended isolation tests with our crew and that means we need a fully-functional environment that can simulate living on Mars.”

“And you want me?” You only wish you could do your happy dance singing ‘yes, yes, yes!’ without looking too unprofessional.

“Who better? You understand what people want and need in a living space, how to layout areas for best use. We’re hoping you can offer a fresh design perspective for us to consider. And,” she stresses, “You’re good with a budget.”

You can’t help but smile a little at that. “And what is my budget for this?”

“It’s all in the brief,” she says with a smile.


THE BRIEF


500k budget
Design a Mars Habitation for a 6-Sim team of astronauts and scientists.
Habitation must be fully self-contained (there is no atmosphere!)
Must include areas or objects for sleeping, hygiene, fitness, cooking, recreation, plants, and research.
Built on a 30x30 or smaller lot. No more than 1 level below ground (including foundation basements) and no more than two levels above ground
(for a maximum of 3 total floors).
This is a prototype build, so ‘landscape’ doesn’t matter, but it should be isolated from other structures.

Optional Challenge: Create the 6 Sims astronauts and show them living and working in their habitation. Tell us what their fields of speciality are and their attributes that make them important for a Mars mission!


Entry List


Intermediate


NAME: Kgaff
Entry link - https://forums.thesims.com/en_us/discussion/comment/16745573/#Comment_16745573
LINK TO LOT: not uploaded
LINK TO MEDIA: https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/16745556/#Comment_16745556
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: n/a
LEVEL: intermediate
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 30x30, 45 Hyperion Highway,Lunar Lakes, 424,721
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: Since this is a Mars prototype I kept the "clutter" to a minimum. I don't think it would be cost effective to drag all kinds of knick-knacks into space
There all-in-one restrooms on each level for the astronauts convenience.
Also since this is a prototype, there was no landscaping done.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: "yes"
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: none


Advanced


NAME: creativemetaphor
ENTRY LINK: https://forums.thesims.com/en_us/discussion/comment/16744490/#Comment_16744490
LINK TO LOT: not yet uploaded
LINK TO MEDIA: M.A.R.S. Colony 6 https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOgA9Zl96-EE1EE6ORDEcipHSS9pbj-jGVxpV8ZnqgGIQAXqJ6faRnzQG8wu4oqXA?key=UC1sVFhkUjc1cVhHc0hIWUdwN21RT2ctdG1yakRn
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: included in above
LEVEL: advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 30x30 lot, custom placed Lucky Palms, final cost 437,221
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.
Note to judges: a few minor alterations were made after the initial pictures were taken, and during play testing. The vegetable pots were moved to the lower level of the greenhouse due to routing error, the skeleton was added to the doctor's office, and a picture was added behind the crew quarters' book case. I have made an effort to update pictures but some still reflect the old layout. Most items have been play tested to ensure accessibility, including the chairs and dressers in the crew quarters.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: yes please


NAME:Mederouin
Entry link: https://forums.thesims.com/en_us/discussion/comment/16744695/#Comment_16744695
LINK TO LOT: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9254232
LINK TO MEDIA: https://imgur.com/a/ZOOtAl2
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: https://imgur.com/a/Qd8tfBm
LEVEL: Advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 30 X 30, 232 Sedina Lane, Lucky Palms; Final Cost 247,268
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: For this build I wanted to build something modular. Each of the colors represents a pannel segment, Red is 4 tiles, Yellow is 3, Blue is 2 and Green is 1. I wanted to build it this way so that all pannels could be shipped flat and easily assembled by the layperson into whatever configuration that best suited the landscape and the needs of the inhabinates. I made each door a vestabule so it could act as a comperssion chamber to undress and reacculamte to oxyaginated air. I tried to group functions by putting the domestic things on the left including the garden space and kitchen as well as the rec room above. I placed the bedrooms in a seperate chunk trying to place them as close to the center of the building as possibal for the sake of saftey. The lab has its own locker room and shower to wash off all contaninates. So each segment would be on a different HVAC zone and isolated from the others in case anything where to go wrong. I also included a bunch of air handlers on the roof to simulate the fact that this building would be filtering and producing all of its own oxygen. I wanted to keep the decorations sparce to play with this idea that the inhabinates were only allowed to bring a hundred pounds of personal items. I tried to contain most of that to their rooms to make those spaces feel more intimate while the rest feels a bit builders standard. I tried to pick funiture that looked like it had the potential to be broken down and shipped flat. I made the floor a gray epoxy type material with the hope that it would be easy to lay and lighter than the stardard wood or concrete which they probably wouldn't have access too. In the end I was going for a building that could be built like a puzzle. It was light and easily constructed by people with limited construction machinery and/or engineering know-how. Hope you enjoy.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Yes, Please
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: N/A


NAME: iampes23
Entry link - https://forums.thesims.com/en_us/discussion/comment/16752129/#Comment_16752129
LINK TO LOT: http://www.mediafire.com/file/f3muv9h2acb5asa/Mars_Habitation.Sims3Pack/file
LINK TO MEDIA: https://imgur.com/a/DBXRWuu
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: n/a
LEVEL: advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 30x30 added lot in Lunar Lakes $361,709
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: With the advent of the new, ultra thin yet ultra strong metal called utopisteel, a mission to Mars is now in the works! This new type of steel can be rolled or folded and is very lightweight, so taking it to another planet will be no problem. This new metal is used in the durable construction of the Motionless Artificial Re-establishment Sanctuary (M.A.R.S.) Habitation. It is also a major compontent of all the furniture the astronauts will need once they get there. They will also have the capability of melting it down and reshaping it as needed, so that the possibilities of this metal are endless!
The other new breakthrough that makes this mission possible is the Atom Filter 3000. This special filter can pull out individual atoms from any vaporous mass and realign them to form new elements and compounds. The short explaination: it can pull water and oxygen from the Mars atmosphere! No need to haul billions of gallons of water and compressed air when you can make your own on arrival!
Thanks to these new items, the M.A.R.S. Habitation is both lightweight and energy efficient. It will stay cool in the 80+ degree weather as well as retain all heat during those cold periods of -200 degrees during the Mars winter. Furnishings are uniform for the most part, but each astronaut was allowed to chose a color palette for their individual room and a few pieces of unique furniture. A set amount of 100 pounds each allowed the astronauts to include a few special luxuries for their new home, including musical instruments or a few knick-knacks. Since the astronauts will be living there for five to ten years, every effort has been made to ensure a comfortable stay in a home-like atmosphere to lessen the stresses of life on another planet.
Ready to tour this new facility while it still sits on Earth?
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: no criticism this time please
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: my own patterns


NAME: MeestorMark
Entry Link: https://forums.thesims.com/en_us/discussion/comment/16754883/#Comment_16754883
LINK TO LOT: N/A
LINK TO MEDIA: https://www.flickr.com/gp/159174096@N06/0m38h7
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: Same link as above, photos of the team are included.
LEVEL: Advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 30x30, simulated Mars, 334K
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: A habitat built for science, work, fun, and protection from the harsh Mars environment. Plants in the foundation basements provide most of the oxygen for the internal atmosphere. Vents in the floors and walls move the oxygen throughout the habitat. Water was originally processed out of hydrogen and oxygen, but now is recycled through bubblers/purifiers on the top floor that feed the plumbing and fish tanks. Fish in the fish tanks serve as a protein source and also help provide fertilizer for the continued growth of plants. The types of non-food plants were chosen for their ability to remove toxins from interior environments.
Living quarters are in the main basement area. Each member has their private sleeping quarters with rack, work station, and bookshelf/cabinet to store their personal effects. The mess area is just off the sleeping quarters.
The habitat has two entrances, each with its own airlock to provide for safe egress/ingress to the living spaces.
Electricity is generated by both solar and wind generation. Two rovers are powered by their own solar cells that face the evening sun. This allows for full charge in the morning to begin the work day searching for minerals and microscopic Martians that may have once lived here. Pesky Martian sand storms sometimes may effect work schedules. The solar generation drops for the rovers, but boy do those wind mills kick into over-drive to make sure the habitat is fully powered throughout.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Sure
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: Do not think I used any.
TWITTER TAG: N/A
FACEBOOK PROFILE: MeestorMark


NAME: suzses
Entry Link: https://forums.thesims.com/en_us/discussion/comment/16755311/#Comment_16755311
LINK TO LOT: Not yet uploaded - not sure if it will be later
LINK TO MEDIA: https://flickr/s/aHsmjohwn5
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: Not this time. Since I built three habitats, I didn't have any time left over for the actual crew. I did, however, make some indications in the staff quarters decor of probable roles, interests, etc.
LEVEL: Advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 30x30 custom placed lot on the outskirts of the Area 52 side of Lucky Palms; cost is $349,016.
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: As already mentioned, this was my third stab at building a Mars colony prototype. I started with the premise that, as practice, the crew would actually build it from plans and materials that would be available to them once they head for Mars. So, as I went along, I began to think I was overdoing some things and my third attempt, while it incorporates some of what I like about the first two, is considerably scaled back.
Other considerations were to provide comfortable surroundings for the crew with private spaces and earth-like, soothing colors; to provide well-defined, convenient work spaces, and to divide the structure(s) in a way that certain areas could be closed off in case of system failures or other emergencies. There is one entry from the outside with security access panel controls (thinking they more likely need to worry about intruders in Lucky Palms than on Mars, but you never know ). Inside that area is storage space for surface gear, a clean-up area for crew returning to the base, and from it, access to all other areas of the habitat. It also acts as an airlock to preserve the interior atmosphere.
I've made a lot more comments along with my pictures than is my usual habit. I've found that on my Flickr display I can never see the comments no matter where I set my zoom level unless I scroll down. This is just to let you know to please scroll to see the comments.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Yes, please.
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: None.


Results


Beginners -:
Comments: N/A
1st Place: N/A
Optional Challenge: N/A

Intermediates -:
Comments
1st Place: @Kgaff
Optional Challenge: N/A

Advanced -:
Comments
1st Place: @MeestorMark
Optional Challenge:

#BnS207 - Back to their Roots

The deadline for this challenge is 31st October 2018

You already have an idea in your mind what the young, professional couple across from you might be looking for. One a respected doctor, the other a junior partner at a law firm, their life ahead seemed to play out in your mind like a tv serial. You imagine a modern, minimalist townhouse, or a high-end apartment; maybe even a joint office building and clinic. You have your pencil at the ready to take notes.

“So, Dr. Chen, Mr. Chen, how can I help you?”

“My husband and I, we have talked a great deal about where we want to go with our lives,” Dr. Chen says. “Being a doctor and lawyer can be rewarding, but we do not feel that where we are is the best place for us.”

“We need a change of focus,” Mr. Chen agrees. “Less stress, less… city life.”

“Oh?” Less city?

“We have decided to take our savings and buy a small farm, somewhere we can get back to nature.”

“A-a farm?” This is so not what you expected!

“Yes,” Mr. Chen nods. “Where I can grow tomatoes, and maybe help the local people with their legal matters.”

“And I can have a small clinic, and really help change people’s lives,” Dr. Chen adds. “My grandmother used to make remedies for all the people in her town back in China, and the more I live here, the more I think that is what I want to do with my life, too.”

“We feel this city is too big, too busy for us to connect to our clients and patients the way we want.”

You nod, pushing aside your assumptions and fully embracing their commitment to a new way of life.

“A farm will need a house; tell me about your needs.”

“Two bedrooms, at least,” Mr. Chen says. “One for us, and one spare room that can be made into a nursery if we need it to be.”

You smile at the thought. “Anything else?”

“A good kitchen. Health is so important to both of us.” The couple looks at each other. “Everything else is just the usual. Nothing fancy. A simple house in the country where we can raise some crops and help people.”

“Leave everything to me,” you assure them.


THE BRIEF

65k budget
Design a house for the Chen’s. Lot size 30x40/40x30 max.
At least two bedrooms, and a good kitchen. Other standard areas.
A good sized garden.
Style and design should reflect a desire for a simpler life.

Sim Challenge:
Create Dr. and Mr. Chen and show them enjoying their new life on the farm!


Entry List


Intermediate

NAME: Kgaff
LINK TO LOT:
LINK TO MEDIA: https://www.flickr.com/photos/154029363@N06/albums/72157674736248988
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: Song and Li Chen are included in the media
LEVEL: intermediate
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 40x30 1936 Beach Blvd, Appaloosa Plains, $64,969
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS:
When I read the story line I immediately thought of the Chen's reaching back to their Chinese roots.
I gave them a classic Chinese farm house with a twist.
The first floor is dedicated to family life so I make a huge kitchen with a canning station for all the fruits and veggies. The twist is a small office for Mr. Chen to practice law for the community. There is seating and a shoe rack at the entrance to the house. There is also a small bath with a clothes washer tucked behind the stairs.
Because most of the Chen's time will be spent working the farm or in Song's case, in her remedy shop or Li's case in his law office, I gave them only a small living room on the second floor. There they can read or watch tv together.
There is a master bedroom, a guest room and a large bath on the second floor as well.
Dr. Song Chen has a private herbal remedy shop where she can work on potions made from her special herbs. She can also make special teas and treat patients/customers with medicinal teas and tonics.
There are two gardens, one a large veggie and fruit garden and one is a dedicated herb and mushroom garden. They also have bee hives, chickens and a small barn.
There is a good sized pond with a deck/bridge for relaxation. I tried and tried to make an arched bridge but CFE and I do not get along well.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: "yes"
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: N/A


Advanced


NAME: iampes23
LINK TO LOT: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9259153
just a shell of the house and garage: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9259152#
LINK TO MEDIA: https://imgur.com/gallery/L9T1OCJ
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: na
LEVEL: advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 2400 Pinochle Point, 40x30, $64,828
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: Since the Chens wanted a simpler life, no major electronics were used in this build, aside from a washing machine. I modified an antique floor plan for a real farmhouse, which I found on the internet (included in the slideshow).
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: yes, please
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: my own patterns


NAME: suzses
LINK TO LOT: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9261745 (This is an upgraded and slightly modified version of my submitted lot - nothing very substantial is changed.)
LINK TO MEDIA: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmrPHSdn
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: I named the Chens Jian and Zhi. Jian, because I'm acquainted with a nice man by that name, and I like how it sounds. The name means "healthy," which also seemed appropriate. When looking for a woman's name, I came across something saying that the ancient Chinese often "likened beauties to herbal plants." Perfect. Zhi is the plant Angelica. The rest is in the pictures (there are some comments under the pictures again, although they're not terribly important to understanding what anything is).
Link to media: https://flic.kr/s/aHskGvLZcK
Link to household:
The Chens on their farm: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9261748
The couple unplayed straight from CAS: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9261746
LEVEL: Advanced.
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 30x40 custom lot in Riverview (location stolen from Mr. Cottoneye, whose 60x60 lot at 2 Cotton Branch Dr. was bulldozed to make room for this lot). Cost: 64,990.
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: I haven't played in Riverview in a long time, except to place another Build-N-Share build there a couple years ago, so I thought this was a great time to go take a look around again. The farm-y scenery at the end of Cotton Branch Dr. was the perfect backdrop for the Chen's small farm, I thought, but there was a 60x60 lot already there with an inhabitant. Mr. Cottoneye was convinced to move into town, poor guy, and we took a 30x40 parcel of his land to build the Chen's farm. (Had I realized ahead of time, however, that the hill across the street was high and the sidewalk tends to break up a lot, making it hard to take pictures, I might not have thought it was so perfect!)
It sounded to me as though the Chens would be 1st generation Chinese Americans, because I think of Sims 3 city life as being US based (maybe only because I am). My experiences living in a college town with many internationals is that Asians in general quickly take on Western ways and styles and easily fit in. So, I thought of the Chens as being a lot like any neighbor down the street in terms of personal and household appearances, but with a few ideas and possessions from home that they hold dear.
I had in my mind's eye a farmhouse I had seen pictures of not long ago - white sided, with black metal roof and navy blue trim. Conveniently, the Chens seemed to like that, too. We found a house plan that would work, although it was somewhat bigger than they initially envisioned, and set to work. It seemed natural to use some richer, brighter colors borrowed from the landscape against the white siding and light interior walls, and so we did. Keeping things fairly simple, we used the Chens' existing furnishings from their apartment, as well as their cherished family heirlooms. At the front of the house we included an office where Mr. Chen can meet a client and hand out some produce. Beside it is a room where Dr. Chen can make her traditional herbal medicines (I used the alchemy station for her, which seemed to be about as close as I could get to something appropriate.).
The house has three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. The downstairs half bath is easily large enough to be a full bath or a laundry and half bath. It has two garden areas, side by side. One is Jian's vegetable garden and the other Zhi's herb garden. The combined garden area was more than enough to keep both of them busy ALL DAY the first couple days I had them in the house, but their gardening skill went up quickly and it wasn't so bad within a few days. They also have a chicken coop near the gardens.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Yes.
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: None


NAME: creativemetaphor
LINK TO LOT: not uploaded
LINK TO MEDIA: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipONaL_RTIMfaE8ADWhn_TdMLmPH-2e3DKXiMluM4AhNzz5t1yCDnOvhnIzngT-Ivg?key=TGN3NlJNaWFwN2hsV2VoRThZS05KaUpGcHJZX2t3
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: n/a
LEVEL: advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 40x30, custom placed in Riverview, final cost $64,989
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: The Chen's wanted a home evocative of their shared heritage, inspired largely by Dr. Chen's grandmother's home in which she spent many long summers learning to prepare remedies, and instrumental in her decision to become a doctor.
This home follows partially a traditional courtyard style with the house forming a U shape and an internally wrapped porch. Mental health is as important as physical, and this home offers serenity and enlightenment in a variety of forms.
The kwoon, or martial arts room, is large enough to practice on the dummy, spar with a partner, or just sit and meditate. The kitchen is designed to offer a variety of food preparation options, as well as a canning station for the fresh produce from the garden. It has a set of doors to the porch around the courtyard to easier vent the heat of cooking in summer.
The dining offers ample seating for guests and separates the spaces, while still having open archways to connect the house.
The main entry hall fronts the living room, the study, and the household shrine. The living room is slightly elevated and the railings help define the area, which is furnished based on traditional seating layouts. The study has a reproduction of a skeleton for Dr. Chen's work, and a desk for Mr. Chen, with bookshelves for both medical and legal books. The shrine is tucked into the nook on the other side of the living room. The space offers both a sense of openness but also well defined areas.
The door to the bedroom hallway offers privacy, especially between the guest bed and bath, and also has doors to the courtyard.
The guest bath is simple and functional, with the toilet tucked away behind the tub and frosted window for privacy.
The guest bed is currently set up to allow either of their parents to visit and be comfortable, children are a dream but not a reality yet.
The master bedroom has doors to a private porch overlooking the garden and a path out to the pavilion. The master bath is divided between the lav/toilet area and a full sauna with shower. (So the mirror never fogs up!)
The garden has a variety of fruit trees, vegetables, and herbs to tend almost any need. It also has an easel for the occasional artistic endeavor. Mr. Chen enjoys trying to paint the koi, but he isn't very good at it yet.
The pavilion abuts the koi pond, and offers two lounge chairs where they can relax and enjoy the 'fruits' of their hard work, out in the fresh air with nature.
The entire residence is enclosed, with entry at the main gate next to the parking area, where a small fountain welcomes guests.
The house as a whole was kept uncluttered and simple, little that is not needed is there. What decorations there are mostly reflect their heritage and heirlooms. What was not dedicated to health and serenity was intended to make guests feel welcome.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: yes, please
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: n/a


NAME: Mederouin
LINK TO LOT: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9263270
LINK TO MEDIA: https://imgur.com/a/pwZGAk0
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: N/A
LEVEL: Advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 30 X 40; 45 Hidden Grove Ln, Riverview; Final cost: 60,347
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: For this project I wanted to build a landscape that the house took a backseat too. I wanted the house to be simple and charming while the landscape was almost wild. I choose to build the landscape following losely the idea of permaculture. It was about building a whole space not just a fenced area that had been planted, I wanted the whole landscape to be a garden, to have a function and a certain inate beauty. I included a small greenhouse for those temprate plants and starting seeds and I placed the herb garden closest to the house so that it would allow easy access. The pond is for water retention and fishing and the bees for polination and honey. I tried to give the house an aquired feel with some of the pieces not matching completely. I wanted it to feel like everything there either had sentimental value or was useful or incrediably beautiful to the Chens. I hope you enjoy.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Yes, please
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: N/A


Results


Beginners -:
Comments: N/A
1st Place: N/A
Optional Challenge: N/A

Intermediates -:
Comments
1st Place: @Kgaff
Optional Challenge: N/A

Advanced -:
Comments
1st Place: @creativemetaphor
Optional Challenge: @iampes23

#BnS208 - Fall Designer Showdown

The deadline for this challenge is 30th November 2018

It’s that time again - time for you to show off your awesome design skills! This round, we’re opening up the wayback machine and breaking out @Anjubee ‘s White Box from 2010. It’s a blank canvas for you to completely decorate to your vision!

Well, almost blank. There are some furnishings in it that must be used in your final product. Those furnishings can be recolored and moved anywhere you’d like in the build.

THE BRIEF

All walls, windows and doors must remain in their places. No, you can’t move or delete any walls, windows or doors.
You CAN swap out existing doors, windows and arches for doors, windows and arches of the same size (1 tile for 1 tile, 2 tiles for 2 tiles).
You can change the color of any windows, doors or arches.
You can place the shell in any world of your choice.
Equal attention in judging will be given to interior design, landscaping, and architectural design.
You cannot add onto the existing building, but you can add other, unattached buildings to the lot if you wish (ex. potting shed, gazebo etc.)
Total Budget = 140,000 (shell + additions = 140,000 max)

So, get busy and show off what you can do!!! :)


Entry List


Intermediate


OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM #208 - Fall Designer Showdown
NAME: Kgaff
LINK TO LOT: n/a
LINK TO MEDIA: https://www.flickr.com/photos/154029363@N06/albums/72157703408084514/with/31975127638/
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: n/a
LEVEL:intermediate
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 36x47, 53 Waterfall Way (across from Stoney Falls), Sunset Valley, 120,591
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: When I saw the furniture in the living room I knew I had to do a cabin. It only took a few seconds to decide that the lot across from Stoney Falls would be the perfect location. I would love to spend some time in a setting like this. There are autumn decorations scattered through out the lot.
The house sits to the forward left of the lot which left a bunch of empty space. I wanted to tie in the lake and falls so I created a small stream that trickles out of the hill and rocks at the back of the lot. It winds its way down the right side and disappears again into the rocks at the corner. I like to think it then ends up in the lake.
As well as the stream there is a path that wanders around the back and sides of the lot. There are a few surprises here, like berries to pick and a few fruit trees. A bench has been placed in a quiet shady nook near the stream.
Seating choices abound, lounge chairs in sun, comfy chairs on the front patio.
There is a gazebo for outdoor cooking with a patio heater for chill autumn evenings, a fire pit with a view of the falls, a horseshoe pit and a nice wood pile to keep those fires going.
I kept all the furniture in the house with the exception of the two floor lamps. I took those and hid them in the shrubbery along the walking path.
I changed all the windows and doors and added one door that leads to the gazebo. I also added the windows to the dormers.
I know I had a lot of money left over but I stopped because it would have just gotten way to cluttered.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: "yes"
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: n/a
TWITTER TAG: (entirely optional but makes it easier for us to tag you)
FACEBOOK PROFILE: (entirely optional but makes it easier for us to tag you)
TUMBLR LINK: (entirely optional but makes it easier for us to tag you)


OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM #208 - Fall Designer Showdown
NAME: Lilypink79
LINK TO LOT: not uploaded
LINK TO MEDIA: https://photos.app.goo.gl/jimgwQhGhmGd8Xkt5
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: n/a (although I did create a family to live on the farm who make an appearance in the photo’s)
LEVEL: unsure? I’ll leave it for the judges to decide
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 40 x 50 – Oakleaf Farm, 202 Horseshoe Loop, Appaloosa Plains – 139,414k
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: The home of retired, childless couple Nella and Stanley Mckinlee and their pets Conker the cob (horse), Scrappy the dog and Moggy the cat.
Including @suzses great idea to list where all the existing furniture is now located:
Wall lights: around the kitchen and entrance hallway
Floor lamps: both in the dining room
Overhead outdoor light: not moved
Bed: not moved rooms
Bedroom night stands: not moved rooms
Bedroom table lamps: not moved rooms
Dresser: not moved rooms
Bedroom mirror: in the bathroom
Couch and coffee table: not moved rooms
Living room chairs: not moved rooms
End table from living room: in the allotment
Dining table and chairs: in the dining room
Phone: not moved rooms
All bathroom fixtures: not moved rooms
All kitchen fixtures/cabinets: not moved rooms
Fire alarm: not moved rooms
Bathroom rug: in porch area / by front door
Decorative fern keeper: not moved rooms
Small rubbish bin: in workshop
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Yes please
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: Straw bedding on the stable floor – Sasilia @ Simspiration
TWITTER TAG: (entirely optional but makes it easier for us to tag you)
FACEBOOK PROFILE: (entirely optional but makes it easier for us to tag you)
TUMBLR LINK: (entirely optional but makes it easier for us to tag you)


OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM #208 - Fall Designer Showdown
NAME: ADWilson
LINK TO LOT: n/a
Note: am unable to upload (have to do "save file" option to download)
LINK TO MEDIA: Autumn Abode https://adwilson1991.wordpress.com/autumn-abode/
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: n/a
LEVEL: intermediate with the confidence of a beginner, lol
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 20x30 ~ The Monotone lot in Sunset Valley, 72 Water Lily Lane ~ $114,065
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: Even though this was built in Edit Town mode, it was treated from the beginning as a project done by my simself.
Addy Sim saw the challenge advertisement in SIMspiration magazine and considered doing the project. Addy thought to herself, "I've done a couple of renovations and this lot is near and dear to my heart because it's where I began my S3 journey." Addy periodically peeked in the forum thread and made note of the requirements as well as the additional question/answer sessions. With those in hand, Addy began.
Instead of graphing the layout, I worked section by section and added or moved items. All of the original items are on display and screenshots should show where they have been placed. Everything has been tested with 3 YA/A sims and is in working order. This was built with an artist/architectural design sim in mind with perhaps a second sim who gardens and/or writes. The empty shelves in the Studio are for future residents to add things they've collected that provide inspiration to the project they're working on.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: yes, please ~ looking forward to learning how to improve upon my building skills and/or screenshot capture.
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: n/a ~ No 3PCC or CAP
TWITTER TAG: ThankfulAddy@tealmum
FACEBOOK PROFILE: n/a
TUMBLR LINK: n/a


Advanced


OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM #208 - Fall Designer Showdown
NAME: suzses
LINK TO LOT: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9266585
LINK TO MEDIA: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmvBXrKR
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: N/A
LEVEL: Advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 20x30 lot at Beachfront Street 2 in Nilxis' Hylewood. $95,056.
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: While I know we didn't need to use a Fall theme for this build, I've been really into the seaon this year - and also really into the small autumn world of Hylewood by Nilxis - and so I did. The name Autumn's Kiss came to me because I was thinking about how a frost is what brings about the changing leaf colors (an icy touch brings out all those beautiful hues). But, I am thinking of it as being early Fall here so our simmies can still enjoy the sunshine, backyard pool, and garden plants for a while longer. Here in Pennsylvania, we've gone beyond that special time now (there was slush outside this morning! Yuck!).
This might be a good point to mention that Hylewood has tree, shrub and terrain paint recolors that only show up in that world. I think the only two things affected that are actually on the lot are the two large trees in the backyard. If placed in another world, those trees will be their normal colors for whatever season it is. Oh, and the fallen leaves look around the edges are the world's terrain paint, to which I don't have access.
I opted to stay with the 20x30 lot size of The Monotone. I considered larger but thought I'd only do that if the original house became a guest house on the back of a larger property, and while we have a very nice budget, I wasn't sure it was *that* nice - or that I had that much time to invest this month.
So, at the around 95K spent, this is a very nice smaller home for a couple or single sim (all except for that shower that keeps delivering cold water, that is ). There's plenty to do for fun/relaxation inside and out. The property includes:
Inside:
Desk area with computer
TV
Video game console
Small stereo with speaker on the back porch
Bookcase
Multi-Tab
Outside:
Pool
Hot tub
Easel
Chess set
Bar
Fire Pit
Grill (I think of that more as a fun thing than an appliance)
Thinking it might be helpful in tracking down the original furnishings we needed to use, here is a list of what I moved where:
Wall lights: 2 in entry area, 2 in living/dining area, 1 in bathroom over the tub (I think there were 4 to start with? I was adding then deleting, so if I made a mistake and need one, let me know).
Floor lamps: 1 is still in living area, other is in the bedroom
Overhead outdoor light: Now on the back porch.
Bedroom table lamps: Still in the bedroom, one still on nightstand and the other moved to vanity area
Dresser: Moved from bedroom to the living/dining area under the TV
Dining chairs: 1 is at desk; other in bedroom at vanity
Living room chairs: 1 still in living room; other in bedroom
End table from living room: Now on the back porch
Phone: On the desk
Smoke detector: Behind the fridge (my usual hidey spot)
Fern keeper: In the bathroom
Small trash basket: Back porch.
I think everything else is still in the general area where it was originally and nothing was deleted.
I'm afraid I have an awfully lot of exterior pictures, particularly of the backyard area. Every angle seemed to show something different to me, and I just love the views. So, the angles are for you, judges, and the views were for me.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Yes, please.
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: None.
TWITTER TAG: (entirely optional but makes it easier for us to tag you)
FACEBOOK PROFILE: (entirely optional but makes it easier for us to tag you)
TUMBLR LINK: (entirely optional but makes it easier for us to tag you)


OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM #208 - Fall Designer Showdown
NAME: creativemetaphor
LINK TO LOT: not uploaded
LINK TO MEDIA: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPGTTJchyiXVFAGdnUtqoy68NsEgeo5luKFWSDn56LgtFvsDOHGvqETArUnW4Gz7A?key=UmFCM0lVRzVwb3owSGFrR2JwRTFuMjJWUERCVEVn
LEVEL: advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 20x30 custom placed in Dragon Valley, final cost 139,734
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS:
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...
Additional note: given the nature of the build, the only light is self-evident. That is, light fixtures - not buydebug lights - provide all the lights on this lot.
Also, good idea @suzses to list where all the existing stuff ended up:
Wall lights: 4 - 2 in oubliette bathroom, 2 beside oubliette bed
Floor lamps: 2 beside oubliette couch
Overhead outdoor light: over oubliette kitchen sink
Bed: oubliette
Bedroom night stands: beside oubliette bed
Bedroom table lamps: on oubliette night stands
Dresser: at foot of oubliette bed
Bedroom mirror: oubliette
Couch and coffee table: oubliette
Living room chairs: in bedroom loft
End table from living room: in workshop beside fireplace
Dining table and chairs: on trellis patio
Phone: On oubliette night stand
All bathroom fixtures: in oubliette bathroom
All kitchen fixtures/cabinets: in oubliette kitchen
Fire alarm: in kitchen over stove
Bathroom rug: in oubliette kitchen
Decorative fern keeper: on parlor mantle
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: yes, please
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: n/a


OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM #208 - Fall Designer Showdown
NAME: iampes23
LINK TO LOT: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9267463#
LINK TO MEDIA: https://imgur.com/a/Kjur3tV
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: n/a
LEVEL: advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: Appaloosa Plains, 1005 Pomona Promenade, 50x50 $127,972 Black Gum Cottage
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: I wanted to do things a little different from everyone else (hopefully). I decided to do a cottage, since most of the furniture (except in the bedroom) is a bit dated and has a cottage-y feel. The main colors inside the home are yellow and green, with pops of red. Dark wood and white wood were also used. Everything else is said in the commentary. :D
**please note that if you are downloading the lot, it may not be complete. The upload was 6.67mb but the download is showing 1.51mb. I have a feeling most of my patterns were removed. Also, after I added a sim to the lot, I had to fix the waterfall (multiple times), so the download does include a sim.**
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: yes, please
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: my own patterns


OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM #208 - Fall Designer Showdown
NAME: Mederouin
LINK TO LOT: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9268054
LINK TO MEDIA: https://imgur.com/a/eUhllwT
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: N/A
LEVEL: Advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 30 x 40; 72 Oceanview Drive, Starlight Shores; Final Cost: 83,018
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: For this build I wanted to do something fun and lively. Something that was bursting with youthful energy. So I decided to build a surf shack. I also made it a personal challenge that every room in the house would become something else. I chose to open up the floor plan by putting in arches between what was the living room and bedroom. I moved the kitchen into what was the bathroom and made the kitchen the dining room. I added walls for the new bathroom and switched the living room and the bedroom to give the living room those ocean views. I tried to clutter the place up to make it look almost messy and freeform in decoration. Hope you enjoy.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Yes, please
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: N/A


Results


Beginners -:
Comments: N/A
1st Place: N/A
Optional Challenge: N/A

Intermediates -:
Comments
1st Place: @Lilypink79
Optional Challenge: N/A

Advanced -:
Comments
1st Place: @suzses
2nd Place: @creativemetaphor
Optional Challenge: N/A

#BnS209 - Twas the Month of December

The deadline for this challenge is 31st December 2018

‘Twas the month of December
As you sat on the floor,
Flipping through pages
Of festive decor -

Candles and tinsel
In shimmering gold,
Green and red flannels,
And a reindeer centerfold.

Inside with your cocoa,
Wrapped up in a robe,
With hopes of peace
Throughout all the globe.

When all of a sudden
The world all around
Fell eerily silent,
Not the slightest of sound!

Until, with a shock,
You heard on the roof
The clippity clatter
Of each tiny hoof!

Why, it’s not even Gift day,
You thought to yourself.
What brings a visit
From that jolly old elf?

But the wonder was answered,
Not a moment to waste.
He came down the chimney
And into your place.

“My dear Architect!”
The old man cried,
And it seemed he was not
Quite so jolly inside.

“I’m in such a state
I have such a need!
Do you have time to perform
Yet another good deed?”

“Of course!” you reply,
“You can count on me
But what on earth
Could Santa’s trouble be?”

The old elf, he sighed,
In an armchair he flopped,
“Those helpers have gone
And blown up my shop!”

You stand there agape;
You can’t quite comprehend.
You finally stammer out,
“Say that again?”

“An unfortunate accident
Caused the destruction.
They were trying to increase
The rate of production,

“But a stray bit of magic
Had started to build-up,
And before we knew it,
The whole place had gone up!

“Not just the shop, either,
The stables are gone,
And half of the house -
The whole place is foregone!”

“Is everyone all right?”
You ask in a hurry
He smiled and nodded
“You don’t need to worry.”

“But production is halted
We’re in such a bind!
It’s already December
We can’t fall behind!

“I’ll need a new workshop
A house, and garage.
I’d say it’s time for
A building montage!”

“Santa, I’m on it
Now don’t even fret!
I’ve never let anyone down,
Not one yet!

“Bigger and better,
The place will be great!
You’ll have it all
With barely a wait!”

You shooed him along
You both have lots of work,
But before he left
You turned with a jerk,

“This one’s on the house,”
You say, but insist,
“This year, I’d better
Be on your GOOD list!”


THE BRIEF


Lot size: no larger than 30x40
2 bedrooms (one for Claus's and one for helpers)
2 bathrooms
Budget: unlimited
Build should include a house, workshop and stable


Optional Challenge

Create Mr. & Mrs. Claus and at least 3 of their helpers.


Entry List


Beginners


N/A


Intermediate


N/A


Advanced


OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM #209 - Twas the Month of December
NAME: suzses
LINK TO LOT: Not uploaded
LINK TO MEDIA: https://flic.kr/s/aHskL5xHiz
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmvKZjdv
LEVEL: advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: Custom placed 30x40 in Aurora Skies; $142k.
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: The lot is custom placed in a large open area of Aurora Skies. Its terrain is rather uneven, which I liked for building the project, but which isn't too friendly for sharing. Since it's already after Christmas, I thought perhaps I'd try to place it on a larger lot so I could even out the terrain edges and upload that version to share NEXT year, if I remember about it by then. I also haven't uploaded the household but, again, may for next Holiday season.
Speaking of the household, I decided to make the helpers all teens so they were a bit smaller than Santa and Goody but somewhat grown up looking. They are unrelated housemates. One of the helpers is a fairy and another a warlock. Everyone else is simply human, but all have a bit of elvish point to their ears. The cat was just because.
Since I wanted to show the lot with snow and Christmas lights, the majority of my exterior pictures are in the winter at night. Because of that, I also took a few extra exterior pictures in build/buy mode to show it without snow (and more light).
I kind of chuckled when I read others' rationale for making smaller stable stalls for reindeer because I had similar thoughts but took a different approach. I decided more than one reindeer could fit in a stall and used two of the game-provided horse box stalls in my stables (because that's what I reasonably had room to accommodate). I also thought if anyone ever actually played the lot, the stalls could, if desired, be used for what the game allows (horses and unicorns).
There are again some comments below the picture titles that you may not notice if you don't scroll down.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Yes, please.
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: None.
TWITTER TAG: (entirely optional but makes it easier for us to tag you)
FACEBOOK PROFILE: (entirely optional but makes it easier for us to tag you)
TUMBLR LINK: (entirely optional but makes it easier for us to tag you)


NAME: Lilypink79
LINK TO LOT: not uploaded
LINK TO MEDIA: https://photos.app.goo.gl/jBNwTu2D3NxXr1pm6
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: *I didn't make Rudolph (I just added the red to his nose) full credit goes to to Barebel47 over at the exchange
LEVEL: intermediate or advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 30x40 £181,227 somewhere in Hidden Springs
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: A few points to consider...
Main House:
on the ground floor: Porch area's where Mr Claus likes to sit and watch the wildlife pass by (and his beloved reindeer of course), large living area (don't forget the cookies for Santa and carrots for Rudolph on Xmas eve) The hallway is just about big enough for the giant tree which leads into the kitchen, the heart of the home where you will usually find Mrs Claus baking some tasty treats to keep the workforce going on the first floor: 1 main bedroom, When Mrs Claus' isn't baking, the second bedroom has been taken over by her sewing and craft hobbies (she's not known for being very neat and tidy)
2 full bathrooms and an en-suite toilet/wash room in the basement: this is where the magic happens. Santa reads every letter he receives, he makes his list, checking it twice (sometimes thrice) and then the elves set to work creating all the gifts while Santa plans his route making note of who has been extra good this year and who has been put on the naughty list.
Reindeer Stalls and Sleigh Garage: The reindeer spend most of their time roaming free in one of the many pastures surrounding the homestead, Occasionally they will spend the night in one of the stalls, although this is rare as they prefer to be outside
Elves Village:
The Elves are shy little creatures (and quite rude too when they're busy and don't want to be disturbed by someone wanting to take way too many photo's of their personal space) Mr and Mrs Claus have an open door policy in their home and everyone gathers in the kitchen to feast and chat however it's always nice for the elves to have their own space should they need it.
** Look out for the blooper when "someone" placed a bookcase too close to the fire and didn't install a smoke alarm. Ooops
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: yes please
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: so many... Around The Sims, Simcredible, Lulu265, Severinka, Riccinumbers, Deeiutza, CycloneSue, Simsational, sorry if I can't remember them all
TWITTER TAG: n/a
FACEBOOK PROFILE: n/a
TUMBLR LINK: n/a


OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM #208 - Fall Designer Showdown
NAME: paneinger
LINK TO LOT: n/a
LINK TO MEDIA: https://www.flickr.com/photos/157238170@N02/albums/72157677152787018
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: n/a
LEVEL: advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: custom placed lot; 40x30; $761,889
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: I don't ever remember believing in Santa when I was little (I was raised very religious and I can remember being told that Santa was not the reason for the season and didn't exist lol) , so I think that kinda shifted my approach on the perfect Santa house. I built more of a lodge style house with Christmas decorations on every surface. Its definitely more modern than you'd think for the north pole, I think. Santa's stable is relatively small and definitely doesn't have stalls for all the reindeer, but I tested it with a couple of horses and it works great. I also rebuilt it 6 times because my game kept crashing. Instead of a sleigh, there's a massive red pickup truck with a horse trailer for all the presents. And, in keeping with the modern idea, there's no obvious workshop. Instead, there's a gardening shed in the backyard by the firewood that features an elevator down to the extensive workshop. I added the burglar alarms near the doors so you can pretend they're keypads for authorized-only entry
The main part of the house is two stories high with an open vaulted ceiling, so I kinda wanted everything to be oversized. The fireplaces are huge, the main Christmas trees are two stories tall, and the tv is huge. Lots of windows, lots (and lots) of garland, lots of candles, lots of plush pillows and cozy fabrics. There are Christmas trees in nearly every room - nothing in the laundry room or closet, but that's about it.
Coming in the front door, there's a den with plenty of books and doors leading to the elves' bedroom and bathroom, and to the laundry room/back door and bathroom. A hallway leads in to the main living space with the kitchen, dining, living room, and balconies. Santa's office is directly above the kitchen and open to the living area below. The other balcony offers another seating area, plus another floor to view the tv from. The balcony leads to the master suite with the bedroom, bathroom, front deck with sauna, back deck with reading space, and private entry to Santa's office.
Outside, the stable has a small tack room and sink to wash up, plus storage for hay on the second floor and outside. There's a hot tub and another fireplace so they can stay warm and enjoy the outdoors next to the gardening shed, plus plenty of firewood. The lot has a lot of fir trees outside, and a pond with a waterfall that's just big enough to ice skate on.
Downstairs in the workshop, there are cubbies for both elves and human workers to stash their stuff before work. A command center has a wall of monitors - I suppose for high tech monitoring during Santa's deliveries? - and a wall of clocks for various time zones. And, of course, coffee. The central hub of the workshop has the spellbook on a pedestal - just pretend its a fancy setup for the book of the naughty and nice kids. The surrounding rooms all have their purposes too - restrooms, file room, a room with a weather thingy to ensure a white Christmas, a kitchen with multiple stations for baked Christmas gifts, storage room, and the toy factory. The workshop isn't as extensively decorated because, well, its a work area. But the elves can always go back upstairs to the main house to relax and enjoy all that decor
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: no
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: as usual, its pretty much all cc


Build-n-Share Challenge #209 **'Twas the Month of December**
NAME: iampes23
LINK TO LOT: http://www.mediafire.com/file/e5qnqn4t4gnccmt/Santa%27s_New_Home.Sims3Pack/file
and decorated for Christmas with family:
https://www.mediafire.com/file/q8aalf4plo3lnml/Clause_Decorated.Sims3Pack/file
LINK TO MEDIA: https://imgur.com/a/rUg5lZ1 (some of the house pics--with snow--are on the second/family link)
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: https://www.mediafire.com/file/svv7c5e6wp1bixq/Clause_Family.Sims3Pack/file
https://imgur.com/a/Jj6cfEk
How embarrassing! I misspelled Claus!
Samantha Clause(witch)-Classical Music+Fruit Parfait+Red+Great Kisser+Family-Oriented+Natural Cook+Savvy Sculptor+Neat
Santa Clause(fairy)-Classical Music+Cookies+Green+Family-Oriented+Handy+Animal Lover+Artistic+Charismatic
All elves are fairies:
Snowette- Classical Music+Cobbler+Pink+Workaholic+Animal Lover+Artistic
Davy- French Music+French Toast+Yellow+Workaholic+Vehicle Enthusiast+Genius
Tink- Rock Music+Pancakes+Red+Workaholic+Vehicle Enthusiast+Artistic
Ernie- Country Music+Mac and Cheese+Orange+Slob+Genius+Artistic
Angel-Kids Music+Hamburger+Aqua+Workaholic+Good Sense of Humor+Neat
Benny- Indie Music+Cheesesteak+Green+Workaholic+Bookworm+Computer Whiz
*Santa's Reindeer are currently being housed on another farm until after Christmas due to needing vet care after the explosion* *There are many more elves not pictured, currently cleaning up the old house and lot and salvaging as many toys as possible*
All elves work on toys and wrapping the presents that are made.
Benny handles all toy research and helps keep track of the mail and the Nice/Naughty list.
Angel helps Mrs. Claus with the cooking, baking, and cleaning. She is also the head present-wrapper.
Ernie is the one lazy elf who would rather sleep than work. But he is excellent at painting small details, so Santa keeps him on.
Tink and Davy care for the sleigh and the family truck. Tink also makes all the toy vehicles and robots. Davy makes all the computer-related gifts and music boxes. They both are good at creating new toys children love!
Snowette helps Santa care for the reindeer and keep the stables/barn neat. She is also the head seamstress, making all the doll and action figure clothing as well as any actual clothing wishes children of all ages have. All sewing is done by hand.
LEVEL: advanced
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: Riverview, 15 Hidden Grove Lane, 40x30, $708,179 (not decorated for Christmas)
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: Sorry--I am moving and VERY short on time to finish this up, so the labels on the pics may be missing this time. Also, the ceilings in the basement where not showing properly. Again, I did not have time to mess with it and try to fix them.
Since the blow up, Santa and a handful of his usual team of elves have been hard at work to catch up on the presents that need to be delivered this year. Once the presents are made and wrapped, each present is magically shrunk and added to his huge bag, currently being keep in the covered of his new flying "sleigh," a request of Mrs. Claus who worries that Santa may catch cold one of these Christmases. Anyway, the house itself has two bedrooms and two and half baths, a large kitchen and a living room. The female elves sleep in the house. The male elves bunk in a large room in the basement. They have a second kitchen in the basement for the times the elves are working as well as for baking and canning purposes. There are five more bathrooms down there, as well as two saunas, a movie theater, a games room, a glass-blowing studio, and a study for Santa. A sub-basement houses all the toys and gifts that are waiting to be wrapped and a utility area with the AC and heat systems and a weather changer, just in case Christmas is not cold enough or needs snow.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: yes, please
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: only my own patterns


Results


Beginners -:
Comments: N/A
1st Place: N/A
Optional Challenge: N/A

Intermediates -:
Comments: N/A
1st Place: N/A
Optional Challenge: N/A

Advanced -:
Comments
1st Place: N/A
Optional Challenge: N/A