The New and Improved Build-n-Share ARCHIVES

#BnS230 - Alien Encounters

The deadline for this challenge is 30 September 2020

“Plum storm..” you mutter to yourself, “Why did it have to get so dark so quickly…?” You glower up at the heavy thunderclouds obscuring the evening sun before hurrying off towards your car. An abrupt beam of white light surrounding you stops you in your tracks. “What the..?” Whatever word you were about to say is cut off as the white light becomes blinding.

When your eyes clear, you realize that you aren’t outside anymore. Instead you’re standing in a new room, with soft music playing from somewhere. Sitting on a kind of couch that looks like it was lifted from a pub, is a blue skinned man. For a few moments you just stare at him, absently taking in details like the Star Wars-esque spacer’s outfit, the blaster on his hip and the rapier on the couch next to him.

“Sorry about the abrupt pick up, but I’d rather keep this just between us.” He says, flashing a mischievous smile. “You okay?”

You close your eyes for a few moments, reminding yourself that you’ve dealt with equally weird things. A crime boss. Santa and his wife. An entire village of fairy tale characters. You take a deep breath and put on your professional smile, “Honestly? I could use a drink.” He laughs.

A few minutes later you’re ensconced on the couch with a glass full of some rich alien liquor in your hand. He has one as well and waits until you’ve had a drink of it before he speaks. “My name is Donnell Indigo, and I’ve heard that you’re the best in the area when it comes to satisfying…custom requirements.”

Cautiously you nod, “When it comes to building and interior design, there’s a lot I can do. Are you looking for a landing pad for your ah, space ship?”

“Sort of.” He crosses his legs, sipping his drink with appreciation. “I’m the kind of guy who is very much in demand you might say, and not always by people I’d like to spend time with. I need a place to lie low. This seems like a quiet place and its so far out in Wild Space, its unlikely I’ll have to worry about anyone bothering me about picky little details.”

Unable to resist, you ask, “What kind of picky details?”

“Oh, small things. You know, comforting lonely women who forget to tell me they’re married, unexpected loans of personal property…little things that really aren’t all that important. Still, people get worked up by those kind of things.”

‘Great. A space pirate,‘ You think to yourself. “I understand where that could be complicated.”

“Exactly. And sometimes a guy just needs a little down time. Think you can help me out? I pay well.”

“Depends on what you’re looking for in a house,” you say cautiously. “I make it a point to avoid bothering people with those…picky little details you mentioned.”

“Don’t worry,” he says, raking the fingers of one hand through navy blue hair, “I’m looking for a place to live when I’m here. A bachelor’s pad. Something that’s comfortable with or without female company. But I want it to blend in. I don’t want something that’s going to stand out like a neon sign. I’d like comfortable, loungy furniture. A big masterpiece of a master bedroom and an equally luxurious master bath. I need a secure room in which to store my…souvenirs. And quick, discreet routes out of the house if someone does come snooping around.”

“Sounds doable. How much do I have to work with to make this haven of safety and romance come about?”

Donnell gets up. He comes back with a spaceage briefcase and the decanter of liquor. After topping up your glass, and his own, he opens the briefcase and shows it to you. “Go ahead and count it.”

You nod once you’ve finished counting it, “I can do a lot with this. How will I contact you when I’m done?”

“I’ll check back in with you when I get back in system.”

“Sounds good.”

He smiles over the rim of his glass, trouble clearly being planned in his gaze. “Sounds very good.”


THE BRIEF

Bachelor pad with loungy furniture

Luxurious master bedroom and bathroom

Camouflaged in some way or other

Treasure Room

Hidden escape routes

Budget: 75,000

Sim Challenge

Create Donnell Indigo, LTW and traits are your choice.


Entry List


Beginner


N/A


Intermediate


N/A


Advanced


Official Entry Form #231 – Alien Encounters
Name BlackSand
Link to Lot https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9416532
Link to Media https://www.flickr.com/gp/152496322@N04/GA7Zk6
Optional Challenge N/A
Level Advanced
Lot Size, Address and Final Cost 20x20, 1 Ancient Oak Trail, Dragon Valley, final cost $63,003 (+$800 for lot)
Lot Description The lot is actually placed along a trail/path in the ancient oak grove, located in the Northeast Sector of Dragon Valley.
It's located there because it is pretty much concealed from view among the large oaks and foot traffic is limited at best.
The alarm system is on the exterior of the house and will sound as soon as there is unauthorized entry to the lot.
There are three exits on the ground floor and spread throughout the house.
There is a teleporter in the secure safe room in the basement.
Plenty of storage space, modern accommodations in the kitchen, and a comfortable amenities throughout.
Constructive Criticism By all means … Knock yourself out!
Credit to Simmers No Custom Content Used … I wouldn’t know where to start acknowledging recognition
to all the wonderful Sims 3 builders that have helped me develop my style over the years.


Results

#BnS231 - Fall Designer Showdown

The deadline for this challenge is 31 October 2020

It is time for the designer showcase showdown! Please download the lot at https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9417829

In the showdown, you have a foundation and seven wall sections, each with a different color swatch. Place the lot on any lot sized 40x30 or larger, in any direction that will fit. Choose ONE of the seven color swatches. You need to use a shade of this color in some way in each of the rooms of your house. Using it on the exterior is optional. Sell the walls after you've chosen your color. You may not add anything to increase the size of the foundation given, except if adding stairs makes you add a space. You can build only on the foundation given. You can put walls of any kind and fences anywhere you wish on the foundation.

Rules

*NO changes to the foundation size or shape, except if adding stairs automatically adds a space.
*Pick only one color to showcase.
*No basements.
*You can build in the yard as long as it is not attached to the house. Any required rooms cannot be off of the foundation.
*You can use any fences, walls, windows, and doors that you wish. You can designate any space on the foundation as a porch or room (so indoor or outdoor space).
*The lot must be fully landscaped.

THE BRIEF

*the budget is $190,000, which includes the lot as is.
*The house should have:
*At least 4 separate bedrooms/sleeping spaces
*At least 2 and a 1/2 bathrooms.
*A kitchen and place to eat.
*A Laundry, either on or off the foundation.
*Any other rooms or areas you wish to include.
*The build can be as many floors as you want up but no basements.
*Please include a picture of the ground floor from overhead with the grid on so that we can verify no changes were made to the foundation.
Due to the nature of the build, there is not a Sims challenge this month.


Entry List


Beginners


N/A


Intermediate


OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM #231 Fall Designer Showdown
NAME: Ordalya
LINK TO LOT: i will not share the lot for i have used to many CC and don't remember all the name of the content creators and their terms of use.
LINK TO MEDIA: https://ordalyaspixelhomes.tumblr.com/post/633242080084377600/my-entry-for-the-bns231-½-foundation-imposed
https://ordalyaspixelhomes.tumblr.com/post/633242243035168768/my-entry-for-the-bns231-22-foundation-imposed
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: NA
LEVEL: intermediate (probably - it's the first time i complete this challenge, but i mostly build house in game so maybe advanced)
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 40*40, 180 redwood pkwy, final cost : 176 605 §
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: Exclusivity ! On a lot facing the sea, you'll find this atypical house, sun-drenched by the south-facing greenhouse. On the first floor : entrance hall, dining room, kitchen and sitting room designed on a open plan, a bed room, a bathroom and a laudry room.
On the second floor : 3 more bedrooms and 1 bathroom
On the third floor : a large mezzanine, a bed room and a small bathroom.
5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, open plan kitchen/living room.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: yes
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: oh boy ! here we go
Angela, anoeska, Ats3, baufive, BuffSumm, denizzo_ist, durham, DOT, exoticelements3, lulu 265, MarcusSims91, Mutske, nanu, pocci (gardenbreeze), pyszny, Qbuilderz, Severinka, Wondymoon
TUMBLR LINK: https://ordalyaspixelhomes.tumblr.com/


OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM #231 Fall Designer Showdown
NAME: rnramey
LINK TO LOT: Southwest Summer https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/home/leaving?target=https%3A%2F%2Fmodthesims.info%2Fd%2F648873%2Fsouthwest-summer-no-cc.html
LINK TO MEDIA: Photos https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/home/leaving?target=https%3A%2F%2Fphotos.app.goo.gl%2F2b1R6LNnXMf4pxC2A
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: n/a
LEVEL: Intermediate
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 40x40. Built on 68 Gobi Road in Lucky Palms. $189,993
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS: Southwest Summer. This Adobe style 2-story home features colorful custom tile work throughout. There's enough living space to accommodate family and friends and plenty of outdoor places to entertain. Main level consists of open-plan LR with fireplace, kitchen with skylight, and dining, as well as a study and 1/2 bath, along with a Master Suite connecting to the Nursery via the shared bath. Second level has 2 BR w/a Jack & Jill bath with 2 patios, game room, hobby room, and laundry. There are 3 patios total, plus pool, hot tub, outdoor and indoor fireplaces, outdoor dining areas, pizza oven, grill, garage and garden.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: yes
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: None used
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)


Advanced


OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM #231 – Fall Designer Showdown
NAME: oliv3
LINK TO LOT: download https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/home/leaving?target=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesims3.com%2FassetDetail.html%3FassetId%3D9423209
LINK TO MEDIA: pictures https://imgur.com/gallery/BdWIuCO
OPTIONAL CHALLENGE: n/a
LEVEL: you may choose
LOT SIZE, ADDRESS & FINAL COST: 40x40, 86 Landgraab Ave, final cost: $189,964
LOT DESCRIPTION & DETAILS:
Family friendly autumn inspired home. The family is preparing for their annual Fall bash, hence, the backyard décor and activities. The mother of the family enjoys buying and refurbishing antique/used furniture. Her latest project consists of dabbling into painting furniture pieces her favorite color blue.
5 bedrooms + 3.5 baths.
Side note: the fall leaves are meant for décor; I am sure sims will have a heart attack being surrounded by them lol. And of course, the debug pumpkins will soon rot. Debating if I should delete/clean up before uploading to the exchange.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Yes
CREDIT TO SIMMERS FOR CUSTOM CONTENT USED: n/a

#BnS232 - The Collection

The deadline for this challenge is 30 November 2020

“Alexander Benedict? Where have I heard that name before?” You wonder aloud, setting aside your coffee.

“He’s a renowned explorer and collector. He has a knack for making rare discoveries and solving some of history’s mysteries along the way,” Rose reminds you.

“Oh, that’s right.” You’re anticipating the man’s arrival now, trying to imagine what he could possibly want. You don’t have long to wait, as Alex Benedict arrives minutes later.

He gives you a charming smile. “I’m running out of room for all my collections and I’m tired of people trying to break into my house to have a look,” he begins, getting right to the point as soon as introductions are exchanged.

‘I understand. How can we help?”You sense this will be more than a simple addition to an existing home and are excited by the prospect.

Alex leans forward in his chair. “I recently inherited a plot of land which would be perfect for a small museum. I’ve heard many good things about you, in particular from Mayor Rose Curtis and the Newcrest Town Council, so I’m confident you’ll be able to meet my needs.”

“It will be a pleasure working with you,” you reply. “What did you have in mind?”

“I’ve always had an interest in history, including architecture, so nothing too modern on the outside. It must have a food court.”

“We can certainly do that. What about budget?”

“I recently sold off a few specimens. Will $200,000 be enough?”

“It should be. We’re used to challenges around here.”

“Great I’m off to track a missing ship, but I should be back in two weeks.”

“Your museum will be ready by then. Good luck.”

“Thanks.” With a hearty handshake, Alex takes his leave.


THE BRIEF


Budget - $200,000 (be sure to include the cost of the lot in this amount)
Size - your choice
This is a community venue
Build a museum to house at least 5 collections and any additional objects of your choice.
Include a food court for visitors
The design should reflect a specific architectural style. It can be any style you like as long as its not too modern.

Sim Challenge

Create Alexander Benedict.


Entry List


Beginner


N/A


Intermediate


N/A


Advanced


N/A

#BnS233 - A Winter Festival Miracle

The deadline for this challenge is 31 December

Snowflakes drift slowly down outside. Inside, you and your employees are having a holiday party, complete with holiday carols, eggnog, and Secret Father Winter presents. It is a Saturday, so the office is closed. Everyone is laughing at a joke that Karl/Rose just read from a Winter Festival cracker when one of the other employees waves to get your attention and points at the front doors.

Outside, a thin layer of snow on their various hats, stands a small group of hopeful teenagers. They smile and wave, so you unlock the door, wondering if they are carolers.

“Hello,” you say with holiday cheerfulness. “how can I help?”

A red-headed girl in a blue pom-pom hat pipes up, “We would love your help! We are from the local high school. Last summer, one of our favorite teachers, Miss Owens, came down with a rare illness. She was extremely sick for several months and ended up in the hospital. She had to sell her house to pay the hospital bills, and she has been homeless ever since. Winter Festival is her favorite holiday, and since the other teachers she usually stays with are going out of town, we want to give her a Winter Festival “miracle” by gifting her several nights stay in a local hotel. And maybe a special gift of some sort as well.”

Another teen, a blond and burly boy, picks up the story. “We are collecting money to help Miss Owen. She is a very special lady who always makes every student feel welcome and excited about her subject. She really has a gift. We want to give her something special back for all her patience and kindness. Would any of you be willing to donate a few dollars to help us help her?”

For a moment everything is silent in the office except for the carols. But you quickly recover from this special tale and invite the teens inside to warm up. You ask the young group several questions to get a better sense of their teacher’s situation. All your employees are also hanging on their words and thinking hard. Then you ask how much they have been able to raise so far.

“We have nearly $3,000.00 so far,” a male in a red parka offers. “All of the teachers and staff have put in what they could, and nearly all the students have donated, too. Some kids have pledged their lunch money for the next week to help Miss Owens.”

“A girl with very bright pink cheeks and bubble-gum pink hair adds, “We only just thought to try collecting from businesses. You are our first try. She gulps back tears as she begs you, “Oh, please say you will help us!”

You look around at your employees, and you can almost see the wheels turning in their minds.

“We will donate our time, right guys?” Says your construction manager, Jim. The construction crew all cheer their support of his statement.
Rose volunteers, “Instead of sending the flooring the last client decided was wrong, we can use that. Oh, and the cabinets and kitchen appliances that we were going to donate. I can contact the local thrift stores for furniture...”

Your man who contacts all the suppliers, Bob, butts in, “I bet we can can scrounge some supplies and materials from our suppliers if we explain the situation. And remind them of the season.” He smiles broadly as the others all laugh.

Your newest employee, Marvin from interior design, says, “And I happen to have a lot that I will donate. Since the wedding is now permanently off, I would rather see it go to a good cause then to have to brood over what might have been.”

You give Marvin a quick hug, and he smiles.

Other employees also speak up with ideas and donations. Within ten minutes, a plan to donate a small cottage to the teacher in great need is in the works. Several people are already on the phones, working hard with their connects to see just how much they can come up with.

You turn to the now hopeful and more cheerful teenagers. “Please, continue on to the other businesses, showing this business card to them and letting them know that we are willing to build Miss Owens a home. Any plants, furniture, building materials, or donations of money or services will be greatly appreciated. Let’s make this Winter Festival Miracle happen!”

The cheers and whistles drown out even the carols.


THE BRIEF


*Due December 31, 2020.
*Chose a small lot (no bigger than 30x20). The cost of the lot is NOT included in the budget this time.
*The budget is $32,500.
*The house needs to have at least one bedroom and one bathroom.
*Include a kitchen and eating area, a living room area, and a book corner with a desk.
*Fully landscape the lot.
**Please take pictures in summer, but also include a few pictures of winter/holiday at least of the outside as well.**

Sims Challenge

*create Miss Owens and some of her teen-aged students. Show them enjoying the new cottage.
*include their clothing choices, traits, likes, etc.
Challenge due Thursday, December 31st no later than 23:59:59 EST/New York Time.


Entry List


Beginners


N/A


Intermediate


N/A


Advanced


N/A

#BnS234 - Winter Designer Showdown

The deadline for this challenge is 31 January 2021

It is time for the designer showcase showdown!

Please download the lot at Winter Designer Showdown BNS234 by TresaofPern - The Exchange - Community - The Sims 3

In the showdown, you have a foundation to start with.

Place the lot on any lot sized 30x20 or larger, in any direction that will fit. Your goal is to build a vacation retreat for either one person or a small family or group who want to celebrate in privacy or isolation, rather than having a huge party with lots of friends and family. The holiday can be any you like, for any season. You may not add anything to increase the size of the foundation given, except if adding stairs makes you add a space. You can build only on the foundation given. You can put walls of any kind and fences anywhere you wish on the foundation.

Rules:

*NO changes to the foundation size or shape, except if adding stairs automatically adds a space
*No basements.
*You can build in the yard as long as it is not attached to the house. Any required rooms cannot be off of the foundation.
*You can use any fences, walls, windows, and doors that you wish. You can designate any space on the foundation as a porch or room (so indoor or outdoor space).
*The lot must be fully landscaped.

THE BRIEF

*the budget is $75,000, which includes the lot as is.
*The house should have:
*At least 1 bedroom
*At least 1 bathroom.
*A kitchen and place to eat.
*Any other rooms or areas you wish to include.
*The build can be as many floors as you want up but no basements.
*Please include a picture of the ground floor from overhead with the grid on so that we can verify no changes were made to the foundation.
Due to the nature of the build, there is not a Sims challenge this month.


Entry List


Beginners


N/A


Intermediate


N/A


Advanced


N/A

#BnS235 - The Bradley Bunch

The deadline for this challenge is 28 February 2021

"Come in," you call out when you hear a knock on the door.

You look up from the blueprints you were checking as the door opens and people start pouring into your office. You greet them and lead them over to the conference room so everyone can have a seat.

"Hello," the man says crisply. "I am Dan Bradley. And this beautiful lady is my bride-to-be, Agatha Hornsby." The woman flutters her fingers at you. "These three boys are mine. Henry is 15, Harold is 10, and Robbie is 6. Agatha's three girls are Katie, aged 14: Sherry is 9; and Mindy is 5. And this is our maid, Beatrice Woolworth."

You smile and nod at everyone.

"We are getting married next month," Mr. Bradley continues, "and we have decided to move into Agatha's house in Sunset Valley. The problem is that the house only has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Obviously, seven people need more in the way of space. We need a master bedroom with an ensuite. Beatrice needs her own bedroom and bathroom. All of the girls can share one bedroom, and all the boys can share another bedroom. We will need two more bathrooms for the kids, and a powder room on the main floor for guests. And all the usual rooms: a kitchen, a living room, a study, and a laundry room. A place to grill outside, and a place for the kids to play."

Agatha speaks up. "I love the look of my home, so can you keep the style of the house the same as much as possible? You can use any pieces of furniture from the house. Feel free to paint anything you wish to."

"Okay," you say, scanning your notes. "I just need to know the budget and the address."

"With our savings and the cash wedding presents, we have $70,000," Mr. Bradley says.
Agatha hands you the address on a sheet of paper. (Capitola A in Sunset Valley, 15 Maywood Lane -valued at $56,052 currently)

"That sounds great! I can certainly have that ready for you to move in by the end of this month," you say cheerily. "And congratulations on your wedding!"


THE BRIEF


*due February 28, 2021
*your budget is $70,000 over the current cost of the lot.
*remodel the current house on the lot to include the following:
*a master bedroom with ensuite.
*a bedroom and bathroom for Beatrice.
*a bedroom for the girls and another for the boys.
*2 bathrooms for the kids to use and a powder room on the first floor.
*a kitchen, a living room, a study, and a laundry room.
*a grilling area and a play area outside.
*landscape the lot.
*keep the style of the house.
*use anything from the house. You may “paint” any object in the house currently to use for the remodel.

Sims Challenge

*create the Bradley Bunch, excluding Beatrice.
*show their clothing choices and them in their new home.
*include LTW and likes, skills, etc.


Entry List


Beginners


N/A


Intermediate


N/A


Advanced


N/A

#BnS236 - Empty Nest

The deadline for this challenge is 31 March 2021

You have just sat back down behind your desk opposite the elderly couple when the man speaks.

“We heard how you helped our friends when their homes flooded, and hope you can help us too,” Robin Nestlehut begins.

“I would love to help. Tell me what I can do for you,” you request, imagining that they must have lost their home in a similar natural disaster.

“It’s nothing like you must be thinking, please forgive us,” Robin’s wife, Wren, speaks up. “We have a big old farmhouse and a large farm to go with it.”

“Unfortunately, we can’t keep it up ourselves anymore and none of our children are interested in coming home to take it over, so we have to sell.” Robin looks away wistfully for a moment, then seems to brighten. “But we’ve decided to use the opportunity to downsize. We would like a small house with a small yard, which will be easier for us to care for.”

“Two bedrooms would be nice, one could serve as both a guest room and a hobby room,” Wren adds. “We’ll need two bathrooms as well.”

“Our favorite room in the farmhouse was the sunroom, so we would prefer a sunroom in the new house,” Robin requests.

“I think we can work with that. I hope you love your new home just as much as your old one,” you say.


THE BRIEF


*Budget: 35,000
The house needs:
*At least 2 beds and 2 baths
*One room must double as a guest room and hobby room.
*A sunroom
*The usual kitchen, living and dining areas.

Sims Challenge

Create Robin and Wren Nestlehut and show them enjoying their new home. Be sure to show all of their outfits in the slideshow.


Entry List


N/A