Foundations - Chat Thread!

[Greenlea]

Wow heaven_sent that's pretty freaking nifty lol

[Ive]

Wow, That is amazing. I'm stunned

[BGatot]

Wow, a tree house! Cool idea, forget about the foundation altogether and make it part of the landscape instead! :D

Perfect home for a wookie! :lol:

[Ive]

Perfect home for Harold tbh (together with Bob/Herbert ofcourse) :jest:

[heaven]

Thank you. I worked for over 12 straight hours yesterday, took a break to cook some alfredo for the husband, came back, woke up this morning in a downright panic, sure that someone else would have my idea. Have been sitting here for almost 2 hours taking more pictures. I'm turning into a hunchback from leaning into the screen.

[BGatot]

I doubt anyone else could come up with your idea, heaven_sent, it's pretty well off the beaten path, so to speak! I would never have thought of it. Then again, I'm hardly the most creative person in here...

Kaospilot, Harold would be right there in the middle of the "hole", slowly turning himself into a tree! :lol:

[Ciane]

Alan, I liked your first fire house design.

I've got my shell (roof, walls, windows, and doors) done. Now I'm working on wall and floor coverings. I picked a suburban Riverview spot this time - going for a woods theme this time as I've already done the beach house and rocky point.

[sandymdh]

@ Heaven Sent 8 18 - I really hope you'll be uploading that one when you've finished!!!!!

[BGatot]

True to my prediction, I've come up with another house. This time it isn't modern! Well, not so modern anyway.

Anyway, as my game's items labeling is rather messed up, can someone tells me if this curtain come with the game or is it CC? Man, the selection of EA curtains are so limited!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/4844568248_9c484fc92e_b.jpg

[Greenlea]

I think...it came with the game. And I know what you mean about the labeling. There are some things I KNOW are CC that I downloaded yet they show no symbol which makes it hard to determine sometimes which things are or aren't.

Speaking of, in buy mode I've noticed several shutters but have been too afraid to use them lol Can anyone clarify if THOSE came with the game?

[Ive]

AFAIK there are three shutters, one that fits the small cheap windows (like the ones with the flowerbeds), one bigger one that fits the white window with the thingie on top of it, and the big one, same size as the porch door with sideway blinds

And I think those curtains are EA BGatot. I can check later when I launch my game

[heaven]

BGatot...if they are EA, they are not base game. As that is all I have, that's all I can say. I just checked. And I have taken all my CC out (besides a few resized mods which I remember HP saying we could use and the no intro mod) for this contest. No temptations for me!

Also, I think I am just going to post. Lifeslover made a good point: if you post now, you can get feedback and have decent amount of time to change things. So, I am leaving the interior as is, posting (with newly created story), and hoping for some creative, constructive criticism.

[LifesLover]

BGatot, if they are EA, then they must be something from the store. They do not belong to the base game, WA, Ambitions, or HELS, all of which I have, along with a few store items, none of which come with that curtain. Check your store purchases: otherwise, it's custom content.

[schitzwa]

Heaven sent I'm gutted! I was planning on doing a treehouse too! Serves me right for not being quick ;-) You've done an amazing job though, I hope you send it for upload after the comp is done with.

[lewisb40]

About the curtains, they are from Mutske from TSR, free. I have them in my game.

Heaven_sent, I love your treehouse idea. I noticed you made a lake/pool, I did too. Hope you don't mind if I don't change mine, cause I am stumped with this foundation and want to finish it, get it out the way. This was not what I was hoping for, I wanted more land and less foundation. I am not use to building this large. :D

I will have a terrible entry. Sorry!

[MissPsy]

Love the treehouse idea! I'd love to see more! It's such a cool way to handle the foundation.

I just wanted to give a little teaser about my house, not the house itself, but the backstory, if anyone is interested.

When Lord George Brokenshire, a wealthy English business man who did work in America and other parts of the world, traveled to Africa and came back with a beautiful young African bride many considered him mad. She was exotic and beautiful, almost unbearably so. His business partners knew she would be the end of the man. This wife, Kamaria, had been youngest daughter of her tribe's chief and had been bought by her new husband for a bag of gold. She hated England. She hated the rain, she hated the streets, and she hated the home that George brought her back to after their wedding. She did not hate George though. He was her husband and it was her duty to love him, so she did her best to do just that.
George saw how unhappy his young bride was and knew she was homesick. So he began construction on a new house for his wife and the family they would have. He traveled again to Africa, back to the area where he had bought his wife and found the most magnificent tree. It was rich green and covered in flowers of every color. It was perfect. George had the tree transplanted back to England and into the property where he was building the manor for his wife. He built the house around the tree and the smell of flowers in bloom permeated the place.
When it was finished George brought Kamaria to the new house. Out in the country she was happy for once and George was beaming. He opened the door for Kamaria to step in and as she did her eyes widened and she screamed. The atrium was lovely, the tree growing there as well as it had in Africa, but Kamaria screamed in terror.
She knew that tree. She knew why no one had interfered when her foolish English husband took it. She knew that she would never be happy in this house, and that her husband would never understand.


If you guys just like this it will be enough for me. It will be more well written of course, and have the rest of the story too, this is just a teaser. When I get further on the house I'll upload a picture or two, and some more of the story if you all want to read it.

[heaven]

Lewisb40 - I would be a "loves the outdoors" sim, if I only had 5 traits and I think there can never be too many lakes, ponds, etc! I honestly don't even know if I will be showing the close up of her swimming or not...it's not my favorite shot and I would prefer to show the side, garden, and bathroom as my bonuses. :)

Schitzwa - Thank you for the compliment. If there are enough requests, I probably will upload it. If someone is constantly going in and out of buy and live mode there is a little lag with all the landscaping I have in there. I try and plan ahead for each foundation. I came SO close to tearing down my barn and building the treehouse last round that I decided to try and work it in this one.

MissPsy - Love your story so far. Can't wait to find out about the tree. And see the house of course!

Yay! Submitted!

[BGatot]

Ah, thanks for the answer. So that curtain is out. Oh well... Thanks for saving me from accidentally included a CC. That thing must be one of the earliest CC for Sims 3, it's been in my game seemingly forever.

Anyway, I've done another house in different style, now I can't decide which one is better! Aaaarghhh!!

[heaven]

Ah, thanks for the answer. So that curtain is out. Oh well... Thanks for saving me from accidentally included a CC.
Anyway, I've done another house in different style, now I can't decide which one is better! Aaaarghhh!!

That is why I take CC out to begin with. I LOVE it, especially small things that aren't much but give such character to a house. I get tempted to put it in and start "trying it out" and then hate to take it out!

As a side note, I thought your first one was cute. If I wasn't wrong, your front area stayed open straight to the hole. I liked it. :)

[BGatot]

That's why I'm so torn right now between that one and my new one. The new one's not so modern and the hole opens straight to the back! I think I'll post it here and see which one people like best before working on it further. Gotta take screenshots first! :P

[fragglerocks]

I was seriously torn on what pictures to use. I think that as a reward for all our hard work, we get an extra bonus picture. Who's with me!? :)

Anyways, I think I'm about ready to post my lot. Hopefully the uploader works today!

[missroxor]

Urgh! I had about 3 different versions of my round 3 on the go because I couldn't decide which direction to go in. I thought I'd decided so moved the others to the lot bin just in case but now, after I've slept on it I've decided I liked the first one but I can't find it, think I've deleted it. It's the one I spent most time on and now I have to start all over again. What a load of crud! S'pose it serves me right for simming whilst sleep deprived :rolleyes:

heaven_sent, I half built something kinda similar to you a few months ago after being inspired by Star Wars (It was gonna be called Little Endor :lol: ) but never finished it. I actually considered ressurecting the idea for the last round but couldn't think how to incorporate the foundation into it since my last one was just built on stilts (tree trunks). I love yours, I never would have thought to make the foundation into a forest floor...agree with the person who said you were making them nervous :giggler:

[MissPsy]

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg15/Psy-H-A/The%20Sims%203/Contests/Screenshot-3-1.jpg
Now the tree stands dead in the atrium were it grew from the moment it was planted. But that comes later on in the story...

The tree that Kamaria knew so well had been growing outside her village for the past fifty years. According to legend a evil spirit had attacked their village then, in her grandmother's time. It had possessed a boy in the village, took control of his mind and his body, and used him to poison the water from the local well, killing many people. The wise-man in the village was able to trap the evil spirit before it could do more harm and lock it away inside a large tree. The poor boy it had taken over was dead the moment he was conceived, for the spirit had taken over his consciousness while he was still in his mother's womb. The village moved further away from the tree and the people avoided it at all costs. George of course didn't understand her fear of the tree or he sickness that seemed to take her only days after they moved into the house. Kamaria was almost constantly sick for the next two years. The only time she seemed to recover was during her pregnancy. George was of course wishing for a boy but his wife was praying that it would be a girl.
When their daughter Georgia was born Kamaria was relieved beyond belief and although George was disappointed he was also overjoyed at the birth of his first child. For nearly four years Kamaria was perfectly healthy as she and George had two more beautiful girls, Carolina and Virginia. Then she sank into ill health again. She helped raise the girls as best she could in her state, but governesses set in and she spent most of her time in bed. After a few years she suddenly became very well, better than she had been since moving to England. George was overjoyed as he had learned how Kamaria's health was tied to her pregnancies. Just as with the three previous ones he wished and wished for a boy and his wife prayed and prayed for a girl. She feared what would happen if she had a boy child while living this close to the cursed tree.
Nine months later she delivered a son, George jr.


Next installment will come later on! If of course you guys want to hear it. I'm about halfway done with the house, it still needs a proper English garden.

[BGatot]

@Misspy, Somehow your house's interior reminds me of the interior of a mosque... :lol: Very good story though. Can't wait to read the next installment! :D

@Fragglerocks, you're torn about which picture to use? I'm torn about which house to use! :D

Ok, here's the two of them:

First one:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/4843196453_be3f268bd0_b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/4843197181_bb5bc44f18_b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/4843197817_7b58392a27_b.jpg

Second one:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/4845248647_651c67c100_b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/4845248059_a3828947b2_b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/4845247753_69d41b288d_b.jpg

Which one do you think is worth continuing?

[fragglerocks]

BGatot-I did that last round! This round I had an idea I was set on. BTW...I like the second house a lot more! Good work on the windows!

[MissPsy]

I don't know about anyone else BGatot but I like the second one better.

I have some pictures of my house to post here to get opinions from you guys:

Front:
http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg15/Psy-H-A/The%20Sims%203/Contests/Brokenshire2.jpg
Back:
http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg15/Psy-H-A/The%20Sims%203/Contests/Brokenshire10.jpg
Kitchen:
http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg15/Psy-H-A/The%20Sims%203/Contests/Brokenshire9.jpg
Bedrooms:
http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg15/Psy-H-A/The%20Sims%203/Contests/Brokenshire5.jpg
http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg15/Psy-H-A/The%20Sims%203/Contests/Brokenshire3.jpg
http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg15/Psy-H-A/The%20Sims%203/Contests/Brokenshire4.jpg
Living Room:
http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg15/Psy-H-A/The%20Sims%203/Contests/Brokenshire8.jpg

[BGatot]

Thanks Fragglerocks and MissPsy! Looks like the 2nd house got the vote thus far. It's better layout-wise anyway,

MissPsy, looks good so far, but maybe because it's still W.I.P., it looks a little... bare. May I suggest maybe a fireplace (and its chimney) or something in between those two-tile rounded windows, just to spice things up?

Man, I wish there's two-story windows in Sims 3 like there was in Sims 2....

[armiel]

By Alan_Gast at the Official R3 thread:
@Armiel, cool! But I think you should mess up some furniture, it is perfectly arranged! For example, the dining table has six chairs, all straight and neat, and the living room is very nicely structured. And maybe add a couple of charred looking patterns to the couch? The house was burned, and theres no roof.

Thanks, I sure hope someone would have come up with that at #create where I posted pics of the process :(
It would be such a huge job to do, I would basically need to replace and cast some of the items and reburn the house, which would also mean taking whole new pictures, uploading them and fixing the links on the actual post :/

Awesome idea, but came a little too late :(

I'm letting it be as it is, hopefully it'll still earn me some points :)

[BGatot]

Wow, you actually burn the house? So that's where the dirty/charred items are from. That's quite a dedication! Hope you didn't get singed! :lol:

[PiT91]

@armiel: that's surely an awesome idea, and mostly well realized. just some things: you may hold ALT while positioning/rotating objects, so you can express a more messy situation. You should really dirt up floors & walls... they're too neat! And windows, obviously. What about a ruined metal texture for the TV? That should be great. And maybe some pieces of roof that still stay up... and, lastly, if you have Ambitions, you could use "buydebug" to find some broken concrete & wood pieces. You could also activate "testingcheatsenabled true", then SHIFT+CTRL+CLICK to turn on/off the burnt mode for any objects, I guess. Hope I've been helpful! :D

[armiel]

Like I said, I'm sticking to it as it is. The next time, hint me those ideas BEFORE I do the hard finishing work and post up :P

Also, I do know about alt, buydebug and stuff, thank you. About burnt mode I did not know, thanks for that :)

Call me lazy, but I'm not redoing the lot from nearly scratch.

[Ciane]

Bgatot - I actually like the first house design more. I think it's because of the contrast in the exterior as well as the very open design. I love the open entrance to the "hole" area. I do like the second house too though and prefer its landscaping and long, narrow windows.

[Alan_Gast]

@Armiel, yeah, I getcha. Sorry, I didn't see your home at #create, because I don't know what that is. What is #create anyone?

[BGatot]

@Armiel, yeah, I getcha. Sorry, I didn't see your home at #create, because I don't know what that is. What is #create anyone?

Same here! :lol:

Anyway, it's a cool house still. The chairs around the dining table could conceivably be neatly arranged if that's how they were when the house burns, right? :D

[Cloudburst]

#create is one of the chat room things (I've never used it). You can find it in 'Community' -> 'Live Chat' :)

[heaven]

Fragglerocks - What did you use (game wise) for your house? I really hope you will be uploading. Your landscaping is beautiful.

[armiel]

Alan, BGatot:

Like already mentioned, #create is one of the chat rooms :) If you ever need live feedback for your work, or need help with creating Sims content, thats the place to be :D

/me luvs #create

[aeval99]

There are so many amazing houses in this contest that I am absolutely stunned. I can't wait to download many of them (hopefully). Incredible job people!

I have a question about one entry that's been driving me crazy. Which pack or store set does this bathtub come from? If I've had this in my game and have never used it, I'm going to kick myself...hard!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v35/aeval99/sims/30cq77p.jpg

[Ive]

HELS :)

[Gail.wyness]

Bgatot, I prefer your first house from the outside shots, but the garden from the second I guess it depends in the room plans though.

Would I by weird to get HELS for a corner bath?

[aeval99]

HELS :)
Thank you! I've had HELS since it came out and never noticed it. Duh!

*kicks self hard*

Would I be weird to get HELS for a corner bath?
Hell no! I bought it for a fish tank and that's not weird either...right?

[Weeaboo]

Not really.

Heck, it might have more stuff you like.

Ya know?

[missroxor]

Would I by weird to get HELS for a corner bath?

Thats the sole reason I got it. I don't even like the other stuff, I'm not into having random lights all over my furniture. :lol:

[BGatot]

Actually I like a lot of objects in HELS. All the bathrooms stuff are nice (bathtub, shower, toilet, sink), the bedroom stuff, study, etc., so quite a few useful items. Is it worth it? Hmmmm.... not so sure. Should EA have included more items? Of course! :lol:

Gail.wyness, thanks for your opinion. So it's about even between the first and second house. Darn it, back to the original problem! :P

[Yogi-Tea]

Again... I'm surprised to see so many pictures posted already. You guys are really fast. My house is only half way finished - haven't even started doing anything with the garden. :rolleyes:

@aeval99: I love that bath. Looks very cosy.

@heaven_sent_8_18: Amazing... a tree house... what a great idea. Can't even see the foundation anymore - how did you do that? It looks fantastic. :up:

@MissPsy: I love the tree inside the house. What a big family home - my house is so little compared to yours. Also, nice story.

@BGatot: As the others already said, the second one is way better. It has a more homey look. I love the backyard and what you did with the "hole" in the foundation.

@werismyki: Wow, I love all these plants in the house (and everything else too). I like the colours.

@Greenlea: Yeah, I LOVE the colour green. The livingroom is just great. Did I miss it or haven't you posted pictures of the outside of the house yet?

[missroxor]

Gail.wyness, thanks for your opinion. So it's about even between the first and second house. Darn it, back to the original problem! :P
Forgot to respond to that part :rolleyes: I'm with those who prefer the first. It's definitely not as homey as the second but I like it because of that, it kinda has a bachelor pad feel to it. I'm not massively keen on the right hand side at the front, it seems a bit bare and unfinished but I love the entrance and the back of the house.

[Ive]

Anyone anxious about the feedback after judging? I really want to hear what they have to say before progressing on my house further for this round.

So we had standalone foundations now, and holes in the middle of it. What will be next? Holes and stand alone ones + seperate parts? :( I can't think of much worse things, haha.

[MissPsy]

Thought I'd post the next part of my story for everyone who's interested.


Lord George was ecstatic about having a son. Finally a boy, an heir! But Kamaria on the other hand was devastated. She held him only once, just after he was born, then handed him off to a nurse and refused to see him. It would seem that she hated the babe, but the truth was that she was terrified of him. She spent more and more time with the girls, and more and more time in bed. George was a bit put out by his wife's treatment of their son, but said nothing. For the next nine years this was how life went. George with his son, not noticing how silent and oddly intelligent the boy was for his age and Kamaria with the three girls. She told them stories from when she lived in Africa, told them legends and taught them everything she knew. When the boy George came near her she would stiffen and speak as little as possible, never meeting his eyes.
She knew the boy was not her son.
She knew he had never been her son.

It was not long after the boy turned nine that Kamaria took to bed again, sicker than she had been in years. The children were forbidden to see her, especially George Jr. George didn't want his son falling ill. The three girls kept away from their younger brother as well, staying in their room or going on picnics to keep out of his way. They saw the strange way his eyes shined and the way he smiled when bad things happened.
It was on one of these occasions when Georgia, Carolina, and Virginia were out for a picnic on the grounds that what their mother always feared happened. They heard a horrible shriek from the house. A sound like nothing they had ever heard before. It was a strangled choking sound that seemed to go on and on. It circled round the girls' heads trapping them in a sound so full of pain and fear that Virginia, who was only thirteen years old at this time, cried out as well. Then as suddenly as it had began the sound cut short. The three looked at each other for one stretched out moment, then they ran for the house as fast as they could go.
But it sounded as if they were already too late.

[missroxor]

I am, I'm constantly checkin on here to see if any results/comments have been posted. I had comments on my first one about my exterior not matching the theme of my interior so I really tried to work on having a strong theme throughout for R2.This time I feel like I'm fumbling around in the dark since I don't know what weaknesses the judges picked out for R2 that I should be working on this time around. :rolleyes: that said, there was a lot of really amazing entries for R2 and even with the drop outs there must've been somewhere near 60 entries to judge so it must be difficult....they just spoiled us with speedy results last time :lol:

Holes and stand alones would be difficult. My nightmare would be lots of seperate bits rather than one main body or an uneven groundsurface outside. Although one massive, blocky foundation would be bad too, I hate building big houses!

[Ive]

Yea I hate big houses too! But it's so hard to build when you got no idea if your previous house was a hit or a complete miss. I don't envy the judges, comments + scores for 68 (?) houses

Maybe two tiny pieces of foundations in each corner of the lots.. or a 10x10 :lol: Yikes. Hope it's nothing too bad. Only get 3 days to build the last one

[gabrielorie]

Hey guys,does anyone know how to make the text colourful :) ?

[heaven]

Anyone anxious about the feedback after judging? I really want to hear what they have to say before progressing on my house further for this round.

Yeah, I am kind of nervous about that too. I wanted to get my scores and comments before I worked on R3 but, once the foundation was out, I couldn't stop myself. Plus, there is no guarantee how long it will take and I didn't want to leave myself with only a day or two to build.

I am, I'm constantly checkin on here to see if any results/comments have been posted. I had comments on my first one about my exterior not matching the theme of my interior so I really tried to work on having a strong theme throughout for R2

Me too. My exterior and interior didn't match and my landscaping was not very good. I think I did alright overall in R2 but I don't know. And I am worried about the exterior/interior thing on R3 as well.

Only get 3 days to build the last one

I am assuming you have something else going on that limits you? I know what you mean. My sister is flying in on the 9th from FL and will be here for 10 days. She's been giving me slight feedback on pictures but I know she has little patience for the world of sims. She would rather go see LA!!!

[Ive]

Wish it was something as exciting as going to see LA. Just travelling to see family for 1 1/2 week!

Wouldn't worry about your house. It's awesome! And there certainly aint no lack of gardening so I think you got it covered :lol: That swimmable pond thing is so nice and I'm sure we will see a lot of that in the future in uploads etc

[ForeverCamp]

*snarl* I DID have my house completed - but I cured myself of my compulsion to save every minute during S3 play, and so of course, my graphics threw a fit and had to reboot my computer - and lost EVERYTHING.

[Ive]

Awe, that sucks ForeverCamp :( Did you do any exports backups?

[ForeverCamp]

No, of course not. >.< I spent all of tonight building from scratch - but I think the second house turned out better anyway. :)

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff316/ForeverCamp/Sunset%20Valley/Screenshot-15.jpg

^^ That's the dead house. New house should be up in the official thread in the near future - I'll probably upload my pictures tomorrow afternoon when I finish at work.

The only interior shots I was able to snag from Dead House:

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff316/ForeverCamp/Sunset%20Valley/Screenshot-3-4.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff316/ForeverCamp/Sunset%20Valley/Screenshot-2-4.jpg

[aeval99]

@aeval99: I love that bath. Looks very cosy.
Not my bath (although it soon will be). That room is from lamammaforever's fabulous R2 entry (http://www.modthesims.info/showpost.php?p=3259025&postcount=341) . :)

[HystericalParoxysm]

R2 scores up!

http://www.modthesims.info/showpost.php?p=3270316&postcount=109

[missroxor]

Kaos, thanks for the link...a whole bunch of free stuff I never noticed before...I think I must've been remembering the solar panels from TS2 (I keep doing that!) 'cause I've never had any of that other stuff.

Well, after about 5 rebuilds I think I have the house I'm gonna stick with because I'm sick of re-doing it. I'm not 100% happy with it, particularly the colour scheme so thought I'd show what I've done so far to see what you think. Any suggestions greatly welcomed. My theme is kinda oceanic which is why I've tried to go for dark-ish woods (like old ships), greeny-blues and that scale like wallpaper. I wanna keep those but I am open to suggestions on how to improve them/re-position them or whatever.http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/missroxor/MTS%20Contest_Foundations/th_Screenshot-12.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/missroxor/MTS%20Contest_Foundations/?action=view&current=Screenshot-12.jpg)http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/missroxor/MTS%20Contest_Foundations/th_Screenshot-10.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/missroxor/MTS%20Contest_Foundations/?action=view&current=Screenshot-10.jpg)

Lastly I just wanted to show off my aquarium since it took me all bloody day to find the right codes to do it and I worked on it a long time so I'm quite proud of it :lol: http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/missroxor/MTS%20Contest_Foundations/th_Screenshot-7.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/missroxor/MTS%20Contest_Foundations/?action=view&current=Screenshot-7.jpg)http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/missroxor/MTS%20Contest_Foundations/th_Screenshot-15.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/missroxor/MTS%20Contest_Foundations/?action=view&current=Screenshot-15.jpg)

[Ive]

Congratulations to all the top scorers! (especially fyendiar, woah) :)

-----

That aquarium is so cute! And it looks proper as well. Have you tried using debug and put some fish in there (or wouldn't that work?) Would have been cool if it did.

I really like your house, especially that long bit of roof on the back of the house. It just needs to be filled in with some plants around and all that. Finished up

[missroxor]

Thanks Kaos :) There are fish in there they just come out the same size as they do in a fish bowl in game though so they're quite small. Maybe I need to put more in :( They move around, as do the bubbles so I might try to make a gif when I do the proper presentation pics. I used the fog emitter from debug to do it all.

Well done to everyone on round 2 :up: :)

[Ive]

You have to do that! Very curious how it all looks "in motion" :lol:

Anyone know if this is CC or EA?
http://a.imageshack.us/img401/8043/masonry.jpg

[missroxor]

Damn, I just shut my game down or I could've checked :rolleyes: I'm about 90% sure that the black brick is the first EA one under masonry (I have all SP/EPs) so unless it's a different order in everyone's game I'd say it's CC or store (do their patterns have icons?). Looks pretty, I want it :lol:

[BGatot]

Amazing aquarium, missroxor! Ought to get you a 10 for creativity. :up:

Someday you should do a tutorial to show others how to do it. Maybe not until this contest is over, though! :D

Whoah, the score's out! Congrats to all the high-scorers out there: Fyendiar, Missroxor, Lamammaforever, Cloudburst, Kaospilot, Feldynn.

[Alan_Gast]

Hi guys! I thought I'd give you an update! I finally found a theme I like: ITS A CONVERTED THEATRE!

http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz216/alanmcdiddy/Screenshot-207.jpg

That is a VERY basic pic, seeing as I just started it. Still not done with the colouring and things. Just thought I'd let you know, it has a vintage feel on the inside, lots of marble, wood, you know? I'm quite happy with this. Any tips for making theatres would be great, ha.

[Alan_Gast]

Well done to the high scorers. :)

[Cloudburst]

Quick question, are we allowed to lower the terrain next to parts of the foundation? Or would that count as changing the foundation? :S

Well done to other high scorers by the way, and of course to everyone else in the contest. :) I'm loving the entries so far, they're looking great! (I'm loving that aquariam, missroxor) :D

[missroxor]

Thanks for the compliments :)

Alan Gast, loving what you have so far :up:

Someday you should do a tutorial to show others how to do it. Maybe not until this contest is over, though! :D

Thanks for the idea! I've always wanted to write a tutorial for MTS but have never know how to do something that's not already common knowledge :lol: It didn't occur to me that I could do one for this since I seem to be the last person on the planet to find out about the fog emitter :rolleyes: Well, once the contest is over, if nobody beats me to it I'll do one :)

Just noticed Fyendiar got the perfect score, all 10s....didn't know that was possible :blink: Well done, it was an amazing entry!

[Vampire_aninyosaloh]

R2 scores up!

http://www.modthesims.info/showpost.php?p=3270316&postcount=109

Hehehe I guess Modern style is not my speciality :lol: Congrats to all the people with high scores!! ^^ I love the spooky mansion :D

[lewisb40]

Kaospilot, are you updated on your patches? I have that pattern and it is CC, I forgot the creator, but it's part of a Sims 2 conversion on this site. I asked if you were updated cause it has the .package folder icon next to it in my game.

EDIT: I forgot to congratulate all the high scorers in round 2. All of the entries were spectacular.

[Ive]

Cheers lewisb40 :up: My game is fully updated so that's a bit odd. Any chance you could take a screenshot of your masonry pattern thing, just so I can see how this package folder icon looks? I'm not very clued up as I only got patterns as CC in game and like, 5 flowers :(

[heaven]

Holy crap Fyendiar...although no surprise to me. :D And over a 10 point lead in that round. Woo...I need to step it up even more. Congratulations to all the winners though. Fantastic job!

[Fyendiar]

Wow, just wow... I saw the score I got, but was at a loss for words to reply. Now an hour or so later I still don't know what to say... :blink:

*looks at the new challenge he's working on, remembers the attempts on this foundation deleted already...crap....deletes again*

I'm as much at a loss for words regarding the score I got last round as I am at a total loss with this new foundation! I keep getting ideas that I don't have the correct doors or windows for... :cry:

Anyway, gratz on the scores and goodluck on this round guys!

Oh and thanks judges! :lovestruc

[Ive]

What the.. I got 3 private messages but they don't show up in the left top corner, but they do if I go into the messaging system itself :blink:

[heaven]

What the.. I got 3 private messages but they don't show up in the left top corner, but they do if I go into the messaging system itself :blink:

Me too. Well, one, not three but the same concept.

[fragglerocks]

Hey I didn't want to fill up HP's mailbox with another pm to respond with this...but I wanted to say that whoever gave me that last comment was very helpful. Not sure who it was, but I appreciate the constructive criticism and I will make good use of it on this next lot. I am still planning on editing a few things anyways. So, thanks! :)

But on this Round 3 house, the owl stays....lol It took me forever to figure out what to use as a beak for it! But I noticed some of my shots look bare, so I'm gonna add a bit more to the interior, which was another bit of great advice I got. Seriously, has everyone seen the difference between all the Round One houses and then 2, then 3? It's amazing! This contest is better than any tutorial I could find on building. :up:

Fyendiar (sorry if that's not how you spell it...I'm not going page back and forward a hundred times. My eyes wanna go blurry on me anyways because I've been up 24 hours. *eek*) Congrats on your AMAZING score, and I wanted to say that you absolutely deserved it. That house is spectacular!!!

[heaven]

Seriously, has everyone seen the difference between all the Round One houses and then 2, then 3? It's amazing! This contest is better than any tutorial I could find on building

No kidding! The difference is fantastic. Usually when I build, I try to make pretty houses but they are generally georgian, contemporary, or country style. I've never really pushed myself to make something off the wall. The tree house would be my first. The only other house I have built (which was for TS2) was one that was modeled after a friend's home...technically 2 stories but 4 levels. This is fantastic and really helpful with learning to landscape and be creative.

[LifesLover]

Yes, congrats to all of the high scorers, they really deserved it. I think I finally found what I want to do with my entry. I'm thinking of going for an old house converted to a themed hotel.

[Gamineannie]

Alan Gast - great idea! If you need theater seats for the interior, drink Dr. Pepper - EA/Dr. Pepper is running a promo with free custom store/Pepper content, including a theater seat. Since it's from the store, it should not count towards CC - I think...

[Fyendiar]

No kidding! The difference is fantastic. Usually when I build, I try to make pretty houses but they are generally georgian, contemporary, or country style. I've never really pushed myself to make something off the wall. The tree house would be my first. The only other house I have built (which was for TS2) was one that was modeled after a friend's home...technically 2 stories but 4 levels. This is fantastic and really helpful with learning to landscape and be creative.

When I was making the house for round one I was so happy with it, so much better than I usually made! However as more houses got presented and I was working on the second submission I noticed the big difference it makes when you really push yourself and try to come out on top. Now when I look at my first house I honestly don't know how I could have found it so great in the first place!

I have learned more during this contest than I have learned since I bought the game at release date. And so much more to learn! You can see the same kind of progression with a lot of lots shown so far.

[heaven]

When I was making the house for round one I was so happy with it, so much better than I usually made! However as more houses got presented and I was working on the second submission I noticed the big difference it makes when you really push yourself and try to come out on top. Now when I look at my first house I honestly don't know how I could have found it so great in the first place!

I have learned more during this contest than I have learned since I bought the game at release date. And so much more to learn! You can see the same kind of progression with a lot of lots shown so far.

Haha...I agree. When I made my first house, I was SO excited. I thought it was fantastic. Now, I realize it's not much different than a standard house I usually build. And yes about the learning...when I first got TS3 I played for maybe a week and then went back to TS2. This contest got me interested and, even when I am not building for this, I am playing much more. I can't wait to get WA and AMB. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks (for my birthday :giggler: ). Now I am trying to come up with an idea for the last foundation! :blink:

By the way, are you uploading? :D

[Fyendiar]

It's very likely that I will upload it, yes. Not entirely sure when yet, but chances are I will. :)

Oh btw something really funny just happened while working on my new project. I did some quick modding to add the military uniforms to the everyday category so I could change the color a bit. Made a new "family" and added them to the lot I am working on and guess what? NOW the game decides to give me the haunted house challenge! My lot is filled with graves and ghosts! The game is taunting me, I tell ya, taunting! The whole time I worked on my haunted house I was trying to get the correct type of ghosts and now I don't need them the game fills my lot with them!

*walks away grumbling*

Oh btw the new project is about a few soldiers in the french countryside during the second world war.
(unless I change my mind...again)
:)

[BGatot]

I too feel like I've learned more since entering this contest than I've ever learned since I got Sims 3. Though not quite to the level you have learned, Fyendiar! :D

[Ive]

Same here :) I feel like it's a sort of showcase of talent rather than competition! Everyone is so nice to each other and help out with tips and feedback so everyone "leaves" this competition with something, winner or not

[BGatot]

Hey Kaospilot, I noticed you've uploaded your foundation 2 entry. Thanks! I've downloaded it, though I don't have the required items anyway. Let's see how bad the game mucks it up when it replaced them all with random items! :lol:

Vampire Aninyosaloh, your chocolate house is insane! :D So you managed to save your neighborhood?

[Ive]

Thanks, yea it was in que until judging was over! The items aren't that important. Only the lamp above the kitchen would be the only major missing thing (store items anyway)

Offtopic: I just replied to a message and figured that I would have to sign it with something. My real name would just be silly so I thought just nickname initials which would be... KP. Ugh, that's like Katie Price's initials and "brand". The horror!

[Alan_Gast]

Hi guys! I'm having major problemz with my theatre. I can't decide how to use some of the space! :(

Basic Shell

http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz216/alanmcdiddy/Screenshot-212.jpg

Further Back:

http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz216/alanmcdiddy/Screenshot-208.jpg

I hate the half to the right of the main hall:

http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz216/alanmcdiddy/Screenshot-210.jpg


:(

http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz216/alanmcdiddy/Screenshot-209.jpg

Skylights!

http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz216/alanmcdiddy/Screenshot-211.jpg

Yeah, any help would be awesome. :) <3

[LadyAwesome]

Omg!!! That is such a neat Idea I am confused at what I want to do even though I am building.

And yesterday my laptop charger died. So I rushed out and got a new one lol.

I must say YAY I got more then 50 for my points infact 65... If I could just get over the whole interrior thing, I could do myself the world of good..
But.... YAY FOR MY KICK ASS GARDEN. It was my pride and joy :)

[missroxor]

When I was making the house for round one I was so happy with it, so much better than I usually made! However as more houses got presented and I was working on the second submission I noticed the big difference it makes when you really push yourself and try to come out on top. Now when I look at my first house I honestly don't know how I could have found it so great in the first place!

I have learned more during this contest than I have learned since I bought the game at release date. And so much more to learn! You can see the same kind of progression with a lot of lots shown so far.

100% agree with you, heaven_sent and Bgadot. I feel like this contest is forcing me to find more creative ways to try to stand out from the crowd and I'm putting a lot of effort into things that I would normally be too lazy to consider. I too loved my first house but now I look back and think, 'meh' (except the kitchen, I still love that :lol: ) to the point where now in R3 I'm facing doing another 'normal' house and I'm stressing that it's too plain and boring because It doesn't have an unusual theme :rolleyes:

Well, loving the entries so far. Fyendiar, your theme sounds pretty cool, lookin forward to seeing what you produce.

[Vampire_aninyosaloh]

Vampire Aninyosaloh, your chocolate house is insane! :D So you managed to save your neighborhood?

Nope, I made a new one and I'm starting new projects in it, so I guess I won't upload my foundations entries after the contest... because I don't have them xDD Thanks for liking my choco house ^^

[Ciane]

This time around I'm using Riverview. It doesn't have many 30x30 lots available, but I found one on Hidden Grove - thus, the name for this house.

Optional shots first (as they are the most fun):

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f65/ciane/MTS%20House%20Contest/Hidden%20Grove/Screenshot-89.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f65/ciane/MTS%20House%20Contest/Hidden%20Grove/Screenshot-69.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f65/ciane/MTS%20House%20Contest/Hidden%20Grove/Screenshot-42.jpg

Now, the front:
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f65/ciane/MTS%20House%20Contest/Hidden%20Grove/Screenshot-56.jpg

living:
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f65/ciane/MTS%20House%20Contest/Hidden%20Grove/Screenshot-23.jpg

bedroom:
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f65/ciane/MTS%20House%20Contest/Hidden%20Grove/Screenshot-21.jpg

and kitchen (I didn't move a Sim in, so the pictures aren't the greatest):
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f65/ciane/MTS%20House%20Contest/Hidden%20Grove/Screenshot-37.jpg

overviews (with roof):
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f65/ciane/MTS%20House%20Contest/Hidden%20Grove/Screenshot-13.jpg

upstairs (solar power in dead space in roof):
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f65/ciane/MTS%20House%20Contest/Hidden%20Grove/Screenshot-47.jpg

downstairs:
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f65/ciane/MTS%20House%20Contest/Hidden%20Grove/Screenshot-48.jpg

[gabrielorie]

Wow nice house Ciane ;) .It Looks like a hotel :) .Can anyone tell me if these texts in this pic look nice :( ?
http://a.imageshack.us/img80/1681/screenshot1238.jpg

[Ciane]

Agree, especially where the shadows of the leaves fall on your name. And, thanks!

[gabrielorie]

You're welcome Ciane ;) .Does this one look better :) ?Btw does the house look good :blink:?
http://a.imageshack.us/img291/1681/screenshot1238.jpg

[Martrae]

Aw man...I miss all the good stuff. So anyway, I missed the start of this but saw the announcement today so I whipped up a little house in the Asian style for the current foundation (#3).

(I hope I'm doing this right, never uploaded to here before...)

http://i31.tinypic.com/2054l08.jpg
http://i28.tinypic.com/122ksio.jpg
http://i28.tinypic.com/2znwrux.jpg
http://i27.tinypic.com/2drszlh.jpg
http://i29.tinypic.com/2w2lzcx.jpg
http://i27.tinypic.com/k4a694.jpg
http://i29.tinypic.com/105o1ow.jpg

[LifesLover]

To gabrielorie:

It looks nice, and I like the coloring, but I'd suggest staying away from the curving. It's pretty, but it might lose you some points, since this contest is about the house, and not the photoshopping.

[gabrielorie]

I didn't know I could lose points for it D:.I'll change it :) .And Martrae I absoloutely love your house :D ,I was going to make an Asian one but made a victorian one instead :) .Btw where did you get the coffee maker?

[heaven]

Ciane - I just had to say that I took a look at your diary. It's so neat! It makes me want to start a legacy and write it out! You did a wonderful job. Very intriguing!

Martrae - Your house is adorable!!!

[Martrae]

Thanks gabrielorie! I haven't had a chance to look at anyone else's stuff...is that your house just above my post?

I took out all CC except Store items so it has to be from there or one of the expansions/stuff packs (I have them all).


Ok...did a bit of looking around and it was a free Store item that looks like they took down. It's called Perfect Presto.

[gabrielorie]

You're welcome ^^.And no wonder i never saw it because i never joined EA's website.Also yes,thats the front of my house,here's rest of it (http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?t=414263&c=0&ht=&page=5&pp=25) (Click the words)

[LifesLover]

I didn't know I could lose points for it D:.I'll change it :) .And Martrae I absoloutely love your house :D ,I was going to make an Asian one but made a victorian one instead :) .Btw where did you get the coffee maker?

Well, I'm not entirely sure that you will, but I just know that we're not supposed to overly edit the photos, and it might be deemed an effect instead of just text.

[MissPsy]

My house is almost ready to be posted but I need you guys' opinions on one thing. I'm not sure which picture of the atrium to use. Neither are perfect because of the way I had to shoot them there's no furniture on the bottom floor, otherwise I would have a huge hole in the ceiling. I'm not sure if that would be better in the long run. You guys help me out with this please?

This one?
http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg15/Psy-H-A/The%20Sims%203/Contests/Brokenshire10-1.jpg
Or this one?
http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg15/Psy-H-A/The%20Sims%203/Contests/Brokenshire11.jpg

Thanks for all your help guys.

[missroxor]

I prefer the second one. The first one looks like a massive open, empty space but in the second one your eye is drawn down onto the tree and it doesn't look so vast. You get a better idea of the layout from it too. :)

[MissPsy]

That's the one I was leaning towards, I just wanted someone to make me feel more confidant about that decision. I trust your opinion very much. I loved your entry for last round by the way, very dark and macabre.

[BGatot]

Yes definitely the second one! The first one reminds me of the interior of a mosque somehow! :D It seems empty and featureless. Why couldn't there be furniture in the first floor? Or why would the roof disappears if there were furniture on the lower floor?

[MissPsy]

If I have the house set to first floor when I take the pictures there is no roof because of the cut out in the ceiling of the first floor. If I set it to second floor then I have a ceiling over that but all the furniture vanishes from the first floor. Not sure if there's any way around it.

[BGatot]

Ah, I see! Here's how you do it: Go to the "live mode", then go to your house. Go to the highest level/floor possible ('page up' several times, so everything shows up including the roof etc.) Set up the camera to the right height (sims eye level?) outside (so the camera won't automatically adjust to the top level of your house, then press tab. The camera's basically in first person mode now. Use the WSAD key to move the camera until it go through the walls of the house and is inside. Then you can pan the camera around to get the shot you need as if you're inside the house! Upper floors, ceiling, etc. ought to show up this way. You can also zoom the camera in/out using mouse wheels or +/- button. Zoom it all the way out and you got a wide angle, fish eye view! I took all my interior shots this way. Don't even need to move sims in!

Oh, you might need to turn off "object hiding" in options so objects on different levels are not hidden.

[Alan_Gast]

Hi guys! I worked on this for a bit and was wondering if this is any better:

http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz216/alanmcdiddy/Screenshot-213.jpg

http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz216/alanmcdiddy/Screenshot-215.jpg

http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz216/alanmcdiddy/Screenshot-217.jpg

Heres a bonus bathroom pic!

http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz216/alanmcdiddy/Screenshot-218.jpg
Thx. :)

[WayBack]

Alan_Gast: the building is fantastic, very creative. But the line of dumpsters doesn't fit there. For a building that looks so clean and fresh, I would expect the dumpsters to be in the backyard.

gabrielorie: May I suggest you one thing? Change the front gate. It doesn't connect to the fence around and this way it just floats in the air which makes it look really weird.

[Alan_Gast]

@oprah, ok! Those dumpsters were just there for a pic filler lol.

[BGatot]

Hi Alan, tried to send you PM but your message box is full.

[Greenlea]

I took too many pics for my entry but wanted to share this bathroom here since i won't use it for one of the entry pictures lol

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/jaycee5577/Sims%203/Screenshot-10-2.jpg

[Greenlea]

hehe oh yes lots of greens.
I loved the living and dining room but did make changes and I felt like I lost all creativity at making the interior designs in any other room after that.
Well except for the teen room, it's funky and I love it. But sheesh. The master bedroom....I designed and redesigned dozens of times, still not really happy with it but ugh. I'm just done. lmao

Another shot I couldn't use lol

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/jaycee5577/Sims%203/Screenshot-14-2.jpg

[confused_claire]

Im dropping out!

[Martrae]

Martrae - Your house is adorable!!!

Thanks! <3


gabrielorie, your house is so cute! I especially love the kitchen and the colors you used there. So homey.

[Greenlea]

Why!?!?

[LifesLover]

Im dropping out!

Why? We'll be sorry to see you go.

[gabrielorie]

gabrielorie: May I suggest you one thing? Change the front gate. It doesn't connect to the fence around and this way it just floats in the air which makes it look really weird.

It does,but i think thats how all gates look...I'm not sure,i experiment and see :) .And thanks a lot Martrae :lovestruc .I hardly got any comments about my house so i thought it was shit,thanks :D .

[Ciane]

You're welcome Ciane ;) .Does this one look better :) ?Btw does the house look good :blink:?


It's just my opinion, which is often different from the mainstream, but I think the house could use a walkway from the gate to the porch steps (whether terrain paint or floor covering). You might consider adding a gable or two to the roof line as the view shows only hipped ones and victorians had a lot of gables. I like the light brown wood window frames contrast against the darker brown house, but I'd like more contrast in color, if not texture, on the exterior. I usually think of Victorian houses as more colorful with different color trims.

And thanks for looking at my diary too, Heaven sent.

[Greenlea]

Ok I'm out for the day. Going to maybe try to spruce up my entry a bit. Don't how how successful I'll be however lol

[LifesLover]

Hey guys. I'm having major trouble with this foundation. I've come up with a back-story and stuff, but the house just seems so boxy and I like the color, I'm just wondering if the house is swimming in it. Can any of you give me any critique? Here's the front view:

http://i589.photobucket.com/albums/ss332/LifesLover/Contest%20Pics/Foundation%20Three/Screenshot.jpg

And here's the back:

http://i589.photobucket.com/albums/ss332/LifesLover/Contest%20Pics/Foundation%20Three/Screenshot-2.jpg

There's going to be a third floor, since the way I have it designed means that I'll have no room for bedrooms on the first and second. It's going to be a renovated themed hotel.

[Alan_Gast]

Hi guys! I just thought I'd give you an update on where I am before I go to bed.

I decided that the residential part of this upload would be a kind of custodian hut on the roof. :)


Still tweaking and polishing.

http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz216/alanmcdiddy/Screenshot-3-5.jpg


http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz216/alanmcdiddy/Screenshot-4-6.jpg


http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz216/alanmcdiddy/Screenshot-5-5.jpg

http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz216/alanmcdiddy/Screenshot-6-3.jpg

Hope you enjoy. ;)

[gabrielorie]

It's just my opinion, which is often different from the mainstream, but I think the house could use a walkway from the gate to the porch steps (whether terrain paint or floor covering). You might consider adding a gable or two to the roof line as the view shows only hipped ones and victorians had a lot of gables. I like the light brown wood window frames contrast against the darker brown house, but I'd like more contrast in color, if not texture, on the exterior. I usually think of Victorian houses as more colorful with different color trims.

And thanks for looking at my diary too, Heaven sent.
Thanks for the advise :) .I'm re-doing some parts of it but i think i'll keep the exterior colour because outside its supposed to look countryish :) .And i love your house,well cinema Alan Gast :lovestruc .Its so colourful :up: .

[ninotchka]

Just so you know, you are not alone. Some of us have tried to come up with something for the latest foundation and may end up under the category "lol wut" :)
*snipped pics*
Take your time, you have a week, and have fun with it :)

Awee Werismyki, I love what you've done with that house, it was such an awkward foundation shape! The decors are nicely coordinated and that centre piece indoor terranium is awesomeness plus - no matter if it fits into the "lol wut" or "I gotta gets me one of those at home" categories lol :) - I would seriously love that in my own house! Good job - the more greenery the better! :up:

Also everyone else, great entries so far guys, Alan_Gast, I am loving that classic cinema it's looking very cool!

[LifesLover]

LifesLover: Try breaking up the "straight" parts with some like porces or windows. Like in the bit that sticks out on the right side; maybe remove one tile from each of the edges and put some pillars there
Thank you for the feedback. It will definitely help me, although at this point, I may just shelve that idea until next round and go for something different this time.

[BGatot]

I like the way your theater is progressing, Alan_Gast. Especially the junk-filled area of the roof, it's really cool and appropriate, what you would expect to find in a building like this! And the custodian's rooms are great too, love all the mismatch furnishings. Perfectly in-theme also!

Sorry to see you go, Confused_Claire.

[Gamineannie]

"This is radio station K-OZ, coming to you from Twinbrook. Due to the global economic conditions, the United Banana Republican Financial Bank announced today that it must close its doors! All Simsian debts, liens and mortgages will be sold to Mernie Bac Bailout Conglomerate. They have stated that they intend to foreclose on these immediately! The current value of the Simolean is -100$ and falling!"
That was the last broadcast from K-OZ and the fatal shot to the Simsian economy. With no banks of their own, they have no other options. Chaos! Rioting! Looting!
The mayors of Sunset Valley, Riverview, and Twinbrook declared martial law, with police, military and firefighters patrolling to enforce curfews. Now, months later, the curfews are still in effect. Groceries, bookstores and consignment shops are boarded up or barred with armed guards to discourage looting gangs. Restaurants and gyms are closed. Theaters are running "Simtanic" and "Simdependence Day" back-to-back around the clock. Sports arenas house homeless citizens. Simoleans are worthless, but precious metals and gems and ancient coins are still valuable. Most people rely on the barter system for necessities. Electrical power has still not been restored.
One group of hardy survivors, led by former architect Miesje VanderRoar, has taken over the site of K-OZ, which was badly damaged in the rioting. The signal tower fell, leaving only the foundation, the bunker-like broadcast booth and a sheet-metal storehouse, as well as the enclosing heavy-duty industrial fencing. "Auntie" Miesje and her barter-gang scavenged for materials and erected their new housing, including a wind-driven water pump and watchtower.
Welcome to Barter Village
http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/gamine55annie/BarterVillage%20-%20R3/Streetview.jpg
This compound is home to Miesje, who designed the repurposed housing units; Eddie Alvin Thomasson, inventor, who installed the solar panels and rewired the TV, kitchen equipment and washer; Vlad and Vladimira Leninsky, a verrry pale couple, who have volunteered for the night watch; Billy Bob Boudreaux, hunter, fisher and organizer of supplies; Xena Waryear, and ex-soldier; orphaned teens Harry and Aimee Atkinson - he likes cars, she likes green.
http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/gamine55annie/BarterVillage%20-%20R3/1floorplan.jpg
The first floor: #8 is the railroad boxcar turned restroom with 3 tubs, 6 showers, washer and 4 toilet stalls. The washroom with 4 sinks is at the entrance. #9 - alfresco dining area with windup record player. #10 a vegetable garden in the hole left by the radio tower's anchor pin. #11 the storeroom has been converted to ensure recreation and relaxation. The solar-powered TV enabled everyone to follow the recent World Cup playoffs. #12a and 12b - the broadcast booth houses the kitchen and neighboring pantry. #13a and 13b - the protective machine gun emplacements (marauding gangs are still out there!). #14 is the gatehouse with armored guard.
http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/gamine55annie/BarterVillage%20-%20R3/2Floorplan.jpg
The second floor has four repurposed cardboard sleeping units for (3) Xena, (4) Eddie Alvin, (5) "Auntie" Miesje, (6) Billy Bob, as well as an altered circus wagon, which houses (7a) the Leninskys sleeping quarters and (7b) the village infirmary.
http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/gamine55annie/BarterVillage%20-%20R3/3Floorplan.jpg
The third floor holds two more cardboard units for (1) Harry and (2) Aimee. All sleeping quarters contain decorative machine- and handguns (NOTE: the machine guns in the emplacements are really usable!)
http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/gamine55annie/BarterVillage%20-%20R3/Living.jpg
Here's Eddie Alvin enjoying a rousing game of air hockey in the R&R room. None of the sofas or chairs match, as they came from different homes. Note the assignment board behind one of the sofas.
http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/gamine55annie/BarterVillage%20-%20R3/kitchen.jpg
Billy Bob is preparing a tasty Autumn Salad in the kitchen. The former broadcast booth window overlooks the pantry next door. The artwork is a remnant of K-OZ's heyday.
http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/gamine55annie/BarterVillage%20-%20R3/bedroom.jpg
This is the former circus wagon and contains the infirmary and the Leninsky's sleeping coffins. Normally, two gothic-themed screens separate the "rooms", but these were removed temporarily for the sake of comprehensive pictures.
Bonus Pic 1
http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/gamine55annie/BarterVillage%20-%20R3/boxcar.jpg
This is the interior of the converted boxcar. Lousy shot, but couldn't get a better one, since Harry came in and ranted and raved in front of two of the shower stalls, which he said were not usable, since they abut one of the boarded shut boxcar doors. Don't ask me why he couldn't use one of the other four stalls!
Bonus Pic 2
http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/gamine55annie/BarterVillage%20-%20R3/balconyside.jpg
The view from the Circus Wagon's balcony. You can barely see the garden hole, which provides enough for our eight vilagers, and extra for bartering. Note the market stand barter storage, the fish were all caught by Billy Bob and Harry.
Bonus Pic 3
http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/gamine55annie/BarterVillage%20-%20R3/livestock.jpg
The village has livestock pens in back, between the water tower and watchtower. Local wildlife, such as fish (housed in tanks in pen behind the camera), wild pigs, flamingoes (What?!? Well, they DO taste just like chicken LOL) and jackalopes (hard to spot in the far pen) were captured and tamed by Billy Bob, Harry and Xena.
For all the creators who recognize the scads of CC used here - thank you for making building and decorating such a joy! I love all your "stuff" and use it extensively when I build in-game. And, yes, I am a downloadaholic!
Hope you enjoy!

[gabrielorie]

Wow Gamineannie,thats beautiful :lovestruc !Its so run down looking,i love it :D .

[Gamineannie]

Thank you gabrielorie! I had a lot of fun making this, since it's not a style I've worked with before. This contest has generated so many neat ideas and beautiful houses. All the contestants are opening up new possibilities for everyone and it's really fun to push the envelope when it comes to building and decorating. Great job, contestants, and good luck with the judges!

[gabrielorie]

You're welcome :bunny:

[BGatot]

Oooh, that theme looks straight out of that "The Colony" show on Discovery! Man, that is sooo creative! Looks great too, very post-apocalyptic! Love all the features of it: the machine-gun emplacements, the market, the boxcar restroom, the livestock pen, the whole shebang! Even the character looks suitably post-apocalyptic!

[gabrielorie]

I tried to re-create my house with a more victorian look,does it look better :) ?
http://a.imageshack.us/img190/5773/screenshot1373r.jpg

[BGatot]

I think it looks better, Gabrielorie.

BTW, a question for you all: if you have to choose between practicality & usability (for sims actually living in your house) and looks, which would you choose? For this contest, I mean. I did something to my entry that I think makes it looks better, but impinges a bit on usable space inside, to be exact, it creates a narrow one-tile wide 'choke point' between different parts of the house that I know would cause sims living in it to throw the 'can't get there' temper tantrums once in a while, especially when more than one of them have to pass through there.

[Gamineannie]

Thank you BGatot. I love your work too! The characters were a real pain as photo enablers, though. If even one of the eight slept the time fast-forwarded and these idjits would race through the shots - had to take a moment and see if the place was on fire or something. And they managed to kill off half the hole garden in the three Simdays it took to take all the shots! Not to mention they seem to all be slobs, including the vampiress with the neat trait. Clothes are laying ALL over the living room now and I saw Aimee the goth teen pick up a bagful of clothes and throw them down a few steps away!

[BGatot]

LOL! Yes, it seems the AI routine for the laundry pick up is rather lacking. And it seems that the 'neat' trait has not been extended to cover laundry pickings! :rofl:

Good thing the animals are just statues as well, or most of them will be dead by now! :D

[Martrae]

Gamineannie that is AMAZING. So creative!

gabrielorie I think you may need different windows...and maybe a little decorative wall coverings on the outside. I grew up in a Victorian and the windows were nearly floor to ceiling (were maybe a 1.5 feet from the floor) and the house was covered in gingerbread. Perhaps cover the roof gable exterior in a scallop design and leave the rest the same? And I really hope you don't take this as criticism...it's just a couple thoughts I had...

[gabrielorie]

I don't take it as criticism,its actually pretty helpful,thanks :D .

[LifesLover]

Your house looks so much better, gabrielorie. Much more Victorian, or at least not so boxy.

[missroxor]

Are you thinking about doing wavy roof the way you do curved bridge? Man, that's gonna be a lot of work! Raise a little... lower a little... :D But the result ought to be cool, though.
After messing around with it for ages and getting really dodgy, uneven results I suddenly had an idea that made it really easy, lol. Was kicking myself for not thinking of it sooner. Oh, well, here's the results. Actually I changed a lot since my last pics including the paint scheme which I'm now a lot happier with (but still maybe only 90% :rolleyes: ) and I'm now at the point where I can start concentrating on the interior and landscaping (phew, I'm cutting it fine!)

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/missroxor/MTS%20Contest_Foundations/th_Screenshot-16.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/missroxor/MTS%20Contest_Foundations/?action=view&current=Screenshot-16.jpg)http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/missroxor/MTS%20Contest_Foundations/th_Screenshot-18.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/missroxor/MTS%20Contest_Foundations/?action=view&current=Screenshot-18.jpg)
I know it could do with a bit of colour but I'm hoping it'll look better once it's landscaped :)

PS Gaminannie....Wow. Kinda glad we're not competing against you :giggler:

[BGatot]

Wow, looks awesome, missroxor, and suitably nautical! :)

[fragglerocks]

missroxor...What a fantastic idea-love it!

I had trouble choosing between a day and night shot of the pond. I played around with the fog effect thing and made a trickling waterfall in the rocks, whic shows better at night. But the woohoo hearts under the cherry blossom tree, and the butterflies showed up better in the day. So I decided to post my night shot here just because I like it.

This contest sure has challenged me to think outside the box. And I am getting so many ideas from the other houses that I can use in the future!

http://i27.tinypic.com/iw1bog.jpg

[gabrielorie]

Your house looks so much better, gabrielorie. Much more Victorian, or at least not so boxy.

Thanks :lovestruc

[Alan_Gast]

"you going for business or pleasure?"

I'm going for pleasure! Ha, I'm 15, so what business could I have? *sleazy wink* This is our 3rd year in a row going. And staying in the exact same hotel. I love cricklewood! ;)

That roof is awesome missroxor! :)

[BGatot]

I wish I could go with you... :) I've visited London only once, when I'm about the same age as you... over 20 years ago! Boy, that makes me feel old. But London is halfway across the world from where I live, visiting there today would be very, very expensive. Consider yourselves lucky if you could visit such a lovely city relatively affordably and easily. Or even live there!

And as for busy, I live in a busier, far more crowded city than London ever be. People's just everywhere, and so many of them. So London seems not at all busy or crowded to me. At least at the time of my visit anyway, which is probably far less busy than it is today, though.

[Greenlea]

I wholeheartedly agree lol

[missroxor]

Missroxor That roof looks so cool! And the painting! I think that the grey bits could even go a bit more blue and it wouldn't look out of place. So looking forward to seeing it all!
You have no idea how many times I messed around with the colours. That grey actually started off blueish but I just couldn't get it to look right...I might give it another go because I think my initial thought was the same as yours...waves are blue :lol:

[heaven]

missroxor - your roof is so neat. I agree that it looks effortless but I know I would not have had the patience.

I've enjoyed building so much for TS3 that I decided to build the house for one of the fictional characters I am working on at the moment. Ugh...I thought I had learned so much. This house is driving me bonkers! Still fun though. I love that this contest has renewed my interest in this game. Now I just need something to renew my interest in actually playing. :lol:

[Greenlea]

I actually watched some youtube building tutorials the other day like attaching a garage to a foundation and such I just haven't yet built anything and used what I learned.

By the time I try I'll probably have forgotten a step somewhere or something.

[heaven]

There are so many things that EA messed up with building that they should have known by version 3. For example: matching build sets. WTF EA? I mean, there should be windows that are 1 and 2 tiles and counter height and full length, sit in one tile or centered between two and should have matching doors!!! Or just figure out how to let us slide it like you did with the stairs this time. Speaking of...why do we still not functioning split level stairs and where did the spiral stairs go? I hate how CFE messes up my walls so I have to choose a wall paper that makes it less noticeable. Screws up my design. And chimneys - still not recolorable EA? Really? We can color pretty much everything else you stuck in that game but not chimneys. So I have to build walls and cheat to make my houses match.

Okay, my rant is over. But Greenlea, I know what you are talking about. I've made attached garages bunches of times but sometimes, I still have to look it up because I do something out of order. I'm still trying to figure out how to use the basement tool with a foundation. I'm probably just going to cheat and do it the old way but then I can't have cute little windows peeking out of my foundation.

[Greenlea]

I second your rant about the functioning split level stairs and the spiral stairs.

[LifesLover]

Yeah, even though I enjoy the challenge of making split level stairs, it'd be so much nicer if they were just built into the game in the first place and we didn't have to go through all that trouble with the walls. It can be such a pain to deal with.

I'm having such a terrible time with this foundation, it's awful.

[Fyendiar]

There are so many things that EA messed up with building that they should have known by version 3. For example: matching build sets. WTF EA? I mean, there should be windows that are 1 and 2 tiles and counter height and full length, sit in one tile or centered between two and should have matching doors!!! Or just figure out how to let us slide it like you did with the stairs this time. Speaking of...why do we still not functioning split level stairs and where did the spiral stairs go? I hate how CFE messes up my walls so I have to choose a wall paper that makes it less noticeable. Screws up my design. And chimneys - still not recolorable EA? Really? We can color pretty much everything else you stuck in that game but not chimneys. So I have to build walls and cheat to make my houses match.

Okay, my rant is over. But Greenlea, I know what you are talking about. I've made attached garages bunches of times but sometimes, I still have to look it up because I do something out of order. I'm still trying to figure out how to use the basement tool with a foundation. I'm probably just going to cheat and do it the old way but then I can't have cute little windows peeking out of my foundation.

I think most of us have been screaming that rant again and again in our minds, sometimes out loud, and I fear we will keep at it for a long time to come. I find that rant worthy of this quote and if it wasn't for the fact that it would not come over as nice I would re-quote it again and again...and again!

The main reason I was looking forward to TS3 so much was the building, I figured that the TS2 expansions had shown that they have learned a lot, how wrong I was... :cry:

About the basements with foundations, what exactly is not working for you? The only thing I can think off is the stairs which is sadly (as far as I know) impossible to do straight down in 1 go. You can fake it though and have the second stairs start where the other ended so it seems as 1 stairs. First you have to delete a part of the foundation so you can add stairs to the ground level and from there you add the stairs to the basement.

However if your problem is not related or just different than this...just ignore me. :rofl:

[heaven]

I know how to delete around 1 tile in and dig down from there to make a basement. I just can't seem to actually use the basement tool. The house I am building doesn't actually look like that but it's an example I can think of. My foundation is almost twice the height of a normal foundation. I am trying to put a basement in with the ceiling as the floor of the first level using the basement tool. I can put in a basement but it is completely below ground with that extra foundation height inbetween.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs014.snc1/2634_73291666873_731716873_2276263_4808590_n.jpg

[Gail.wyness]

And chimneys - still not recolorable EA? Really? We can color pretty much everything else you stuck in that game but not chimneys. So I have to build walls and cheat to make my houses match.


The Chimneys bug me too - I end up deleting the nasty red one and build a fake with wall pieces, but the smoke always look odd.

[Martrae]

Is it foolishly optimistic to hope the Night expansion (or whatever it's called) fixes at least one of these issues?



yes, yes it probably is :(

[LifesLover]

I've never really cared about the chimneys. They look fine to me. And honestly, the only thing I miss from TS2 that isn't in TS3 are the automatic dormer windows.

[MissPsy]

My entry has been posted! The backstory is almost finished and will be properly written up before tomorrow morning! Woo!

The Brokenshire Mansion Bed and Breakfast (http://www.modthesims.info/showpost.php?p=3274386&postcount=236)

[Fyendiar]

I know how to delete around 1 tile in and dig down from there to make a basement. I just can't seem to actually use the basement tool. The house I am building doesn't actually look like that but it's an example I can think of. My foundation is almost twice the height of a normal foundation. I am trying to put a basement in with the ceiling as the floor of the first level using the basement tool. I can put in a basement but it is completely below ground with that extra foundation height inbetween.

I'm not sure it will work and I doubt it will let you add windows in the basement wall, but one option that might work is this:

Make it so the floor of the first level is at the same level as the ground, then add the basement which will be as you say all underground. Then use "constrainfloorelevation false" and lower the ground to the level you want it to be a few tiles away from your house and then use the flatten ground tool to lower to the house from that point. It should work, but I have never tried to add windows to the basement walls so not sure you can.

Heck, gonna start up the game and try it now, you got me curious!

edit: nevermind, does not work. :(

[heaven]

Thanks Fyendiar. I think, for this house at least, he will just have to do without a basement. His target range (or whatever it would be in the Sims) and gym can be somewhere else. Maybe with a detached garage. I'll try that with another lot though!

[missroxor]

I know how to delete around 1 tile in and dig down from there to make a basement. I just can't seem to actually use the basement tool. The house I am building doesn't actually look like that but it's an example I can think of. My foundation is almost twice the height of a normal foundation. I am trying to put a basement in with the ceiling as the floor of the first level using the basement tool. I can put in a basement but it is completely below ground with that extra foundation height inbetween.

I don't think you can do this with WA basements - I don't think they can have windows except with the pool aquarium. Might be worth checking out tutorials though to make sure. You can, however do that with the old method of making basements. With the old way you can choose how high you want it and even add windows but you can't have both the interior wall and the window flush with the exterior wall. Plasticbox's weebarnoids have a lot of really good examples of what I mean.

[Fyendiar]

It was a longshot, but sadly it didn't work. The ground didn't agree with me since it slices through the basement area messing everything up.

[heaven]

Thank you for attempting Fyendiar. It was a really good idea at least! (By the way, love the turtle :giggler:)

Unfortunately, Roarke is just going to have to do without a basement. And missroxor - thank you for the direction. I have a basic idea of how to do it the old way but I'll check out PlasticBox for a more complete understanding.

[missroxor]

A lot of plasticbox's seem to be the type where the windows are hidden or set back....I'm sure she's done some that aren't but can't see them. Out of laziness on my part, if you wanna see an example of a basement with windows flush with the outside wall I have done that with one of my uploads (I swear I'm not just trying to advertise :lol: ). I don't think you can see th windows from the outside because I hid them with bushes but from the plan view you can get an idea of what you have to do.

http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/959671

[Ive]

Want to buy: More picture allowance


:(

[armiel]

Hey everyone.
I got so ashamed of the lot I had posted when you guys gave me so many good ideas afterwards, so....
I redid the lot completely!!

I hope it fits the description better now, I personally find it much better now :)

Here is a link (http://modthesims.info/showpost.php?p=3268968&postcount=78) to the post.

ps. burning stuff (in game) is fun, you should try it too ;)
pss. If you wanna give the lot some love or for example hit the disagree button on it, it's on page 4 on the R3 thread.

[MissPsy]

I finished the backstory on my house! It was over two pages in word (Which is phenomenally short for one of my short stories) so be warned, but I'm proud of it. If anyone has the time to read it and PM me what they think I'd really appreciate it. You can get to it from the link in my sig.

[BGatot]

I agree about all the rants people have posted here about the stuff EA messed up in build mode. I think the team ought to learn something from President Obama: "Yes, we can!". Not "No you cannot!" all the time. It seems that EA went overboard with the nannying stuff in Sims 3 build mode. Stuff that is actually possible is often flagged as not possible. One example is stairs by windows. If you place the stairs first, then the windows, it's perfectly OK. But when you try to place the windows after the stairs is in place, then "No, you can't do that!" And so many others. It's funny that a lot of EA's own house in Twinbrook used various cheats, like moveobjects and stuff. Well, if you think it's possible and OK to do it yourself, then you ought to make it possible for us to do it without cheat, no?

[lamammaforever]

Hello everyone.
First of all I must say that this contest is very challenging but is so much fun! it was a long time since I found good inspiration in building something, no matter whatever style. I needed a kick and HP gave a strong one. :)
Moreover, the increasing difficulty and increasing quality makes it more and more interesting.
Thanks to those who commented (judges, participants and spectators).
In this chat room you guys talk a lot! I can't, but I'm really enjoing the good mood of the chatting, how you all exchange good suggestions and ideas.
Anyway, the classroom is too populated for me, so take me today if you want to send me your flying paper airplans and balls.

I'm sorry for those who had to retire due to hard personal problems (hugs lewisb40).
I know very well some of the participants, real creativity monsters ... masters, but most of the others are new to me, nevertheless very talented. It's also nice seeing that everybody
want to improve and learn new building tricks so I hope that everyone will then share their lots, I'll do but only when the contest will be over.

I'm not good at all in writing any kind of story, while I see that many many of you are able to create a whole sim history for your houses (Llihnae, I love yours!, short and ironic, really funny).

Now, I'm going to post my R3 entry, which I love for the many gorgeous details but I must stay in this 7 pics limit which is driving me mad (I'll do slideshow when everything will end in order to calm down my ego).

So, good luck to everybody, don't give up, I'm not telling you that the most important thing is to participate (yes, it is but ...well...if Porkypine wants to win I can't be less competitive :rofl: ) since getting a good point is great (Fyendiar, holy crap) but take all the good from this competition, you're doing great job :)

[BGatot]

Isn't it only natural to be chatty in a chat thread? :D

[Ive]

For some reason I thought we had one more whole day :lol:

[Greenlea]

By the time I get in tomorrow we'll have the round 4 foundation. Can't wait to see how difficult I find that one to be lol

[Fyendiar]

By the time I get in tomorrow we'll have the round 4 foundation. Can't wait to see how difficult I find that one to be lol

I foresee tantrums, headaches and a lot of hairpulling!
Can't wait!
:rofl:

[Alan_Gast]

Hi guys! Last preview pic before I post my entry to-noight, just a little more polishing outdoors.

http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz216/alanmcdiddy/Screenshot-24-2.jpg

I'm pretty excited to show the interior, and the back "garden". See you this evening! :)

[Greenlea]

I foresee tantrums, headaches and a lot of hairpulling!
Can't wait!
:rofl:

I think that's an accurate prediciton lmao

[feldynn]

Any chance you could post some more pictures of your house in the chat thread Feldynn?

It'll have to be tomorrow now, no time before bed unfortunately (11pm while I'm posting this) but I'll do my best to get a few alternative shots posted over in the Chat thread in the morning :).

As requested / promised, and for anyone else who may be interested :), here are a few extra shots of my Round 3 Foundation challenge entry..

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk57/Feldynn/Exhibits/ExhibitsE04.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk57/Feldynn/Exhibits/ExhibitsE01.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk57/Feldynn/Exhibits/ExhibitsE03.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk57/Feldynn/Exhibits/ExhibitsE02.jpg

[Greenlea]

So love it feldynn. Spectacular!

[Alan_Gast]

@Feldynn, those floating rocks = WIN

[sandymdh]

agreed - I see what you meant a while back by the custom world helping. It looks amazing! Even though I'm done and dusted on this round I'm starting to feel a bit nervous about what we're going to get next!

[BGatot]

:help: It seems that Flickr has changed their site to make it very painful to get the codes to display your pictures. I got so mad I deleted the whole account altogether. Who needs them, right? :wtf:

Anyway, I am now in need of a way to get my pictures to display on these pages. What's the easiest to use, no fuzz image hosting site? One that's ideal for uploading pictures for this contest, of course. I'm not gonna use the site for anything else, I don't want 'protection' from people downloading my images, I don't care about sharing my pictures in a blog (what's that anyway?), all I want is a place to store my pictures online so I can display it here. Unfortunately Flickr with its 'improvement' has made this difficult, if not impossible. *expletive* them!

Sorry about the rant, I'm just very mad right now! :(

[Mia138]

I use Photobucket. Its free and so easy to use even an idiot like me can manage it..and I've never had any problems with it at all.

[LifesLover]

Yeah, photobucket makes it really easy to share your pictures with ready to insert links with IMG tags.

[BGatot]

Thanks! I will try that site.

[BGatot]

Photobucket works beautifully. Thanks guys! Disaster averted! :D

[LadyAwesome]

Awwww Armiel, it was a joy to help you through your delema. Its deffinatly paint off, not that I think I really help much but hey.

I also like to thank everyone in the chat room. They are amazing people and are willing to help with all sorts of things. Even just to chear you up on the bad day hahahaha.

Ugh Idea's for next lot. So far nothing, going away for the weekend will not help me either.

[LifesLover]

Armiel, I just noticed that you redid your lot and I have to say that it is so fantastic. It looks so realistic, you did a fabulous job.

[missroxor]

Imageshack (http://www.imageshack.com)Anyone know how to delete fog from Twinbrook? It's kind of ruining my house even more :lol:

I had the same problem with my R2 house, the fog from outside showed up in my house up to a height of about 4 clicks.... why would I want fog in my house?! In the end I upped sticks and used edit town to create a new 30x30 lot in a different part of the neighbourhood (which turned out to be better in the end anyway :) )

**scuttles off back to finish her house** :lol:

[Yogi-Tea]

Wow, it's amazing to see how different all entries for round 3 are. I just had a quick peek at everyone's entries for this round but will have a closer look this weekend.

Here's my entry for round 3:

"Mrs. Liu's House of Ancestors"

30 x 30 lot / Foundation 3

http://a.imageshack.us/img828/691/title2.jpg

Rooms:
- bedroom
- livingroom
- kitchen
- dining room
- bathroom
- toilet
- workroom

No Custom Content but many Store Items were used to build this house!

Lot price Furnished: 90.079 $ / Unfurnished: 58.487 $

http://a.imageshack.us/img844/9237/titlea.jpg

The backyard is good to train martial art - there's a dummy, a board breaker and enough space to meditate or just to sit next to the fish pond and read books about martial art. On the left hand side of the house there's also a small vegetable garden.

http://a.imageshack.us/img824/4071/fishpond.jpg

The kitchen & dining room:
Both rooms are connected together and a door in the middle leads to the Ancastors Memorial Place.

http://a.imageshack.us/img828/2858/kitchendining.jpg

The livingroom & workroom:
The livingroom is right behind the main entrance to the house. From there you can either enter the kitchen & dining room to the right side or go to all other rooms (i.e. workroom). The workroom is small but holds everything ready for an Architect.

http://a.imageshack.us/img839/5640/livingworkroom.jpg

The bedroom & bath:
The bedroom and bath is big enough for two people. There's also another extra toilet at the other side of the house, right next to the livingroom.

http://a.imageshack.us/img837/6838/bedroombath.jpg

The Floorplans:

http://a.imageshack.us/img340/9205/floorplanr.jpg


That's it for now - can't write a background story because I have to go to work now. :cry:

I hope you like my house. It took me quite some time to complete - changed the roof many times - and the garden took me ages...

Again... this house with THIS foundation proofed it once more: I'm slow. :turtle:

[BGatot]

Amazing authentic Asian home, Yogi-Tea. Who cares if you're slow if you came up with such beautiful house. I like the consistent theme throughout especially, can be difficult with no CCs allowed. It might not seem like it from seeing your house, but actually there aren't that many specifically Asian-themed objects in Sims 3, even with all the store contents (though it'll probably be nigh-impossible without them!). Good job actually making all furnitures appear to belong in the place. :up:

[Nightlight]

Hi all,
Unfortunately I had to format my pc.
I lost my entry so I can't post anything for the contest.

It was fun while it lasted :)
Thank you all and good luck everyone :D

[HystericalParoxysm]

R4 foundation is posted! http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?t=415278

I decided to go easy on ya and just do a small footprint - the other option (lots of little pieces detatched and scattered around) seemed just a bit too mean - hopefully the challenge of trying to figure out how to fit everything on such a small footprint, plus what to do with all that empty space should be interesting enough without driving ya'll crazy. :)

You still have about 23 hours to finish your R3 entries. :)

[LadyAwesome]

Yay it will be great for my fairy house :):)

[BGatot]

Hmmm, now that I've submitted my entry, I'm thinking of discarding it and submit something else altogether. Oh well...

[Weeaboo]

@Yogi-Tea I have to say, I love everything but the living room.

It just seems so out of place with the monotone compared to the rest of the house....

And here's some pics of the house I'm TRYING to upload, won't load the page, and give to everyone.

Front of house
http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/ab320/1love1riku1backup/Screenshot-86.jpg


Kitchen and Bar
http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/ab320/1love1riku1backup/Screenshot-87.jpg

Living Area
http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/ab320/1love1riku1backup/Screenshot-88.jpg

Bathroom
http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/ab320/1love1riku1backup/Screenshot-89.jpg

Bedroom
http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/ab320/1love1riku1backup/Screenshot-90.jpg

Study/Reading
http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/ab320/1love1riku1backup/Screenshot-91.jpg

Floor Plan
http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/ab320/1love1riku1backup/Screenshot-2.jpg

I hope it's good.

[BGatot]

Weeaboo, is that some kind of school? lots of little kids outside! Or just a family with quadruplets? :)

Anyway, I'm thinking about replacing my entry with this one:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx177/GallusGallusDomesticus/Screenshot-252.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx177/GallusGallusDomesticus/Screenshot-258.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx177/GallusGallusDomesticus/Screenshot-278.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx177/GallusGallusDomesticus/Screenshot-276.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx177/GallusGallusDomesticus/Screenshot-275.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx177/GallusGallusDomesticus/Screenshot-257.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx177/GallusGallusDomesticus/Screenshot-280.jpg

[LadyAwesome]

Argh last week of this. I am feeling sad in my heart now lol.

[BGatot]

So which one do you guys think is better? Only 5 hours left! Hurry! :lol:

Already entered entry (http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?p=3275522#post3275522)

I'm gonna put more pictures for the second one.

[Fyendiar]

I would definately stick with the one you entered earlier. Both inside as outside I like that one better.

Btw where did you get those vintage cars from?

[BGatot]

I don't know about the finned 50's one, I just suddenly noticed it among my sea of CC cars! But the woody wagon is from the Romanza set, I think. I'll find out where that 50's one come from.

[BGatot]

Oh, the "retro ride" (the 1950's car) is from the Dr. Pepper collection.

[Fyendiar]

Thanks, I'll check them out now. :)

[heaven]

Yay! Submitted R4! After 14 hours of straight simming I am done! Although I might still edit pictures, especially the back garden view. Now I can focus on my RL house and enjoy my sister's visit without trying to get up while she is still jet lagged and squeeze in a few hours! Good luck to everyone else as the week goes by!

[Yogi-Tea]

@BGatot: Aww, thank you for that lovely compliment. I've never been to Asia and I have never built an asian themed house before - got several pictures from the internet and tried to build it as authentic as possible. Well, at least it's something very different from what I build usually.
Even though I love the new r3 house you did, my favourite is still "The Pale Green Mansion" - you shouldn't replace it by the new house, it's a lovely and homely house. However, your new house it also great - I very much like the brownish-colour and the friendly look. I like the middle-part most with all the glass and the plants in there.

@Bchbch_Walk: Whoa, you're really fast! It's amazing what you came up with for round 4 - I like that spooky look of your house. Too bad that the chimney can't be recoloured - it looks so strangely new compared to the house. However, what you could do is to use "moveObjects" and exchange this chimney-outside-part with the other (metallic round) chimney-outside-part. Sorry, don't know how to say that in english. There's another chimney that looks a bit different (not with bricks) - I think it would fit better to this house - I did so for my "Paul's Villa" post (see signature).

@Nightlight: OMG, that sounds terrible. I'm so sorry that you lost your entry. It's alot of work to re-install everything. Good luck. :(

@Weeaboo: Thank you. You're right, the livingroom is somehow different from the rest of the house. To be honest, I was running out of ideas how to decorate the room.
I like your r3 house - especially the bath (with all the blue parts) - can't really see what you did with the "hole in the foundation" because it's so little in the floorplan. Could you please add another picture for this part? I'm curious to see everyone's solution for this part of the lot. :bunny:

@Kaospilot: Thank you, I'm glad you like it. The pattern... it should be part of either the base game or at least one of the add-ons. I had some custom patterns installed a while ago but deleted those before I re-installed the game (after the last computer crash). I'd be surprised if you downloaded this one from anywhere ... don't tell me you download patterns from the exchange that are nothing but recoloured ea patterns? :giggler:

@all: Doh! This r4 foundation is so simple that it is already difficult to build something that is everything but not simple. Very tricky!

Good luck to all of you and have fun!

[BGatot]

Thanks for your advice, Yogi-Tea. From what I've heard so far I think I'm gonna stick with the "Pale Green Mansion". The end is very close now anyway.

So you've never been to Asia? Heh I live there! :D Though Asia is a huge continents that encompass many different areas that people usually left off when they think of "Asian". The Indian subcontinent for example. Or Middle East. Or even Siberia and a large chunk of Russia! :lol: I suppose "Chinese" or "Japanese" or "Korean" themed house is probably a more accurate term for your house.

[LifesLover]

Oh, I'm done. I feel so accomplished, though I hardly know why. I'm so glad this is done. Now I'm off to bed. I'll worry about Round 4 in the morning.

[missroxor]

Ditto Lifeslover....so glad it's over :lol: I kinda rushed it in the end but I don't have to worry about it anymore so Yay! Oh, I didn't get to do my gif (animated pic to show the fish and bubbles moving in the aquarium)...apparently it's not something you can just teach yourself to do 5 mins before uploading the pics :lol: I did try for about an hour but gave up in the end, couldn't figure out how to save it with the animation :(

Well, good luck everyone :up:

[BGatot]

Absolutely amazing entry, Missroxor! You might win this one yet! :) The wavy roof and that structure in the backyard is awesome. And the aquarium, of course!

[GiveTheNineARide]

I'm not officially in the contest, but Ive been building for each foundation just for fun.

For foundation 3 I built a ranch style house. For the lowered part of the foundation I put in a TV room.

The house has 2 bedrooms and 1 1/2 baths and a small laundry room.

I didn't use any CC.

On to the pics.

Streetview:
http://i35.tinypic.com/9zwn6v.jpg

Layout:
http://i38.tinypic.com/mukfoo.jpg

Living Room:
http://i33.tinypic.com/b8sot4.jpg

Kitchen:
http://i34.tinypic.com/dvik53.jpg

Bedroom:
http://i38.tinypic.com/2vbapns.jpg

Back:
http://i38.tinypic.com/2ltg30h.jpg

TV Room:
http://i37.tinypic.com/24p9lzo.jpg

Dining Room:
http://i35.tinypic.com/mc91jd.jpg

I didn't get as creative with the split level area as many of the entries. This looks to be a pretty tough contest. Good luck to all the contestants and to the judges.

[BGatot]

Yay, the Foundation 3 contest has just been closed. Looks like your entry's the last one in, Missroxor! Talk about cutting it close... :D

[fairycake89]

Just popping in to say that the houses for round 3 are just stunning - you've all worked so hard and the creativity is incredible - you're all winners! Good luck to all for round 3 scores and I am really looking forward to seeing the round 4 houses :)

[Weeaboo]

@Yogi-Tea I just put my couches and TV there. It's actually really nice. Plenty of room down there too.

Should have seen the house I had earlier. The one wall was purple to add more color! xD

[Weeaboo]

Maybe EA actually did something good for once? :3

[Greenlea]

Well let me tell you I was having a helluva time last night. I had in mine a funky colorful scheme for the interior and while I loved the colors it just wasn't working and it was kind of an eyesore so I went a different direction especially in the living room and kitchen. However I don't like the exterior so I'm not posting pics of it. Cause I may wind up starting all over.
What a headache lol
Here's some interior preview shots though.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/jaycee5577/Sims%203/Screenshot-34.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/jaycee5577/Sims%203/Screenshot-35.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/jaycee5577/Sims%203/Screenshot-32.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e365/jaycee5577/Sims%203/Screenshot-33.jpg

[Weeaboo]

@Greenlea - Those look awesome!

I love how they look open but they really aren't.

I'm especially loving the bedroom.

Nice color scheme.

But I'm thinking, those two lights, why not move them apart more?

Like, move the plant to the other side of the bed and put the light to the left?

Because if it turns night time, the lights would be bright and the room might not be as lit as you'd like.

[Greenlea]

These ARE just work in progress pictures.
Not real concerned with it since I'll likely start over. I detest the outside lmao
Probably will use the same decor when I start over. Fairly certain of that.
I had put the arch up before I ever began the decorating as well lol

[Ive]

Don't discard too much though. I love that brick wall as it's modern yet not sterile!

[Greenlea]

Oh yeah I'm keeping that too lol
Maybe I can just make adjustments here and there to make the outside look better.
It's killing me lol

[Ive]

How many stories do you have? The pictures look like it's huge :lol:

I'm struggling to come up with a decent color for my farm house. Red = lame, I used blue on 2 of my houses already, yellow and green looks silly :rolleyes:

[Greenlea]

two livable floors. But I was trying to go for a modern type exterior and wound up placing friezes between floors.
I hate it. Probably will start over. Need to save that particular brick pattern to my favorites lol So I don't lose it.

[porkypine]

KAOS! I want your house! Upload it please. :0)

lol.... that R3 house of mine.. I ran out of time... so many errors in the photos and the roof. AND, I left an artifact on the back lawn and didn't even realize it until I was taking pictures. lol... Too late to fix that. I wouldn't have won anyway. That lot has CC.

TALKING about CC.. this contest makes me realize that if I want custom stuff for my game, I better get busy and make it. :D

I went and did a dumb thing.. Without thinking about it, I 'opened' that foundation4 lot and it opened the EA launcher and of course, that locked up and choked and refused to install. :wtf: I forgot to unpack it with Delphy's unpacker and Grant's launcher and it borked! I have to fix that.

[Ive]

I can try to upload before I go on a two week holiday on Monday! Need to re-do some rooms and make it a bit better if I'm gonna upload. That + make this R4 house in time! :blink:

Think you should just copy it and spare yourself the agony of getting that launcer to work correctly :lol:

[Ive]

Is there anyone who know any store item that fits the long narrow windows that came with ambitions? The classic looking ones :)

[Mia138]

Well, I've built my Round 4 entry. Now I need to find a world to download and install that will make the photos look right. Anyone know of a VERY tiny island ( just big enough to fit the 30x30 lot and nothing else? lol)

[Ive]

Have you checked out armiel's builders Island? :)

[missroxor]

I'm thinking of doing a little country pub for this round but
I have a niggling feeling that it's been done before, though I could just be thinking of something I've seen in downloads. Can anybody remember someone doing a pub in this contest? I just wanna make sure that if I do have the same idea as someone else, I don't do the exact same thing ;)

PS There are loads of houses on here for R3 and R4 that I have loved but the last few days I have only had time to have a quick look on here before I have to run off to build :lol: so I haven't taken the time to give individual comments/feedback...it doesn't mean I don't like your house, I'm just in a hurry to catch up with everyone else :lol:

Oh, and Bgatot, thanks but I really think you're being too kind :lol:

[Ive]

I can't remember any pubs being made. Only hotels with restaurants/bars in :)

[Ive]

Finding it tricky to take pictures of this house in the front/back as it's so small and in the middle without losing much of the garden in the picture :blink:

[BGatot]

It's sooo quiet here lately. Too quiet. I don't like it... :D

[Gail.wyness]

Missroxor I built a pub for download some time ago, but I haven't seen one in this contest.

[Ive]

It's sooo quiet here lately. Too quiet. I don't like it... :D

I know :(

[LifesLover]

As far as I know, no pubs have been made, though there have been a few hotels (I should know) that have restaurants in them (after a fashion, obviously).

I'm just as tapped out for this round as I was the last one. I feel so uncreative. I need to just stick to writing, I suppose.

[fragglerocks]

I'm going a little out of my comfort zone this round and trying to make a small castle. I have never attempted this before, and I don't have World Adventures (which has stuff I could use). I have built it up and torn it down 3 times, but I am finally happy with the exterior. The interior is going to take a bit. I imagine I probably won't have it ready to post for two more days.

The quiet is making me nervous as well. There are some great builders out there who haven't made a peep. I think everybody is planning to go out with a bang! :)

[Ive]

Menaceman! I need your help.

I got the same thing that happened to you! funky wall that stnads up and can't be deleted. How did you fix it again?

[BGatot]

I bet that's from playing with CFE too much. Naughty! Naughty! :lol:

[heaven]

The quiet is making me nervous as well. There are some great builders out there who haven't made a peep.

Oohhh, I agree! I am thinking of placing the foundation and building something completely different. Except, for the most part I like what I have. :|

[Ive]

I bet that's from playing with CFE too much. Naughty! Naughty! :lol:

I sort of found out what it is. And probably is a result of CFE ;)

When attempting to cover the ceiling of my shed, it like bugged and disappeared, and then appeared as a wall elsewhere. I managed to get it away by deleting the tiles in question and moving the lot to another place :)

[Ive]

.......... and then it's back and this time I can't find the bodged set of tiles

[sandymdh]

Don't talk to me about CFE - what a nightmare (see arch lol).
Still have some last touches to do but nearly there so thought I'd get some feedback. The Gatehouse is as you'd imagine the gatehouse of an old castle. Behind the castle you can see where the drawbridge would have crossed the remains of the moat and there are some castle ruins behind it. The home is set in our time but the decor is still very old fashioned. I'm happy that the gatehouse is authentic and there is even an authentic style Medieval garden (Google is my best friend this week)!
http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz253/sandymdh/Screenshot-206.jpg
http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz253/sandymdh/Screenshot-211.jpg
http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz253/sandymdh/Screenshot-212.jpg

[heaven]

Wow, that is gorgeous!!! I think after the contest you should make a larger lot with the castle included!

[sandymdh]

http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz253/sandymdh/Gatehouses.jpg
I tried to go with something local this time - I've always thought these gatehouses would make great but small homes. The one marked 'Triumphal Arch' on the collage is actually expensive holiday accomodation!
I have a series of buildings in my head to do when I've finished this so maybe I could use it later...

[Mia138]

Sandymdh, Im sure I recognise at least one of those gatehouses in your montage as being very close to where I live...

This one is about 20 mins walk from my home and I pause each time I pass it because it just 'ooozes' history and age - probably because it was built in 15th Century!

http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae282/MiaSims/PykenhamsGatehouseIpswich.jpg

[sandymdh]

I love the ones at the entrances to the National Trust Halls. They are completely separate but since childhood I've imagined a secret underground lounge basement joining them together! These are probably closer to you then Mia138 as I'm nr Norwich and these seem to be spread out around the county.

[Ive]

Ooo there are loads of those arch houses around in Lincoln :)

[heaven]

Is anyone having a problem with the live chat today? I miss my "friends" in there!!! Plus, I have some questions about my lots of each round.

[porkypine]

Holy-simoly! I was taking pictures of my lot and the sims were burning up some hotdogs and the dogs caught on fire and the next thing you know, the SIMS were on FIRE! YIKES! Exit without saving!

[mr.moo7999]

Porkypine: HAHAHA That's pretty hilarious! ;)

I am uploading my homes (the ones that I finished) right now, so I can beat the "rush" of uploads. (hint...hint......HINT... to anyone who wants to beat ... the RUSH)

[LifesLover]

I'm not even going to upload my houses, unless this last one comes out nicely.

[Ive]

Holy-simoly! I was taking pictures of my lot and the sims were burning up some hotdogs and the dogs caught on fire and the next thing you know, the SIMS were on FIRE! YIKES! Exit without saving!

I hope you took some pictures of it!

[heaven]

I was planning on uploading all of mine (one is already done) but I realized I made a major mistake. All of my foundation challenge homes were in one neighborhood. I moved a finished one to a different sized lot and now can't get it to go back to 30x30!!! Grr...and that was the barn house which worked really well on that size. Plus, I just got some EPs and am afraid to install them after submitting an upload and then be told changes are required and have to change them and make them require the EPs rather than just be base game compatible.

[LifesLover]

Well, I know that I, for one, would love to be able to download your houses, heaven_sent_8_18, especially the tree house.

[gabrielorie]

Nice houses everyone :up: .And sandymdh,wow :blink: ,That castle is absouloutely stunning :anime: .You used the floor elevation cheat didn't you :) ?

I would like a little help,does this house look to simple :| ?I tried to create something different from everyone,a bright sunny house but i'm not sure the outside is to attractive :( .Also is the landscaping to simple?(Sorry about the graphics,i always turn it down when building :) .

http://a.imageshack.us/img121/6679/screenshot1467.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img375/2712/screenshot1466.jpg