15 years ago

Using the Half-Height Tool to Make Foundations

Most of us are aware of making substandard height walls using the "constrainFloorElevation false" cheat. I have used the cheat to make foundations using walls many times. Here's a different twist on the subject. The cool half-height walls that are now available in game make an interesting foundation for houses as well, but it takes a little more patience.
Here's what it looks like at the start:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5221/5602364270_ee00064996_z.jpg
Next raise the ground slightly nearby your full-height walls and create a small foundation block.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5302/5602364526_9e7392d904_z.jpg
With "constrainFloorElevation false" enabled use the terrain flatening tool and drag from the foundation block over the full-height walls.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5602364690_508df0e77f_z.jpg
This is what it should look like:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5601780039_aa93269fa3_z.jpg
Ok, that's the basic idea. Now let's put it to work and build an American Foursquare home. Pulling out shows the larger foundation. I raised the ground the house will be on as well so the steps when added meet the ground better. If you want a basement, nows the time to add it or you'll get the dreaded "cannot install stairs within a foundation" warning.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5307/5601780227_dc6726e5ff_z.jpg
Here I am using the flatten terain tool to lower the full-height walls.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5105/5602365202_894d256db4_z.jpg
Fully lowered and cleaned up:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5229/5601780555_b7cb396aea_z.jpg
Next add flooring:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5065/5602365510_2ee14be834_z.jpg
Then steps:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5602365684_d8bda4a1bd_z.jpg
Nearly finished Shingle-style Foursquare:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5308/5602365846_abb32fd686_z.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5267/5601781099_687b7e62a5_z.jpg
I like the extra 3D detail the half-height wall with it's top bullnose edging gives to a foundation. Hope you enjoyed this little mini-tutorial.
Kirk :)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5048/5333973613_ed4ac33a1d_z.jpg

build and buy

creative corner

19 Replies

KOman45
15 years ago
Thanks kirk! I always look foward to all the little builds you do!
EuphorialQueen
Hero (Retired)
15 years ago
This is a great tutorial. Do you mind if I post a link to it at TS3 Creators' Consortium? With credit of course. :D
http://builders.forumotion.net/
socalkdl
15 years ago
EuphorialQueen wrote:
This is a great tutorial. Do you mind if I post a link to it at TS3 Creators' Consortium? With credit of course. :D
http://builders.forumotion.net/

Of course you can Euphoria! I'd be honored, thanks,
Kirk
socalkdl
15 years ago
Thanks Purple,LRM and KOman, glad you found it useful :)
Kirk
pam440
15 years ago
O my gosh! you are just to creative! I am so going to give this a try. Very cleaver idea and thank you so much for sharing this idea with all us building nuts! I so appreciated you and all the rest who have the ability to figure things like this out. I have booked marked this one also.
You know I wish EA would do a sticky thread in here with all the tuts,or do they and I am just not seeing it?
socalkdl
15 years ago
pam4402003 wrote:
O my gosh! you are just to creative! I am so going to give this a try. Very cleaver idea and thank you so much for sharing this idea with all us building nuts! I so appreciated you and all the rest who have the ability to figure things like this out. I have booked marked this one also.
You know I wish EA would do a sticky thread in here with all the tuts,or do they and I am just not seeing it?

Thanks Pam. Check out Smoky's thread (http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/list/279453.page) for just such a thread!
:)
Kirk
socalkdl
15 years ago
Ok, now let's expand a little and experiment with a more complex floorplan, adding basement and doing something with the Asian half wall on a tower.
Start by raising the ground a couple notches:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5102/5602681797_2fd49416ce_z.jpg
Add a basement:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5602682011_8330ce852b_z.jpg
Add stairs in basement:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5602682087_b6246c1052_z.jpg
Add inner and outer walls in shape you want:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5190/5603267006_3a8cec9863_z.jpg
Add flooring:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/5603267220_2334b85464_z.jpg
Flooring may sag in stairwell area:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5268/5603267420_a4c08955d0_z.jpg
No problemo!
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5602682813_628b771597_z.jpg
Build up tower and house walls. Here I've used the Asian half wall atop the tower for a different gingerbread look:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5603267768_083396692a_z.jpg
Add your roofing and there you have it!
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5602683325_57c64b5287_z.jpg
Thanks and happy plumbobs to all!
Kirk
KatsCorner
15 years ago
Did you guys also know that you can use fences as foundations by leveling the house to the fence in the exact same manner:) i am doing a carribean house and discovered that.
orisisrose
15 years ago
Thanks so much for this Kirk. Also thank you Svlyn I didn't know about the fencing either. :mrgreen:

Rose
socalkdl
15 years ago
svlyn wrote:
Did you guys also know that you can use fences as foundations by leveling the house to the fence in the exact same manner:) i am doing a carribean house and discovered that.

Thanks, svlyn. Good tip will experiment with that now too!