More Awesome Than You!

So we can all get on with it:

(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm71/FellyElly/MATY/HHouter.jpg)

(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm71/FellyElly/MATY/HHlevel1.jpg)

(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm71/FellyElly/MATY/HHlevel2.jpg)

Copy-pasta'd from last month:
1. No CC.  Please indicate needed expansions and stuff packs so people who wish to download your lot know what to expect.  Pictures are required, either available for download, on a slideshow, or posted in this thread.

2. By entering this challenge, you agree to take constructive criticism.  If you wish to judge someone else's entry, you should be respectful but honest.

3. Your lot does not have to be Awesomespec, although it is encouraged.

4. You may move internal walls and add external walls but you may NOT move original external walls.

5. Lots may be furnished, unfurnished, or partially furnished.  You can even upload both furnished and unfurnished versions.

*PLEASE NOTE* Since this is an Eaxis-designed lot, it may or may not have level edges.  Place at your own risk.

New for this lot:
6. The pond/pool must be left in. They may be expanded, but not removed.

Aww man, but I hate that damn pool!

Oh well...

I'd already remade it without the pond... but general consensus in the other thread wanted to keep both to add to the difficulty. So, back to the drawing board for me.

If we can expand the pool/pond, are we therefore also allowed to make it smaller?

Bah me too KChan.

*photo curses at the dreadful pond/pool and resumes rebuilding*

I can't wait to see what people do with this house. IMO, this lot would have to be *the* ugliest, most useless Eaxis made house thus far. I tried to play it once but ended up moving the family to another lot. It was not only awkward to play but actually depressing as well.

Therefore making the name 'Harmonious Haven' a bit of a joke.

I have just finished my Epic Phail EAxis House of Fail^TM lot, and I wish to show it to you! It's not really Awesomespec (I did this in three hours) and it's §137, 776 furnished. Let the P&L commence!

Features:

- Moat! Keep undesirables OUT of your restricted zone!
- Pool! Now you can swim without being burnt!
- Open plan living! Cook AND keep an eye on the spawn!
- The One Desk! No more scouring the house looking for your mail!
- Separate nursery! Don't let the crying sprog wake you up with their constant whining! NOW close to the kitchen! Why walk up and down stairs when you can walk a short distance instead?

Basically it's three storeys, with that God forsaken pool being the reason. Floor one has the God Forsaken Pool of Doom, a hot-tub, bar, shower/terlet facilities and an outdoor eating/barbecue platform. Kitchen has more all the appliances you will ever need, with trash compactor and dishwasher.

Floor two has the kitchen and living area, with TV and computer. The nursery is on this floor, which is right next to the kitchen.

Floor three has the bedrooms, with creativity building area. Features piano, drums, easel etc. There are three bedrooms, the main bedroom with double doors (hey, it looks good), a teenager's bedroom and a child's bedroom.

There are three bathrooms, one on each floor. Two of which have a shower/shower & bath combo in it.

I have Uni, NL and Seasons. I was going to put a driveway in it, but it looked odd and out of place.

I took the pictures before I added all the lights. I might have put too many lights in, I have a bad habit of doing that. Apologies for the massiveness.
IMAGES:
(http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk49/Jess-Maree/EAxis%20House%20of%20Fail%20July/Fail1.jpg)

(http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk49/Jess-Maree/EAxis%20House%20of%20Fail%20July/Fail2.jpg)

(http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk49/Jess-Maree/EAxis%20House%20of%20Fail%20July/Fail3.jpg)

(http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk49/Jess-Maree/EAxis%20House%20of%20Fail%20July/Fail4.jpg)

(http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk49/Jess-Maree/EAxis%20House%20of%20Fail%20July/Fail5.jpg)

(http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk49/Jess-Maree/EAxis%20House%20of%20Fail%20July/Fail6.jpg)

I have NO IDEA if I uploaded the lot correctly. Hell, I don't even know if I uploaded the right house :P

Get it here...if I've done it right. (http://www.mediafire.com/?9zxu4xjctqm) WARNING: MediaFire link, mightn't last forever.

EDIT: I know my house building skillz are phail, I never really build my own houses. There is a massive space on the second floor that I left for hobby items and stuff.

Ah crap! Oh well...  :D
Can't wait to see what you all do with it!

Jess Maree, way too cool! And this is just the beginning! *prepares to nab scads of be-yoo-tiful houses*

(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d113/thecallumus/snapshot_d4dffb1b_d57a8676.jpg)
Here's one way of filling up that weird space out the back underneath the default "bathroom"...

Crap I should have put a awning type thing over the outdoor eating platform. Oh well.

Kchan, thanks for going ahead and posting this month's challenge.  I got kidnapped for a surprise vacation on Friday.  Anyway, why not make this an open contest?  So instead of doing one a month, anyone who has a particular house they want to see other people fix can post a thread for it?  Or not, whatever y'all think would work best.

Jess Maree, I like what you did- that pool just HAS to be expanded to be useful.

No, stick with one a month.  Participation is greater when we have a common project, and it gives us a monthly activity, which is nice.

No problem - Vacations shall not stand in the way of MATY! Or something like that.

 I truly hated this house originally, and decided to see what could be done.

Here is the front:
(http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj113/cadesmama_2008/harhavfront.jpg)

The back:
(http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj113/cadesmama_2008/harhavback.jpg)

First Floor:
(http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj113/cadesmama_2008/harhav1floor.jpg)

Second Floor:
(http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj113/cadesmama_2008/harhaven2floor.jpg)

It has three bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. The 1/2 bath is on the first floor. The price, furnished, is 83,152.

The file is here: http://www.mediafire.com/?edwt3tas1lc
I didn't change the name from the original.

Edited to add that I have all expansion packs and stuff packs.

Oh. Poo. I hate those things about this lot. Whoever thought of that needs to be beaten with a wet fish.

Seconded!

Yeah but that's what makes this exciting. To see if someone can come up with an imaginative and aesthetically pleasing way to redo this monstrosity. Without the ugly pond and pool, it's just *another makeover.

*Disclaimer: I can't build nice houses to save my life and I admit that, but it doesn't mean I won't can't coerce encourage others to do it for me.

Aussieone-I demand you enter this challenge now! :P :D

Is that a double dog dare Emma? Cuz you know if it is, I'll have no choice to enter erm, something. Plus P&L'ing is good for building character apparently. :P

Yes. That is just what it is. ;D

Play testing this today. It's a fun house, love the pool inside! ;)

(http://bp2.blogger.com/_oK3p0At4H5g/SHIY_5tnLrI/AAAAAAAACMM/8Eitz6AH_bU/s1600/Harmonious-Haven-2.jpg)

Is the image showing now?
(Still haven't play tested, will post new pics tommorro. or hopefully later today.)

Your picture doesn't appear for me...  :(

Well, considering we weren't allowed to remove the swimming pool or the river, I opted to make them features. So this house has a very blue-green look. §89,318 with four bedrooms and six bathrooms. Doesn't quite meet awesome specs, the kitchen doesn't currently lock, though it wouldn't take much to put a wall and door in.

I visualised it as a rich person's summer house. Be bloody cold in winter I expect.

Front
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/HarmoniousHaven/HarmoniousHaven001.jpg)


Side
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/HarmoniousHaven/HarmoniousHaven002.jpg)


Back
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/HarmoniousHaven/HarmoniousHaven003.jpg)


Ground floor
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/HarmoniousHaven/HarmoniousHaven004.jpg)


First floor. You can see that there is a large area to be recovered if you get rid of the overview of the pool. Plus one of the larger double bedrooms could easily be converted into a hobby room.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/HarmoniousHaven/HarmoniousHaven005.jpg)


View from the kitchen breakfast type bar
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/HarmoniousHaven/HarmoniousHaven006.jpg)


Kitchen
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/HarmoniousHaven/HarmoniousHaven007.jpg)


Lounge. The rug won't be there, it's one of the new EA store ones. You know where to find it.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/HarmoniousHaven/HarmoniousHaven008.jpg)


Snooker and party room, off the swimming pool area
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/HarmoniousHaven/HarmoniousHaven009.jpg)


Swimming pool
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/HarmoniousHaven/HarmoniousHaven010.jpg)


Barbeque area
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/HarmoniousHaven/HarmoniousHaven011.jpg)

Download at Laverwinkle (http://laverwinklesims.com/index.php?topic=792.msg8261).
Once again, apologies to those on dialup, I have not only succeeded in building another monster house but also took a zillion pictures.

SalixTree - that's gorgeous from the outside, looks like something that would be found in a fairy glade. One thing I don't have with building is a light touch. I envy that. I'd live in your house happily.

PS I have all the EPs.

Wow. That's fantastic. I love the lounge room! Making the pond/river into a central feature of the house is a really neat idea.

Witch, that is amazing! Very gorgeous concept. The pond views throughout work beautifully. Also, it looks like it would convert to a dorm or hotel pretty nicely too. That's one hell of a get-away/summer house!

ETA: I agree with keeping the rebuild/remodel challenges together as a monthly thing. Kind of nice to have a group activity (besides poking n00bs, of course ;p).

What is the deadline date for this?  I think this looks like a fun challenge!

Seeing as how it's the July challenge... July 31 or Aug 1?

I got the image, but only after loading the URL for the .jpg separately.  Not sure what the problem is.  It's a fine remodel though.  Round side room is a nice feature.  If you're serious about this challenge, we'll want to see interior layouts.  Try posting pictures on Photobucket or some other fileshare site - those tend to link quite well.

I don't think I can cap Witch's entry.  Extremely nicely done.

Hang on a tick, is CC okay or not okay, because I'm having some mad roman thoughts & this place would look great with $900 marble paneling.

CC is supposed to be a no-no. But, eh. I think someone posted a CC-version in the June thread.

Damn. Without my Roman CC I won't try, because I can't outdo witch's efforts without it. :D

@Witch: That house looks great! It is a keeper.

I have a question tho. I want to do a house makeover of this property too, but I have a problem with the picture taking. I can't take a photo of a lot with a pool in it without the game slowing down to a snails pace, which is quite annoying. Does anyone have a suggestion why that is? I have very little cc, lots of space on the harddrive, about 2 Gigs of memory and a 3.2 dualcore processor.

Try tinkering with the settings or using Print Screen instead or something.

Oh, I'm still going to make an entry, I just don't think it will even approach being as good as Witch's.

If you don't get too much of a slow down when you Alt+Tab out, you can just PrintScreen and copy/paste the pics into MS Paint or something.  Actually that's what I do because I can never find the pictures I took after I get out of the game.


I think it would be OK if you uploaded a CC-free version too, or maybe some pictures of what it looks like without the CC.  That rule was mainly added to avoid someone downloading a lot with bunch of CC that (1) is not credited to the original creator (2) causes glitches on the lot that were not caught because the lot was not playtested properly or (3) is just plain fugly and has to be hunted down and put out of its misery.

I am having trouble trying to figure out something unique and useful to do with this lot.

All I'm going to say about this is that I have unusual tastes in decor (as my poor husband found out to his horror last Thursday) and if I can't use the CC I need to use to do a good Roman house, well, it's going to be more than a little kitschy. I may well be the Gali of interior design.

I'll see how I go with it tomorrow, CC-free.

Witch, that house is incredible! This one is in reserve for a favorite(s)!  ;D

It really was mean of witch to whip that out so early in the month, wasn't it? Intimidated Liz is intimidated. Still, it's not an actual contest or anything (yeah, right ;p). I love seeing what everyone is doing with these pool/pond obstacles. Thinking this will be a great chance to nab some Vacation Houses for my sims with Twiiki/Takemizu-envy. Three so far and looking forward to more!

Floopyboo, last month some people submitted a CC-version after their "rule-abiding" entry, so maybe you could do that.

In my makeover, I decided to keep the general exterior look of the house the same. I wanted it to still be recognizable as the same house. I did add on a bit at the rear, changed windows, doors, and exterior paint. I totally revamped the interior. The ground floor has the dreaded pool, along with hot tub, bar, and a family room. Upstairs is the kitchen, master bedroom, kids' room and nursery. The house now has 3 full baths. It isn't fully Awesomespec because that isn't how I play or design. Also, I added a lot in the way of landscaping to make the house feel like a "Harmonious Haven".

I have all EPs up to Seasons plus FFS & GLS. Fully furnished, the house sells for §106,496. Unfurnished is §42,116.

Aggh. Please excuse the picture quality. I forgot to change my settings on my new clean account and I don't have the energy to redo them right now.


(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y124/reggikko/HHfront.jpg)

More pictures and download HERE (http://laverwinklesims.com/index.php?topic=793.0).

Lovely job, Reggikko! It's totally recognizable as the same house, and at the same time, y'know, not.  ;D
Ground floor is v sexy, and I like the long, thin family room. Landscaping is gorgeous - lush but not overwhelming.

I really like all the entries so far. Witch, you are one of my favorite remodel/builders. I have so many of your lots in my game. I can't wait to see what everyone else comes up with.

Here's mine. I thought it made a nice fun house. Good for pleasure Sims.

(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/Haven%20of%20Delights/HavenofDelights.jpg)

slideshow: click on the lil pic
(http://s331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/Haven%20of%20Delights/th_HavenofDelights.jpg) (http://s331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/Haven%20of%20Delights/?action=view&current=5ef782ed.pbw)

download Haven of Delights here: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?ocumov0jjyj (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?ocumov0jjyj)

Wah, what a fun house, SalixTree! I *love* the turret bedroom, and you've incorporated the pond beautifully.
So, we can haz download?

eta: yay, downloadage!

That looks amazing! I really must steal borrow the curved bridge idea. It would fit in perfectly with the theme I'm working into this house.

WooHoo!

These are fantastic! I do love to glean new ideas. *Nabs and dashes*  ;D

Reggikko and SalixTree, I love yours too! Mine is....not so good. I'll finish it and post it tomorrow. I think this will be my only entry this month though as this house is evil to remodel.

How much of the pond are we allowed to modify? Can we move it or only expand?

I think when it comes to the pond and pool, we're only expanding if desired and not moving them. Makes them a bugger, but that's (supposed to be) the fun of it this month.

Mine is rather modern. This version costs §115.5K - 2 bed, 2.5 bath

(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg63/MadameHecubus/JulyChallenge/hecubus-makeover.jpg)

Construction changes:
-removed roofs and replaced with flat roof
-extended house on left side
-added greenhouse on first floor
-removed all interior walls; rearranged top floor, added half-bath to bottom floor
- changed stairwell
-opened second floor area for fountain-gazing
-created kitchen area with half-walls
-extended front balcony, added side balconies

Landscaping changes:
-flattened most of lot
-extended ponds as shown
-added awesomespec fence
- added trees and other plants
-removed most terrains

More exterior shots:
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg63/MadameHecubus/JulyChallenge/frontofhouse.jpg)

(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg63/MadameHecubus/JulyChallenge/leftside.jpg)

(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg63/MadameHecubus/JulyChallenge/rightside.jpg)

Ground floor:
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg63/MadameHecubus/JulyChallenge/fromdining.jpg)

(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg63/MadameHecubus/JulyChallenge/living.jpg)

(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg63/MadameHecubus/JulyChallenge/fountain-into-dining.jpg)

Second floor:
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg63/MadameHecubus/JulyChallenge/topfloorhobbyarea.jpg)

(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg63/MadameHecubus/JulyChallenge/secondbedroom.jpg)

(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg63/MadameHecubus/JulyChallenge/masterbedroom.jpg)

(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg63/MadameHecubus/JulyChallenge/masterbath.jpg)
(If Maxis had full-length blinds, I wouldn't have had to do all this masking with plants. Bah.)

Ground Floor Plan:
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg63/MadameHecubus/JulyChallenge/bottomfloor.jpg)

Top Floor Plan:
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg63/MadameHecubus/JulyChallenge/topfloor.jpg)

What I know is not to awesomespec:
- kitchen; I just couldn't bring myself to close it up!
-stairwell; I did not block it off
Also, I seem to have forgotten to add a chair to the one desk.

Download here. (http://www.illusionsofgrandeur-ts2.com/Misc/HarmoniousHaven-Hecubus-115.5K.sims2pack)


(I plan to make a cc version at some point, as now that I've made the changes to the lot, I rather like it.)

Aw, dangit, I was gonna fountain up that pool in my house! Phooey. Probably still will.  ;)
Gorgeous house, Hec! I love the open floor plan of the downstairs. Sure, the open kitchen's not awesomespec, but I agree it's aesthetically better this way. And I like the "pass-through" window from the kitchen to the dining area.

Yoink!

That's really nice, Hecubus. Which EP has the fountain? I am lacking BV and FT, and now I am experiencing EP envy.

SalixTree, I love what you've done. Very whimsical.

Hey everyone. Recent delurker here.

Nice entries all!
I thought I should give this a go. So, here is my attempt. Some elements from awesomespecs are here such as lockable kitchen and staircase, the one desk and a perimeter fence.
It's 3 bedrooms + nursery and 3 bathrooms.
The ground floor is made into a semi-basement with the help of a deck.

Front
(http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r427/Goggalor_Pics/EaxisHoFJuly/784c639c.jpg)

Side
(http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r427/Goggalor_Pics/EaxisHoFJuly/afdde6d2.jpg)

Back
(http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r427/Goggalor_Pics/EaxisHoFJuly/e133accc.jpg)

Main area
(http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r427/Goggalor_Pics/EaxisHoFJuly/5bc8e127.jpg)

Pool area with workout equipment
(http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r427/Goggalor_Pics/EaxisHoFJuly/26c998c6.jpg)

Bedroom
(http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r427/Goggalor_Pics/EaxisHoFJuly/dacc0683.jpg)

Slideshow with more pics (http://s354.photobucket.com/albums/r427/Goggalor_Pics/EaxisHoFJuly/?albumview=slideshow)

It only uses seasons EP.

Furnished §142,552 (http://www.box.net/shared/1pnb4duog8)
Unfurnished §59,828 (http://www.box.net/shared/jami7mpesk)

It's the first time I've shared a lot, but hopefully all goes well.

Hmm. I thought it was Seasons - look in Decorative/Sculptures. If not, then it's BV. It's just a long thang that sits in your pool or pond.

Goggalor, great entry! I never would have thought of the decking.

Zomg, that is fricking *palatial*. I love it! Favourite features include the faux-basement look of the ground floor (thanks to the decking) and the arched entrances. The roundish windows on top really pull the whole thing together nicely too. So many totally different looks this time around. Definitely heading for an Harmonious Haven Hood!

Dur. Now I feel like an idgit. I had never seen that. Thanks.

*Claps*

Beautiful, Hecubus & Goggalor! I'm loving the variety everyone's showing here! And to think we have another three weeks to go. Whew!

Well, here's my entry. Not Awesomespec, but adheres to one of it's main principles - keep those bloody visitors where you can see them.

(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm71/FellyElly/MATY/snapshot_00000001_957f9f91.jpg)

View of the outside.

(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm71/FellyElly/MATY/Screenshot.jpg)

Closer view of the entrance. Path from driveway/drop-off to front door is quite short.

(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm71/FellyElly/MATY/snapshot_00000001_f57f9fc9.jpg)

Ground floor. Upon stepping through the front door, we have the entrance/lounge with One True Desk, as well as a small bathroom. Locakable stairs lead up to the second floor. In the other building, which is separated by the pond, is the pool, kitchen and dining, as well as another staircase. Outside is greenhouse, barbecue and swings. Visitors can walk around to back yard, but both the pool-door and the door to the kitchen are lockable, so you can control where they have access.

(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm71/FellyElly/MATY/snapshot_00000001_557f9fb8.jpg)

Upstairs from the entrance is the skill-building room and a hallway that connects the two buildings. Also nursery (whole thing fits in that huge bathroom), main bedroom, two smaller bedrooms, two bathrooms, and balcony for throwing eggs at unwanted visitors.

Download here (hopefully): http://rapidshare.com/files/128035863/KC_s_Harmonious_Haven.rar

ETA: I knew I was gonna forget this. I have all EPs and the FFS SP.

Some cool ideas!

I like the way the river runs right through the middle of Witch's house. Also, the white outside paint brightens it up. The original house was so dark and somber. Nice kitchen area, you can watch the fishies while having your breakfast.

Reggikko's house, I like all those windows, and the use of the dark flooring around the pool.

I love the use of the plants and fountain in Hecubus' pool. And the open space works quite well. Love the clean and sparse look of the outside.

And the outside of Kchan's house looks old European. hehe.. throwing eggs, funny.

Most of you have made the inside pool larger!

Everyone's entries look great! Goggalor, I love the exterior of yours, reminds me of the Addams Family house for some reason :D

Is there somewhere I can get a list of what is Awesomespec? Purdy please?

Yeah-in the War Room somewhere :)

Thanks, I thought afterwards of making it into a hotel too. (I still want to write 'an' hotel). You could get a couple more bedrooms upstairs and still have a bit of an overlook.

Oh bollocks! Everyone has a different approach, that's why I'm enjoying these building challenges, I love seeing things I never thought of before. :D

Geez guys!

One thing I thought of was having internal walkways over the river with transparent tiles underfoot. Stupid EAxis builder never put it on a foundation though and I couldn't figure out how to pull Amber's trick with the fake walls next to the water.*
There's lots of room forward of the house, even if you went to one side and not the other. I also thought of making the water an internal courtyard in some way.

Reggikko, I love the attention you pay to the gardens, they always look natural and not overdone. I like the black tiling round the pool, I tried to go darker with mine but the rest of the house was in much more neutral tints. I like the colours you choose.

SalixTree, your house is so whimsical, you're right; it's a real fun house. I love it.

Ditto!

That fountain setting is a stunner Hecubus! Kchan's upstairs bridge is also something I considered, looks good. For some reason that lot makes me think of Holland. Goggalor's deck is a good pinchable idea too, well executed.


ETA: * I wonder if using those internal platforms would allow tiles to meet across the water? Hmmm....

Aw, thanks everyone, glad you liked it. It's nice to get out of my normal building routine with the constricts of the challenge.

Forgot to mention a few things: there's paved room for a driveway, but no actual driveway since I went the season only route. Visistors ring on the ground floor arch. Oh, and I forgot to put lights in the bathroom of the pool area I think  ::).

I really like the houses extending over the pond as in Witch's and Kchan's, and I love the airiness of Hecubus' house.
Will be fun to watch the other entries coming in.

Kitsch Heaven:

Price:$111,184
Bedrooms: 3-4 + nursery
EPs & SPs: Uni, NL OFB, FFS, GLS, Pets, Seasons, BV, FT.
Favourite EP/SP: You'll figure it out.

This lot (http://www.4shared.com/file/54348052/c88cc1ea/Kitsch_Heaven.html) hasn't been playtested, since I just finished it. The kitchen is lockable, and since the only access upstairs is from the nursery which adjoins the kitchen, nobody's going anywhere you don't want them to. This includes the three toilets. Expect bitching from guests.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/snapshot_00000010_f580037a.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/snapshot_00000010_f580052e.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/snapshot_00000010_f5800555.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/snapshot_00000010_d5800680.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/snapshot_00000010_3580060a.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/snapshot_00000010_7580064c.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/snapshot_00000010_95800747.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/snapshot_00000010_958004ef.jpg)

ETA: Zomg floorplans!

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/level1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/level2.jpg)

Don't. I get so in a rut with certain content, I forget - or don't even realize - there's something I want in there. These challenges force me to look at Maxis content, and I always find something I didn't realize was available. (It's usually decorative, as some of the items are harder to see in the thumbnails.)

Floppy, I LOVE the reflecting pool! In a million years that never would have crossed my mind (but now I will shamelessly steal borrow, with credit, that idea for an upcoming lot).

Thanks. :D

There you go.  Nicely done, floopyboo!  I love the pool area.  Floorplans?

Well here's my effort. I haven't changed the structure much, I've just mainly given it a themed makeover...

I present to you Bonsai Bungalow! Download here (http://www.mediafire.com/?yxne1h9xicm). Needs Bon Voyage and FreeTime. Also a very few selection of items come from some of the other eps, but only about 1 or 2 per ep and they are very minor items.

(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d113/thecallumus/snapshot_0000001a_d57f9e53.jpg)

Ground floor.
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d113/thecallumus/Screenshot-3.jpg)

Second floor.
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d113/thecallumus/snapshot_0000001a_f57f9edf.jpg)

I decided to turn the pool room into something a bit more fanciful, with columns and plants and everything. There's also a lockable kitchen at the back and a lounge/dining room divided by the stairs (sadly there isn't anything in the way of asian sofas so I had to use the morrocan one). Upstairs, there are three potential bedrooms (two of which I have filled with other stuff) and a rather sizable bathroom. The upstairs landing area could also be used as a second living room, if you so desire. There's a tea table outside on the deck near a shrine, a zen garden out the front, and small, secluded bamboo garden out the back that I suppose the koi pond could fit in. It's fit for a ninja! I'm quite pleased with the result, and will be promptly moving my family of Ninja's into this house. I'm sure it would look great in an Asian neighborhood.

I've also made some changes since these pictures were taken, so it's a bit better than you can see here. I've also only lightly furnished it, so there's room for all sorts of crap if need be.
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d113/thecallumus/snapshot_0000001a_157f9e68.jpg)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d113/thecallumus/snapshot_0000001a_f57f9e7f.jpg)

Eventually. The ones I took were craptacular even by my standards, and after 9 hours of making that thing, I wanted a break. lol. I swear it's more drama to gut & remodel than it is to start anew.

ETA: Kitsch Heaven now with bonus floorplans. And yes, the closet in the nursery is designed for bat boxes. :D

Nice re-dos... I wanted to try, but spent about 3 hours fighting with it and it still was junk.

Oooo, that looks good. However, I don't see a download link anywhere.

Download here (http://www.mediafire.com/?yxne1h9xicm). I haven't had the chance to playtest it yet myself, so I'll be interested to know if there's any problems with it...

hheeyy..i like that asian lot
here we go. thers no landscaping only cuz i didnt care lol
CC: left right and center industrial stars by holy simoly
industrail fence by H.S
the dining tabel by..um....somwhere...i forgot..
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i236/fergiefan12/snapshot_00000005_f57fabc0.jpg)
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i236/fergiefan12/snapshot_00000005_157fabfd.jpg)
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i236/fergiefan12/snapshot_00000005_f57fac05.jpg)
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i236/fergiefan12/snapshot_00000005_d57fac0c.jpg)
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i236/fergiefan12/snapshot_00000005_f57fabdd.jpg)
download:   http://www.4shared.com/file/54396306/a89ffc6d/Harmonious_Haven_-_2BR_1BA.html
i think the only problem MIGHT BE  thnat the stairs over the pool might not work...lol...somone test it for me and report back?

Nice lot Cockroach. Really modern. I like it a lot. I love the patio area and how you've incorporated a driveway area. It's just so modern!

Oh, I forgot to comment on some of the other ones! Gogglor, I love how you've made the ground floor look like a basement. All that wood gives a nice mountanous effect. Kchan, I love how you've let the river split the house into two parts. And floppyboo, I just love the colour scheme of your house. It's really fresh.

I love seeing all the different takes on the same house!

Oooh, nice houses everyone! I surprisingly found this house easier to redo than the last one. Don't ask me why. :P

Pics

Exterior:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/annann/Maxischallenge/snapshot_eda007fa_35802983.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/annann/Maxischallenge/snapshot_eda007fa_95802990.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/annann/Maxischallenge/snapshot_eda007fa_558029fa.jpg)

Interior:

Ground floor plan:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/annann/Maxischallenge/snapshot_eda007fa_f58029b9.jpg)

Upper floor plan:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/annann/Maxischallenge/snapshot_eda007fa_f58029a5.jpg)

View of hallway from front door:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/annann/Maxischallenge/snapshot_eda007fa_15802a14.jpg)

The one desk:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/annann/Maxischallenge/snapshot_eda007fa_f5802a70.jpg)

Study- and caffeination area:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/annann/Maxischallenge/snapshot_eda007fa_55802a4b.jpg)

Living room:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/annann/Maxischallenge/snapshot_eda007fa_95802a83.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/annann/Maxischallenge/snapshot_eda007fa_f5802a93.jpg)

Kitchen and dining area:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/annann/Maxischallenge/snapshot_eda007fa_55802aae.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/annann/Maxischallenge/snapshot_eda007fa_f5802ad8.jpg)

The nursery and upstairs rooms aren't that interesting, so no photos of that. :P

As you can see, the house is awesomespec-prepared - the dining area is easily enclosed, and so is the staircase. The house costs §65 592 (magic wanded from §112 550).

Get it here: http://rapidshare.com/files/128236117/HarmoniousHavenAnnan.7z.html (http://rapidshare.com/files/128236117/HarmoniousHavenAnnan.7z.html)

The house is built with all EPs and SPs except TSS.

I think this one might be easier because there's not much wrong with the outside of the house - it's mostly the horribly set out interior that needs to be fixed.

And... everything's so pretty! I really love the pool-turned-fountain look.

Hecubus...Annan...my favs so far, though everyone has done a bang-up job once again.  I soooo love the pool/pond/fountain look.

Snowmonious Haven (http://www.4shared.com/file/54440266/3ff99a09/Snowmonious_Haven.html) has 3 bedrooms (one is a nursery) and 3 baths.  I have all EP's, FFS, and Glamour Crap Stuff.  I got bored with furnishing and decorating using only Maxis, so some rooms may not even have lights.  I also pulled a big "oopsie"...this house requires the use of Marvine's Spiral Stairs.  I did not package them with the lot.  If you do not already have them, I would suggest you kill yourself now.  You will see the spaces for the spiral stairs on the second floor...use simple stair left turn in light wood and position them with the "<" and ">" keys.  If you do not have or want Marvine's stairs, good luck finding a place to put normal ones, as that was my problem when I had finished building only to realize I had forgotten to put the stairs back in.  *Oh, and I forgot a gate on the right side of the fencing...SIGH.  Just realized that at this very moment.

Front View:
(http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd16/therealsnowbawl/ScreenShot001-14.jpg)

Side:
(http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd16/therealsnowbawl/ScreenShot002-14.jpg)

Backside Avoiding Giant Cliff This Lot Creates:
(http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd16/therealsnowbawl/ScreenShot003-14.jpg)

Other Side:
(http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd16/therealsnowbawl/ScreenShot004-12.jpg)

Ground Floor:
(http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd16/therealsnowbawl/ScreenShot005-13.jpg)

2nd Floor:
(http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd16/therealsnowbawl/ScreenShot006-14.jpg)

Stupid Pool and Marvine's Stairs:
(http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd16/therealsnowbawl/ScreenShot007-14.jpg)

I love these challenges! So many great entries so far.

Following one entry with another, here is mine. Since it already had an indoor pool (which we are not allowed to remove...), I thought Harmonious Haven would make a nice home venue business. The business is located on the ground floor only; living quarters are located on the first and second floors. My aim in the living decor was modern and (I hope) tasteful contrast. I generally used bright colors, but off-set them with neutrals. If you do not like red and yellow, well, you know how to use the design tool. :P Click to enlarge pictures.

(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll303/Roux_28/Roux_Haven/th_01_Streetview.jpg) (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll303/Roux_28/Roux_Haven/01_Streetview.jpg)

Price: 82,102 (depreciated with Magic Wand, it was about 140,000 at full price)
3BR / 4BA
Expansion/Stuff packs required - all. Much usage of H&M, K&B and IKEA packs throughout.
Mostly AwesomeSpec. Front anti-pest perimeter, lockable kitchen, lockable stairwell to living quarters. However, baths are not quite up to AwesomeSpec; nursery would need room dividers and a fridge; The One Desk is a hike from the curb.


Ground Floor - designed with home venue business in mind, or a great party area. For home business, just add a ticket machine near the front door. Pool extended; divided space for a separate hot tub area. Also added sauna and half-bath. Outdoors, the patio now holds a seating area and keg fruit punch barrel. Raised terrain for a chess table, covered with awning.
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll303/Roux_28/Roux_Haven/th_02_GroundFloorLayout.jpg) (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll303/Roux_28/Roux_Haven/02_GroundFloorLayout.jpg)


First Floor - Sizable TV/idle area, and plenty of floor space for navigation. Kitchen has all appliances and plenty of counter space. It's very bright, but hey, I like bright kitchens. :) Dining area has seating for six and contains caffeination station. Study is small, but with some rearranging of furniture/walls more seating could be added. The piano can be partitioned off with room dividers to reduce cheering. One bath located on this floor.
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll303/Roux_28/Roux_Haven/th_03_FirstFloorLayout.jpg) (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll303/Roux_28/Roux_Haven/03_FirstFloorLayout.jpg)


Second Floor - spacious hallway. First BR is set up as a boy's room: small, but functional. Second BR is set up as nursery: again, add a fridge and room dividers between the cribs for best functionality. Master BR is clean and simple. Two baths located on this floor.
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll303/Roux_28/Roux_Haven/th_04_SecondFloorLayout.jpg) (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll303/Roux_28/Roux_Haven/04_SecondFloorLayout.jpg)


More pictures available for your viewing pleasure here. (http://s291.photobucket.com/albums/ll303/Roux_28/Roux_Haven/?albumview=slideshow)

Download here. (http://www.4shared.com/file/54441792/17be751/Harmonious_Haven_-_Roux.html?dirPwdVerified=fa49ad03)

Wow! These are so amazing! There are so many ideas that are new to me, here. I'm just going to have to try some of them! I love the variety of exteriors (Asian, modern, traditional), so many cool things to do with the useless pool (expansion, reflecting pool, fountains) bridges and incredible floor plans! Wow! Just wow! incredible work, everyone!  ;D

I love everyones makeovers so far!  Here's my take on it.  Not particularly grand and definately not awesomespec but still an improvement on the original I think.  I have all eps up to seasons but no stuff packs.  Fully furnished house is 118,114 - unfurnished is around 35,000.

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Rascal2/Haven/HHfront.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Rascal2/Haven/HHback.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Rascal2/Haven/HHgroundfloor.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Rascal2/Haven/HHtopfloor.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Rascal2/Haven/HHkitchen2.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Rascal2/Haven/HHkitchen.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Rascal2/Haven/HHlounge.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Rascal2/Haven/HHlounge2.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Rascal2/Haven/HHmasterbed.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Rascal2/Haven/HHpool.jpg)

I like the way you have balanced the back with a balcony that is in symmetry with the other side ground level shape. Good use of colours and styles of furnishings, IMO. I also like the way you've jigsawed 3 rooms and two bathrooms into one small square block.

I love all the various remade versions of this house I've seen -- all much more harmonious. 

This one was $150K -- down to §87K after the magic wand.  I tried to keep it to awesomespecs.  I have all EPs, and Family Fun and Celebrations Stuff Packs, although I tried not to use anything from the SPs, so they may not be required.  A copy of the lot was playtested, and everything seemed to work well.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/2flower/Harmonious%20Haven/ScreenShot1541.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/2flower/Harmonious%20Haven/ScreenShot1528.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/2flower/Harmonious%20Haven/ScreenShot1529.jpg)

main floor:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/2flower/Harmonious%20Haven/ScreenShot1546.jpg)

upstairs:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/2flower/Harmonious%20Haven/ScreenShot1547.jpg)

attic:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/2flower/Harmonious%20Haven/ScreenShot1548.jpg)

living/dining:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/2flower/Harmonious%20Haven/ScreenShot1550.jpg)

kitchen:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/2flower/Harmonious%20Haven/ScreenShot1534.jpg)

Here is the download link: Harmonious Haven (http://www.box.net/shared/gc76o2ds8w)

I have lurked long enough. I had to come out to say, all your houses are awesome !
I started working on mine when I saw the post it had started.  I need to play test mine
& take some pictures. If time permits I will upload it tomorrow.

This is really fun to see how everyone looks at the same lot & makes it their own.
Great idea.

Here is mine-not happy with it though. All EPs/SPs, it comes in at just under §189k. (No magic wand used) 3 bedrooms, 6 (yes, 6!) bathrooms and 1st floor nursery. Lockable stairs on 1st and 2nd floor (so you can allow visitors to go straight up to 3rd floor games room if you wish) Games room can be converted to skilling/crafting area. I forgot to take a close up picture of the main bedroom, you can see it in the layout pic for the 2nd floor. It is the one with the red bed. Stupid pool still there. Stupid stream still there. I left the trees and bushes on the front garden as I liked it, and I added axe-throwing. Forgot the kickable. Hot-tub is covered with flat roof, as is the eating area. Kitchen is seperate and lockable from the dining room. Dining room has access to grill area. Small greenhouse and 3 fruit trees. On 2nd floor there is a ballet barre and exercise bike and access to a small balcony where your sims can stargaze. Driveway parking for 2 cars. Oh, it might include the unlocked Ikea lamps, so you might want to grab them from Peasantry before downloading.

Front of lot
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll294/Emma_M_71/HarmoniousHaven/snapshot_0000000a_1580de4a.jpg)

1st floor
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll294/Emma_M_71/HarmoniousHaven/snapshot_0000000a_9580deb3.jpg)

2nd floor
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll294/Emma_M_71/HarmoniousHaven/snapshot_0000000a_b580decf.jpg)

3rd floor
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll294/Emma_M_71/HarmoniousHaven/snapshot_0000000a_3580ded1.jpg)

Back of lot
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll294/Emma_M_71/HarmoniousHaven/snapshot_0000000a_d580de80.jpg)

More pics. (http://s291.photobucket.com/albums/ll294/Emma_M_71/HarmoniousHaven/?action=view&current=39e06d11.pbw)  Download here. (http://www.4shared.com/file/54591848/6c90202b/Harmonious_Haven_By_Emma.html)

Twoflower, I love the nautical theme going on in your house!

All of these entries have been remarkable.  I think challenges that do not allow custom content are great because it shows it is not the content that makes a great home; it's the designer's imagination.  Great entries everyone!

Mine is not a house exactly. I just started working on it last night. It'll be interesting.

I like the podium-thingy in the pool! Very smart!

Wow! Everyone's remodels are great.

Here are some shots of my Somewhat More Harmonious Haven. Pond and pool are still there, and I tried to awesome spec it as best I could. Features include two bedrooms, three baths, nursery, sunroom with an exit to the back yard, pool, skilling lounge, garden, perimeter fence and lockable stairs to limit guest access. Sorry for the shoddy pics, whether in games or real life, picture taking seems to be beyond me.


(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h53/mrowcat/Sims%20shots/snapshot_d4c2e2e1_55820ebe.jpg)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h53/mrowcat/Sims%20shots/snapshot_d4c2e2e1_95820f16.jpg)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h53/mrowcat/Sims%20shots/snapshot_d4c2e2e1_f5820d59.jpg)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h53/mrowcat/Sims%20shots/snapshot_d4c2e2e1_55820e29.jpg)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h53/mrowcat/Sims%20shots/snapshot_d4c2e2e1_35820dd2.jpg)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h53/mrowcat/Sims%20shots/snapshot_d4c2e2e1_758210be.jpg)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h53/mrowcat/Sims%20shots/snapshot_d4c2e2e1_358210e6.jpg)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h53/mrowcat/Sims%20shots/snapshot_d4c2e2e1_b5820fdf.jpg)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h53/mrowcat/Sims%20shots/snapshot_d4c2e2e1_3582102d.jpg)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h53/mrowcat/Sims%20shots/snapshot_d4c2e2e1_f582103c.jpg)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h53/mrowcat/Sims%20shots/snapshot_d4c2e2e1_f582121c.jpg)

Everyone is doing such a great job. I am really enjoying these challenges because I hate building. It's great to be able to download all of these furnished houses without CC.

First, apologies for the crappy resolution pictures. I didn't realize the settings on my test account were so terribly low.

Harmonious Haven as Lodge (http://www.4shared.com/file/54718464/5eba52a6/Harmonious_Haven_as_Lodge.html)
This rebuild was inspired by comments on Witch's house saying it could be used as a hotel. Well, this one is a hotel. Luxury lodgings in a mountain setting, either for a honeymooning couple or a family. Features:

• Three suites ranging from around $600/nt to around $1100/nt
• 24-hour room service
• Large pool
• Lounge room with bar and hot tub
• Outdoor dining
• Maid service
• Excursion booking services on-site
• Window-lined patio featuring a brook and 180-degree views of your surroundings

(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/kariminger/snapshot_af24c44f_d582cbb5.jpg)
(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/kariminger/snapshot_af24c44f_f582cc47.jpg)
(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/kariminger/snapshot_af24c44f_5582cbaf.jpg)
(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/kariminger/snapshot_af24c44f_7582ccf6.jpg)
(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/kariminger/snapshot_af24c44f_7582ccef.jpg)
(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/kariminger/snapshot_af24c44f_b582cce7.jpg)

Requires all EP up to and including FreeTime. While I have H&M and Ikea, I didn't use anything from them. Best enjoyed with use of PerfectPlants by Two Jeffs.

Zazazu, that is really great! I'm going to grab that for my 3 Lakes :D

I reckon! That's choice Zazazu.

I'm all agog.

I was resisting looking at the entries until I had finished mine, so as to avoid both intimidation and idea stealing.

This house was the biggest pain in the ass I've ever tried to remake & I nearly scrapped it a couple of times. Since it's done, though, I'm fairly happy with it, and I'm amazed at the variety and creativity in everyone's entries.

Agreed, Zazazu's will make a stellar addition to Three Lakes! I like the little outdoor dining patio. Did you do what Amber did last month, shrinking the first floor to foundation height?

Me, too. I tuned out of the thread after witch's entry until I was ready to upload mine. But it was HARD to resist peeking.

The constrain floor elevation cheat was used with gusto, yes. The result is that the pool appears lowered as does the lounge area. If I had it to do again, I might extend the lounge a bit more and add chairs. But, it play-tested well. I did something different with the check-in desk, but ordering room service proceeded without hitch, as did ordering from the restaurant and going on excursions.

The top portion of the roof gave me a lot of trouble; I wanted a large suite up there, but the roof line I used at first (psuedo-mansard) left icky roof bits all throughout the building. I'm still not really happy with it. I'd also use a different roof texture in my own game (I have about 25 custom roof textures). But, yeah, I created it for my own 'hood's mountain destination. They only have a large campground and no secret lot or landmarks yet.

Okay, here 'tis:

Overview: I was going for a modern but cozy kind of thing. I didn't make a lot of structural changes, but I did add a third floor.
(http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8d930b3127ccec4c34a7f880100000040O00AbN2jJs0at2IPbz4G/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D480/ry%3D320/)

(http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8d930b3127ccec4c35b5a498400000040O00AbN2jJs0at2IPbz4G/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D480/ry%3D320/)

(http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8d930b3127ccec4c2149329be00000040O00AbN2jJs0at2IPbz4G/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D480/ry%3D320/)

(http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8d930b3127ccec4c3cb7dc8db00000040O00AbN2jJs0at2IPbz4G/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D480/ry%3D320/)

(http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8d930b3127ccec4c39e04092000000040O00AbN2jJs0at2IPbz4G/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D480/ry%3D320/)

Not totally awesomespec, but, lot is fenced, the One Desk is present (in kitchen), and the stairs are lockable.

(http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8d930b3127ccec4c3a51ec88f00000040O00AbN2jJs0at2IPbz4G/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D480/ry%3D320/)

(http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8d930b3127ccec4c2f4b2a8df00000040O00AbN2jJs0at2IPbz4G/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D480/ry%3D320/)

(http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8d930b3127ccec4c3a5ed494c00000040O00AbN2jJs0at2IPbz4G/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D480/ry%3D320/)

(http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8d930b3127ccec4c354e509a400000040O00AbN2jJs0at2IPbz4G/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D480/ry%3D320/)

(http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8d930b3127ccec4c2bb87e85500000040O00AbN2jJs0at2IPbz4G/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D480/ry%3D320/)

(http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8d930b3127ccec4c3e663884b00000040O00AbN2jJs0at2IPbz4G/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D480/ry%3D320/)

EP's & SP's: Every frickin' thing EAxis ever breathed on, including the new store stuff.

D/L here:

http://www.4shared.com/dir/6379203/acfc7b59/sharing.html (http://www.4shared.com/dir/6379203/acfc7b59/sharing.html)

That is just gorgeous! I love the colour scheme ;D

I like the island-only seating in the kitchen, and I love that the top floor is a fun kids' area. I'll probably just take out the bed up there and plonk down the activity table. Very nice!

Very nice msalwaysright. The hot tub and bar area is really nice. I also really like the colors that you used. My sims will love this beauty.

That bedroom could probably be eliminated to enlarge the playroom, but then where will the sacrificial spawn tending Sim sleep? Oh yeah, they can just pass out in the floor like usual.

They can sleep in their own bed upstairs. Dumb babies can cry all they want to; as long as the social worker doesn't show, no harm done. :P I usually have my parents take turns tending the spawn, and I have a very hands-off approach.

Ok, I was almost intimidated out of the competition this month. Next month I'll stay out of the thread until I get mine done. Still, I like the way it turned out for the most part. I decided to turn it into a vacation cabin for my Three Lakes hood. There are 4 bedrooms and 3 baths, but no nursery, since I'm not going to use it as a regular home. Price is $103,664 (non-wanded).

Besides adding on a couple of rooms and building a gazebo, my main change was moving the entrance to the side of the house. It's not really awesome spec--the kitchen is lockable and there's a front fence, but the stairs aren't lockable unless you add walls or a gate.

Front view
(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm50/leaths/Harmonious%20Haven/snapshot_00000005_1584cc08.jpg)

Side of lot with new entrance
(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm50/leaths/Harmonious%20Haven/snapshot_00000005_d584cc31.jpg)

Rear view
(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm50/leaths/Harmonious%20Haven/Snapshot.jpg)

Entry way with the stupid pool
(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm50/leaths/Harmonious%20Haven/snapshot_00000005_5584cd9d.jpg)

First floor
(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm50/leaths/Harmonious%20Haven/snapshot_00000005_5584cc98.jpg)

Second floor
(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm50/leaths/Harmonious%20Haven/snapshot_00000005_b584cc7d.jpg)

Link to more pics (http://s293.photobucket.com/albums/mm50/leaths/Harmonious%20Haven/?albumview=grid)

Download here. (http://www.4shared.com/file/54908729/414b1d86/Harmonious_Haven_by_leaths.html)


Edited to fix a bum link and to add that I'm running off of FreeTime. I've got a couple of SPs, but I think the only thing I used was a rug from TSS.

I like the stairs either side of the entrance pool, very effective! Very natural theming for decorations too.

Thanks, witch. I actually decorated and furnished the entire downstairs and was moving upwards when I realized that I had neglected to put in either a downstairs bath or the stairs. That would've earned me a place in the building hall of shame, I'm sure.

Ooops!  :D

This has been a very annoying build process as my game insisted on crashing every 30 mins.

Has anyone else had issues with 'jumping' during the build?  It seems to happen whenever I try to move furniture or build a wall.

The cabin theme makes that accursed pond really work & the gazebo's a nice touch.

I love lurking and watching y'all remodel the eaxis houses. All of the rebuilds are wonderfull and I've already picked up more than a few  ;)  However I do have a question for everyone. How do you go from a great idea to the real thing?? I always have this great house plan in my head and it turns into a box with windows when I'm done. LOL  Does anyone else ever suffer from the wonderful horrible disease of thinking inside the box??

I don't know about anyone else, but I try to design real houses. I try to make it so bedrooms are private and so are bathrooms. I think about how far it is from kitchen to table. For instance, I usually have the kitchen sink under a window so sims can look out.  ::) I try to balance an interesting outside with windows in useful spots inside. I generally have a colour theme and also a decorating theme. I look at routing for sims and try to give them lots of options.

My houses never look as good in reality as they look inside my head, we'd really need curves for that. However, I have a lot of fun making them. Practice helps, you get to know what doesn't work.

To fight the box madness, I often start off with a box, and then knock out walls to extend or bring them in a little. For example, instead of using the OFB bay window I'll make one with walls and windows, add a stage, and decorate. Or add room(s) extending behind or in front. Entryways vary: sometimes they're in the middle, sometimes they're off-center, sometimes they're on the end. I try to make hallways that are not just straight lines, though that works in a narrow home. If all the bedrooms start looking like they're the same shape and size, I fiddle around until there are differences.

Honestly, though, most of the stuff I've picked up has been from studying others' work. I download houses and see if what they did is playable. If so, then I might try it next time I'm building or remodeling. If not, I might try to incorporate the idea, but change it to fit my play style. I also study the color schemes. Last month I remarked on witch's use of a colorful roof, so this month I tried one. Do I think it looks great on my house? Meh... but I tried, and by the time I realized I wouldn't get it to work, I wasn't about to start over.

In short, my advice is simply to look at what others are doing, experiment, and take your time. A lot of players aren't into building, though. No shame in that. :) And honestly? Sims like boxes. The boxier, the better.

I download a lot of floor plans, because I have no imagination.  But I suck at using the building tools so I never get it 'right'.

I look up floor plans online or sometimes get a book of them from a library and try and recreate the houses. I also do a lot of what witch said. (I almost always have a window in front of a kitchen sink, too.) Real life floor plans don't always translate into playability, though, so I have to do some tweaking to make sure that there are no routing issues. As far as decorating goes, if you're not using cc, the collection folders are your friends, at least for ideas of what can go together in a particular theme.

Also, as sucky as the exchange is, there are some good building tutorials on there. RealPollyMogs (I think that's right) has some good ones.

I kind of zone out when I build, and I'm not really quite sure what I'm doing until I "step back" at the end and then tweak things. It's the same as when I do my random artwork.

Every once in awhile, if I'm not feeling it but I need a new house, I'll glance at houseplans and get enough of an idea to start. And I do tend to do things after the zone-out period to try to create a general look for the neighborhood. There's still some differences...I don't have any pics handy at the moment of my last three builds, but throughout my current 'hood you can see trends in design...most of the community lots are boxy and modern yet plain (I want them that way for now because they'll all be improved after then next generation when all the land is used up). These last two (http://pics.livejournal.com/zazazuabubu/pic/0001rypy/s320x240) homes  (http://pics.livejournal.com/zazazuabubu/pic/00021hkr/s320x240)I built for a set of twins both have distinctive diagonal sections. They were built the same weekend. And my new townhouse-type lots I built last weekend are extremely similar as they are both a modern-colonial mix, but each has features that are mirrored by earlier houses and features that are exclusive to them. The windowed sunroom-thingy is a common feature that's in the second house pictured, a house about a block away (http://pics.livejournal.com/zazazuabubu/pic/0000f6zy/s320x240), and a house two blocks away (http://pics.livejournal.com/zazazuabubu/pic/0000qayt/s320x240).

And, of course, I do a lot of custom recolors of items. My community lot businesses have custom recolored signage based on this mesh (http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=275325) (example (http://pics.livejournal.com/zazazuabubu/pic/0002r924/)). One on-lot has a sign (http://pics.livejournal.com/zazazuabubu/pic/0000xfbe/s320x240) that's done on this wall stencil mesh I use a lot. And all homes have the same doorbell and my custom house numbering system (nameplate with streetname and number above it).

I finished!  yay!

Two houses for you all to p&l over.

House 1:

Kept the shape of the house, added decks around, added a lounge where the deck off the side was and added a sauna. 

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/house1006.jpg)

The pool is fenced off - Guests can go through to the diving-board side of the pool, but can't get around to the stairs.  The fountain and foliage seem to make no real difference in the pools functionality.
Kitchen is lockable, and stairs are also.  I playtested it before I furnished it to make sure that it all worked, so the doors/gates in the download ARE locked for family only (kitchen and stair-side gate).
Sauna and outdoor area can be used by anyone.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/house1007.jpg)

Top floor. Spawn and Child share a bathroom.  Everyone else has their own.  The two childrens rooms open onto a deck, the master bedroom opens onto a deck and the two 'teen' rooms also share a deck.

Middle area has been decorated for 'art and craft'. 

More pictures!

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/house1001.jpg)
My test family (the Ottomas) playing HORSE.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/house1002.jpg)
Front of the house at night.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/house1003.jpg)
Nana relaxes and watches some TV in the lounge.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/house1008.jpg)
Potty-training the Sprog.


Download: http://www.4shared.com/file/55754101/6760d188/Yecats_Harmonius_Family_Haven.html

Somewhere around $160,000.  Nothing custom, All EP's, no SP's.
I had major issues with this house because the game kept crashing.  Grr.


HOUSE 2!

This house was a lot more... co-operative.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/house2001.jpg)

Front of the house.  Fence extends right the way around the front till it hits the pond.  There is a gate at the path and a gate at the driveway.
Trees are the fruit trees from seasons.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/house2004.jpg)

Back of the house.  The little shed is the gym - contains a treadmill, an exercise machine and a ballet barre with mirrors and stereo.  I think I might have left the lights out of this one.
Rock pool from BV.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/house2002.jpg)

Ground floor.  Kitchen/dining extend around the pool.  Pool IS still usable.  Fence with gates prevents guests using stairs/kitchen.  Study/living room are seperated by a wall, but retain their flow.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/house2003.jpg)

Top Floor.  3 double bedrooms, and I think the kids room might fit a bed too.
Double cribs for multi-sprogging.  Shared bathroom with 2 toilet stalls, shower, bath and two sinks.  Internal area of the top floor can be used for skilling objects or craft stuff as per my last house. 

DOWNLOAD: http://www.4shared.com/file/55754096/29049555/Harmonious_Haven.html

House is $157K.  No CC.  All EP's but no SP's.

Not play-tested, so please tell me if there are any bugs.

Cheers.

I like the first one the best. I particularly like the orderly, logical way you've laid out the upstairs. Your kitchen and dining areas are light and bright and have lots of windows.

I reckon you'd have to be good at basketball though, I think I'd end up chucking it in the drink all the time.  :D

Edited to add new version

Added another floor, moved master bedroom upstairs, 2nd floor now has a guest/child's room with en suite and an exercise room, some skilling objects on 2nd floor outdoor area.  Kitchen can now be locked down, island has been removed and replaced with table and chairs, bar is still accessable to guests even if kitchen is locked.

Stairs on 2nd floor can also be locked but guests will still be able to access 3rd floor via outdoor stairs.(realised this afterwards) However access to indoors can be stopped by locking outside doors so they can still use the hot tub etc without wandering through private areas.

V2
(http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l164/keeper-of-dreams/EAxis%20hous%20of%20fail/V2/ScreenShot020.jpg)

Download HERE (http://www.4shared.com/file/56025998/e71c128d/hippis_Harmonious_Haven2.html)

More piccies HERE (http://s96.photobucket.com/albums/l164/keeper-of-dreams/EAxis%20hous%20of%20fail/V2/)


V1
Thought I'd give this a go, I think I've only ever entered one other house challenge so it's not amazing but I quite like it.  The house is very modern and simple, I was going to try to do an awesomespec house but failed at the first hurdle because I like open plan  ::)  All Ex packs and Stuff packs installed, furniture is just to give ideas, there probably aren't enough windows in some areas but it didn't look right with EAxis crap so I omitted them.

Lower floor has open plan pool, bar, dining and kitchen area, loo and shower room and small study.

Upper floor has tv area, kidlets room with en suite, master bedroom with en suite, balconies and access to roof.  The tv area could be moved downstairs with a bit of shuffling and extra rooms added upstairs, stairs could be blocked off to stop invasions, same goes for kitchen area.

Front of house
(http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l164/keeper-of-dreams/EAxis%20hous%20of%20fail/ScreenShot012.jpg) 

More pics HERE (http://s96.photobucket.com/albums/l164/keeper-of-dreams/EAxis%20hous%20of%20fail/)

Can be downloaded HERE (http://www.4shared.com/file/55946755/b4941d2d/hippi-HarmoniousHaven-2BR3BA.html)

Also I just saw Hecs house, mine is definitely non-awesome :(

Hippi, I love the style! ;D

I like it too. It's too bad that it looks like it has a lot of Pets stuff in it, because it will only be a shadow of its former self in my game. Hopefully I can get it to look similar.

@hippi:
I love the design, especially the kitchen island. How did you do that?

The island counters do that automagically. :)

My sims won't clear island counters unless they can reach both sides of it, which is a pain. Do they clear the counters when they're in a square like that?

@ Witch, probably not, it's not been play tested because I'm having issues with lighting at the minute, I think Scriptorium screwed up my lighting even though I 'know' I told it not to install whatshisfaces lighting system because I hate the transitions between day and night.  Now I'm getting sucky transitions at dusk which make everything look ridiculously red or so dark that  I can't see what's going on.  I've already reinstalled FT but that hasn't fixed it so I'm playing EAxis only and just building some houses until the new ex pack comes out and then I shall reinstall everything and start afresh.

If I was playing with CC I'd probably block off the kitchen and maybe the stairs with Cyclonesues glass block walls and fences, also I'd add more windows from Windkeepers matching set.

I'm also thinking of adding a third story and moving the bedrooms, that way the second floor can be used as a hobby/skills area. 

Edit: Added a new version to my original post.

Negatory. I had a square island setup back in Monopoly (actually, it was a C with wall on the fourth side, but same thing) and no one could clear.

I finally managed to finish and playtest mine to the point where I'm happy to share. I extended the house at the front and round the back/left. It's got load of leisure goodies so works well as a home ticket machine business. Upstairs there is an en-suite master bedroom, children's bedroom and nursery. There's also space to place career rewards, or at least those worth having. Links to other pics in the description - I didn't want to embed too many as there are still few dial-up users on MATY. I have all EPs, GLS, FFS and H&M.

Front
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/ReHarmonisedHaven/Front.jpg)

Back
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/ReHarmonisedHaven/Rear.jpg)

Left side view (http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/ReHarmonisedHaven/Left.jpg), Right side view (http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/ReHarmonisedHaven/Right.jpg) 

Ground Floor:
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/ReHarmonisedHaven/GroundFloor.jpg)

Leisure facilities (http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/ReHarmonisedHaven/LeisureArea.jpg) including basketball (http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/ReHarmonisedHaven/Basketball.jpg), kitchen (http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/ReHarmonisedHaven/OpenPlanKitchen.jpg), lounge (http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/ReHarmonisedHaven/Lounge.jpg) with TV area (http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/ReHarmonisedHaven/TVArea.jpg) and one desk (http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/ReHarmonisedHaven/StudyAreaOneDesk.jpg).

Upper Floor:
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/ReHarmonisedHaven/TopFloor.jpg)

Stairs lead up to open plan landing (http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/ReHarmonisedHaven/Upstairs.jpg) with recreation area (http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/ReHarmonisedHaven/HobbyArea.jpg) opening onto sun lounger balcony (http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/ReHarmonisedHaven/SunBalcony.jpg). En-suite master bedroom (http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/ReHarmonisedHaven/MasterBedroom.jpg), children's bedroom & nursery (http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/ReHarmonisedHaven/BedroomNursery.jpg).


On Rapidshare this time due to problems for FurryFox users last time: http://rapidshare.com/files/131394317/Re-Harmonised_Haven.Sims2Pack.html (http://rapidshare.com/files/131394317/Re-Harmonised_Haven.Sims2Pack.html)

@eevilcat, that's a great house! The colors are nice and the sauna is a nice touch.

This is the most unique house I've built in the Sims, traditionally I build square boxes. It has been briefly playtested, and I have all expansion packs, and all stuff packs except for Ikea and Teen stuff.

(http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/Sims%202/Snapshot.jpg)
Aerial view of the house. The glass room is a lounge/creativity room, and the room on the other end of the bridge is the living room.

(http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/Sims%202/snapshot_00000001_b590fe7f.jpg)
Interior of living room.

(http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/Sims%202/snapshot_00000001_3590fe19.jpg)
Glass room

(http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/Sims%202/snapshot_00000001_7590fe01.jpg)
Pier for fishing, sadly the Sims don't actually fish off of it.

(http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/Sims%202/snapshot_00000001_9590fdc0.jpg)
Bottom floor, this floor consists of a pool room, a door to the back yard, and a staircase.

(http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/Sims%202/snapshot_00000001_d590fdf6.jpg)
The backyard is an outdoor eating area.

On the second floor is a kitchen(1), dining room(2), nursery(3), spare room(4), and three bathrooms.

The third floor has a master bedroom with en suite bathroom(5), two childrens rooms(6), and another bathroom(7), lastly this floor has an outdoor hotub on the roof.

(1): http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/Sims%202/snapshot_00000001_7590fc1a.jpg (http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/Sims%202/snapshot_00000001_7590fc1a.jpg)
(2): http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/Sims%202/snapshot_00000001_5590fc02.jpg (http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/Sims%202/snapshot_00000001_5590fc02.jpg)
(3): http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/Sims%202/snapshot_00000001_b590fc5c.jpg (http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/Sims%202/snapshot_00000001_b590fc5c.jpg)
(4): http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/Sims%202/snapshot_00000001_7590fc65.jpg (http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/Sims%202/snapshot_00000001_7590fc65.jpg)
(5): http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/Sims%202/snapshot_00000001_d590fc82.jpg (http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/Sims%202/snapshot_00000001_d590fc82.jpg)
(6): http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/Sims%202/snapshot_00000001_f590fcae.jpg (http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/Sims%202/snapshot_00000001_f590fcae.jpg)
(7): http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/Sims%202/snapshot_00000001_b590fcd9.jpg (http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/Sims%202/snapshot_00000001_b590fcd9.jpg)

My lot is available for download here: http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/J%27s%20Hopefully%20Harmonious%20Haven.Sims2Pack (http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/J%27s%20Hopefully%20Harmonious%20Haven.Sims2Pack)

It certainly is unique. I love the idea of the walkways over the water - and the glass room is lovely.

Very nice style jesslla, I love the red and white exterior :) eevilcat, your lot is huge! Also, it looks like you can easily make it bigger if you need to. Great job!

Wow! These are incredible! I've grabbed them all up and am looking forward to playing them.  ;)

It's amazing how different everyone's houses are, it's too hard to pick a favourite because they are all great.  I've downloaded them all too, it's nice to see how others build and put schemes together, it gives me ideas because I usually just make boxes if I build  ::)

Sweet remodels, all. Now I'm all excited about next month's, and we haven't even picked out a house yet.

I'm picking next month's house, because I said so :P

If no-one minds......

It's the impeccable logic that convinces me. How could one possibly resist such a persuasive argument?  ;)
*doesn't mind in the slightest*

Yep, sounds good to me. Well-reasoned argument.

Do pick something with a bathroom, won't you Emma.  8)

Oh and - I've liked the last few houses too. I was just thinking the other day that no new houses had been uploaded for while, then there was a little flurry. Must have been the weekend.

Now where's the fun in that? ;D

This is gonna be a dumb question.

How do you make the bridges and the walkways over the water?  I'm going to try to pull another house out of my scrambled braincells, but need to know the masterful art of bridge-making first.

Please?

I'll see if I can find a tutorial.

[edit] Here you go.

http://mikeinside.modthesims2.com/building/bridges/index.html

http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=180904

http://thesims2.ea.com/exchange/search.php?searchPage=exch&search=1&asset_type=story&key=bridge+tutorial&order=UPDATE_DATE+desc&nrows=5&storyCat=&locality=&country=&view=new&x=11&y=11

Danke.

You're a legend :D

Of course she's a legend. She's Emma!

Aw shucks... ;D

*Emma waits for the inevitable 'Death to EMMA!' that usually follows any nice posts about me

All Emmas suck. DEATH TO EMMA!

See? Predictable old Pescado :P

What can I say? The only good Emma is a dead Emma!

At least he hasn't planned your death yet...

Has Pes shared the plans with you?  At least you'll be prepared...

Oh yes. I will be found face down in a public fountain with my underwear tied around my neck.

This would seem to contradict his stated MO of hiding the bodies.  ;)

I didn't say *I* would kill her. It was either that, or a venereal disease. Amusingly, the Stupid Pedobait admitted to not knowing what that meant.

Well at least I learned something :D Pescado - More Educated Than You.

This is my first time packaging files, and taking pictures, so I'll apologise upfront for poor quality and bad camera angles.  If I could do it better, believe me, I would, but I spent so loooooong just getting these crappy shots, and nothing was improving.

Jim's Haven has three bedrooms and four bathrooms, separate relaxation and recreation areas, nursery, greenhouse, off-street parking and fish ponds.  Everything is off limits to visitors except the lounge, dining room, relaxation room and guest bathroom.  A wolf fence keeps all but welcome guests out of the garden area.

http://www.4shared.com/file/56629927/8d88a72/Jims_Haven.html (http://www.4shared.com/file/56629927/8d88a72/Jims_Haven.html)

I've actually always liked Harmonious Haven. I like the idea of a Roman style atrium, with pool.  I had no idea how irksome it would be to ditch all cc. This house could be so much nicer with Hecubus's floors, walls, and rugs.  It couldn't really be any dearer, though.  It comes in at a whopping $222,000, for the bloated plutocrats in your game.  It's heavy on the artwork, I suppose.

Front elevation:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3137/2704131810_6fd3dffffd.jpg?v=0)
Side elevation:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3113/2704131740_ea8a4c44a0.jpg?v=0)
Ground floor plan:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3001/2704131868_09ee2d665f.jpg?v=0)
Living room:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3091/2704131138_938981535d.jpg?v=0)
Relaxation room:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3136/2704131176_335e757a97.jpg?v=0)
Dining room: I like this room, but it's so small I couldn't get a decent shot, other than through the window - and the Sims don't like it anyway.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/2703309289_6b66a47e3f.jpg?v=0)
Kitchen (as above, except they do like it):
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/2704131300_39001edcac.jpg?v=0)
First floor plan:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/2704131088_60211506a1.jpg?v=0)
Recreation room:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3051/2703309509_2c38b9a293.jpg?v=0)
Master bedroom & bathroom:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3002/2703309465_f3daba8752.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3216/2703309575_890773826b.jpg?v=0)
Teen bedroom & bathroom:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3175/2704131624_e806c042d5.jpg?v=0)
Kids' bedroom & bathroom (there are two separate toilets, both frustratingly out of shot):
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3080/2704131516_0b47ab01fb.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/2704131674_034b393d51.jpg?v=0)

I have all EPS, and no stuff packs. 

I've played this with a couple for a few sim days.  It works ok for them, the relaxation room being particularly popular.

Excellent. I like your colours and layout, plus it still looks like a real house. That's definitely one for my bloated plutocrats!  ;D

Am I the only one who's already wondering what Emma has in mind for next month?

No spoilers! You'll just have to wait and see ;D

To be non-cheaty, it is a house I haven't previously made over . I've only loaded it and looked at the floorplan. You are all gonna love it!

Yeah?

I'll wait till I see it, I bet you've found us a doozy.

Will it involve appropriate EMMA TORTURE?

It will once it's been made over, I'll wager.

No, Pescado torture. No walls and no roof.

At least it'll be easy then. No walls to keep, even though they're in the way? I can get behind that! ;D

Here I am delurking to present my entry for EAxis House of Fail, July Edition.

Based on the contest description, I didn't really think of expanding the house and building another story. I basically did some landscaping, redecorated and added interior walls and divisions.

In my head, I see this as a chalet for a wealthy family of 4. I mean, it has all the amenities to be played in a normal neighborhood. However, I was a bit overzealous with the pine trees in the front and back yard, so it looks out of place in a suburban neighborhood unless it is in a wooded area (like it is in the pictures).

Note there are no pool lights because it causes my game to crash for some odd reason. This bug is not related to the lot, but my game.

(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c354/maaya2021/Harmonius%20Retreat/HarmoniusFront.jpg)

(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c354/maaya2021/Harmonius%20Retreat/HarmoniusFrontFull.jpg)

(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c354/maaya2021/Harmonius%20Retreat/HarmoniusBack.jpg)

(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c354/maaya2021/Harmonius%20Retreat/Harmonius1stLevel.jpg)

(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c354/maaya2021/Harmonius%20Retreat/Harmonius2ndlevel.jpg)

(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c354/maaya2021/Harmonius%20Retreat/HarmoniusPoolRoom1.jpg)



For more pictures (actually, a slide show):
(http://s31.photobucket.com/albums/c354/maaya2021/Harmonius%20Retreat/th_HarmoniusFront.jpg) (http://s31.photobucket.com/albums/c354/maaya2021/Harmonius%20Retreat/?action=view&current=1ca9efc3.pbw)

Download links:
Furnished version ($144 438)
http://rapidshare.com/files/133232025/Harmonius_Furnished.zip.html (http://rapidshare.com/files/133232025/Harmonius_Furnished.zip.html)

Unfurnished version ($34 933, I guess I have expensive tastes :P)
http://rapidshare.com/files/133232026/Harmonius_Unfurnished.zip.html (http://rapidshare.com/files/133232026/Harmonius_Unfurnished.zip.html)

Oh, btw, how come I can't see RetardoLand anymore?

Because Retardo Land is Serious Business.

I like how you've put windows around the pool. The master bedroom is huge! You could put 3-4 single beds in there ;D With all the pine trees it looks mountainish, might be nice as a luxury vacation home.

Blimey you're fast Emma! I was going to say the same thing about the windows from the verandah/patio looking in to the swimming pool. Very nice. I like the way you've used mirrors in the pool room also MaayaBee.

Good use of space and a good size family home. Looks appropriate and fits well in the setting - Emma's right, it would be good for a vacation home in the mountains. This is a keeper.

PS Look down and down again for Retardo Land.

Mkay, since August's House of Fail is already determined, I'd like to nominate one for September. It's a bit early I suppose, but I couldn't let this fugly go unnoticed. Was browsing about the EAxis 'hoods when I came across this little gem:
(http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/7236/snapshot00000013159b40bnx1.jpg)
Strangetown's Road to Nowhere 73.
It should provide plenty of challenge, with it's odly shaped outside walls, and being only a 3x2 lot.

It is the one I picked out. I'll have to find another now. Stupid Eleonora.

*Emma moons Eleonora

MaayaBee, I really like what you've done with it. Without too many drastic changes, you've completely transformed a poorly-executed concept house into something that actually lives up to its name. Glad you delurked!

I've played that one a couple times. Not too bad for just one or two Sims, except for the tiny basement - and the stupid Sims kept going around the outside of the house to get between rooms, instead of going through the hall-type bit.

As much as we enjoy a good mooning, you could just interpret this as an endorsement of your choice by Eleonora, and carry on as before.

Agreed. It's pretty awful as is, but has a lot of potential. Emma, please consider using this for August anyway.

Nope! I'm sulking now.

*Emma sulks

Hehe, I'm in ur head, readin ur thoughts

*Eleonora moons Emma

Thanks a lot for the encouragement as well as the tips to find Retardoland :)

Ick, that's going to be quite a challenge to transform that Strangetown house into something livable. Oh well, can't wait to see how well everyone does.

Well, wait for it.  Once Emma finishes sulking over there in the fishpond, we may get some constructive input from her on which house is actually up for "mutilation" in August.

/me waves encouragingly at Emma.

I'm not telling you. You'll have to wait and see now. ;)

I had a whim to build, so I thought I'd take a stab at this. I haven't uploaded this yet because, honestly, I'm not quite sure how, or where. But, if it's a requirement, I can figure something out.

First (Ground) Floor:
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/JulyFirstFloor.jpg)
The major thing I did to this was changing the exterior walls around the pool to greenhouse walls. That may disqualify this entry. I also forgot to put in the One Desk, but it could easily be installed in the front corner of the pool room, by the kitchen.

Second Floor:
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/JulySecondFloor.jpg)
I changed the huge bedroom to a more general lounge-type area, with room for some skilling items in the front half. The bathroom has become two, and the hall is large enough for the various nursery items. The cots are in the master bedroom, soundproofed from each other and the rest of the room.

Third Floor:
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/JulyThirdFloor.jpg)
Ample bedrooms for a mid-sized family. Two basic little bathrooms.

Front:
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/JulyFront.jpg)

Rear:
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/JulyRear.jpg)

EDIT: I've since uploaded it, here: http://www.4shared.com/file/57203210/995f5955/July-FaizahsHaven.html

I have all EPs, most SPs (all but Teen Style and Ikea) and the exclusive EA Store items. The lot value is between 80 and 90 k, but this can be lowered by waving the magic wand. (I forgot.)

I dunno about the changing the walls thing-you haven't actually moved them have you? Mind you that could mean we could change exterior walls to half walls. Cheaty. So...hmm. I would say no. Your house looks bigger than everyone else's entries-must be the open plan :) I think this would be good for a Plantsim!

What I need is for someone to transplant each plan (EAxis, not the redesigns) that gets used onto a FLATness lot. lol Then I could actually use what I was designing (as well as others designs) without fear of Borken Landscape Syndrome.

Yeah, that is the only trouble with these EAxis lots. Ideally, you need to place them exactly where they were built ::)

Using the LotExpander, wouldn't it be possible to expand the lot, flatten it, then shrink it back to it's original size? That would be decidedly easier than rebuilding the whole thing onto a new, flat lot.

Well, I'd be interested in it, if you wanted to share.  I use 4shared.com for filesharing - possibly not the best, but it gets the job done with a minimum of fuss.

It's a very nice house - I like the solarium look particularly.

Yup. I actually do that a lot since I borked Teardrop Isle in my game. Cascading effect of placing an incredibly unlevel lot at the beginning. Using the LotAdjuster, I've been able to flatten unbuilt areas and fit lots where they wouldn't go before, just by expanding a lot over the road and then shrinking it back so that it's on the other side from where it started.

Well, a couple of us *looks at self* already used floorconstraints to shrink weird first floors into foundations, and other higher floors into dummy levels. This doesn't seem much different. Plus, the greenhouse look can be achieved by using similar windows all along the walls. The game doesn't see a difference.

My take with the rules is that if it's not expressly disallowed, it is fair game, and finding ways to do what you want while keeping to the rules is both creative and keeps everyone improving their rebuilds.

Yeah, I suppose. We could just add 'no substituting real walls with half-walls' in the rules. :)

All I can see of mine is the crowded upstairs 'bedroom' level. It's the same size, I didn't move the walls, I just changed them. The third story is new, but built on top of the others. (It overhangs the second slightly, but not the first.)

Alright, here it is: http://www.4shared.com/file/57203210/995f5955/July-FaizahsHaven.html

I have all EPs, most SPs (all but Teen Style and Ikea) and the exclusive EA Store items. The lot value is between 80 and 90 k, but this can be lowered by waving the magic wand. (I forgot.)

In just in time!


My 3rd house for this month.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/snapshot_00000029_159e72b5.jpg)

The back of my castle. The front is similar, just has a bridge and a door.  Lol.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/snapshot_00000029_559e7142.jpg)
 Top Floor.  Full of skilling objects and family stuff.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/snapshot_00000029_b59e715b.jpg)

Bedrooms.  The babies are in their own crib-pods.  3 bathrooms, 4 bedrooms.  You can figure out who shares.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/snapshot_00000029_759e71af.jpg)

Ground floor and entry-way.


Slideshow of internal pics:
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/th_snapshot_00000029_159e72b5.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/?action=view&current=1e1a8b23.pbw)

Download from here:
http://www.4shared.com/file/57229842/12ccfaee/Yecats_Castle_Haven.html (http://www.4shared.com/file/57229842/12ccfaee/Yecats_Castle_Haven.html)

All EP's, No SP's.

The moat is fishable.  Stairs lock in each level so guests can go right to the top and use the telescopes or sit around the kitchen area.  They can't get to the bedrooms but CAN get to the skilling objects.

One desk is present, as is guest bathroom.  I think its pretty much awesomespec.  Fridge and shelf in baby room for bottles and storage.

I didn't move ANY of the original walls, just built around it.  ;D

Not quite how I wanted it to turn out, but I was lacking in time and brain-power.  Thank you Emma for the tutorials on the bridges. That really helped.

Enjoy!

Now THAT is a horse of a different color... excellent, Yecats!

Ooh! Castle's are cool. Mine always come out looking stupid.

I like the layout of the bedrooms. There's plenty of room for sharing with additional siblings.

Ooh! A castle! That looks great, I will grab it later ;D

I like.  Possibly a good spot for a vampire and family.  Following Terry Pratchett, I could call it 'Don't-go-near-the Castle'.  I'd let simDarkPescado move in there, but he already has a nice concrete fortress.  Will yoink later.

Well done. There's only one thing missing from your castle - alligators in the moat. :)

With all those windows? Surely you jest. The sun, it BURNS!

Once again, I've finally finished my entry on the 1st of the month, server time. Curse you, procrastination!! But having spent far more time on this than I should have, I'm finally posting my entry for July...

Full Frontal shot:
(http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/lizziecup/HoF_HHaven/frontal.jpg)

Rear View:
(http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/lizziecup/HoF_HHaven/rear.jpg)

Downstairs Floor Plan:
(http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/lizziecup/HoF_HHaven/floordown.jpg)

Upstairs Floor Plan:
(http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/lizziecup/HoF_HHaven/floorup.jpg)

More Shots:
Full Downstairs View (http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/lizziecup/HoF_HHaven/alldown.jpg)
Main Room & Kitchen (http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/lizziecup/HoF_HHaven/ds_lr-kit.jpg)
Full Upstairs View (http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/lizziecup/HoF_HHaven/allup.jpg)
Master Bedroom (http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/lizziecup/HoF_HHaven/us_bed1_sm.jpg)
Reading/Study Room & Master Bath (http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/lizziecup/HoF_HHaven/us_study-bath_sm.jpg)
Child's Room & Upstairs Bathroom (http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/lizziecup/HoF_HHaven/us_bed2-bath_sm.jpg)
Nursery (& Upstairs Bathroom) (http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/lizziecup/HoF_HHaven/us_bed3-bath_sm.jpg)
Red Room (http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/lizziecup/HoF_HHaven/us_red_sm.jpg)

And my favourite room, the downstairs bathroom:
(http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/lizziecup/HoF_HHaven/ds_bath.jpg)

Made with everything except TSS. Oh, and K&B and IKEA. Okay, made with mostything. Only one or two Celebration items, so it's not really needed.
This house is my 2nd attempted Awesomespec, so it has front fencing, last-placed desk near the entrance, and lockable kitchen & stairs. Upstairs central room has lots of space for skilling/reward items. End table near the mailbox in lieu of windkeeper cc. Sad lack of playtesting, but I hope to do some of that a little later today.

House furnished, boxed up and ready to go, HERE (http://rapidshare.com/files/133956907/HHaven_Liz.rar).

ETA: This house's original retail price is §193,157. Wanded to §103,017.
Having playtested a little bit, I've found two bits worth mentioning. One is that I forgot to place an upstairs phone. D'oh, but easy enough to remedy. Second, the rose bushes in the Red Room should be "unpenned" if you need to access them. Since I play with alwaysperfectplants in, I wasn't worried about that when I placed them, but it's a simple matter to nix the floor divider.

Late or not, Liz, I like it a lot. My hood needs more modern looking houses. Will be yoinking soon.

Choice yecats, well thought out and really colourful! Bet you had fun making it, it looks like a playful lot.

Liz, I can see why this lot took a long time! I particularly liked, in no particular order  :D ;
   The blue entrance way downstairs.
   The downstairs bathroom, I can see why it's your favourite.
   Children's wallpaper featuring castles and dragons. Loved it.

There are heaps of windows because I couldn't for the life of me figure out if sunlight would filter through the external ones and into the internal ones.  Since I built AROUND the main house, I was reluctant to remove walls.

Yecats, I really like the fact that while it's a big, imposing castle, the floor plan still allows for so many open, windowed spaces. Special like for the tandem baths on the bedroom floor and the flooring around the crafting tables.

leaths and witch, thank you both! I designed this house for a social family that likes to throw parties. Its first tenant is an outgoing, Popularity CAS sim whose OTH turned out to be Nature, which, bonus! Just fertilizing the greenhouse with bagged dirt netted him §700 from the garden club. Thinking I may ignore this guy's LTW (media magnate like the rest of the world) and have him live off of his paintings and the occasional garden club proceeds. Not like he needs to save up for a house or anything.  :D

Thanks also for the comments, witch. Was lucky to spot that rug and the coordinating carpet colours for the entry room. And I'd never, ever used the castle theme stuff from FFS before, but I was surprised at how they all came together there. May end up using that set more often. Something else that surprised me while I was kitting out this house was that I *never* use screens in my houses, but somehow I wound up using 3 in one house.

I think it's really interesting, the different choices we find outselves making when we're limited to EAxis content. Off to see August's maison de phail!

I noticed that, I often want to use screens but never seem to find the right places. Plus they take up space instead of slotting in behind couches or whatever.

I love the idea of screens, but you're right - they usually just take up space and never seem to *fit* where you want them to do. I could probably moveobjects and snapfalse 'em in where I want them to go, but they main problem I have with them is that, well, they're screens. As in, they pretty much exist to block part of the room, and that's something I generally like to avoid when I'm building a house. Hard to find convenient spots to let them fulfill their purpose in life. ;)

That's something I'm actually dreading about TS3, the whole "You'll play the lots we tell you to!" thing. Usually my houses tend to be a bit boxy because I like to avoid that awkward "half a wall sticking up in your way" thing that happens when the room won't drop evenly, and pretty much every single house in the TS3 L&P shots looks like it's going to be lousy with these giant sections of non-drop walls. It's the main reason I went with so many windows on the front of July's house: I wanted to be able to see through those non-dropping walls while playing that big front room.

This post was brought to you by the number 666... and the letter upsilon.

I doubt that it'll actually be a "you'll play the lots we tell you to". At least, not more so than TS1, where you were fully empowered to raze all the preexisting lots to the ground and build new ones.

You're probably right, but I'll feel a lot better when we get some more details about Build/Buy.