Poll

Which were your three favourite entries?

Vinyl - Drifting Tower
25 (30.5%)
Zoey30 - Mini Emperors Retreat
9 (11%)
ladybug53 - Landchester Palace
11 (13.4%)
RaiaDraconis - Crowning Glory Castle
2 (2.4%)
Arefa - Rapunzel's Tower
14 (17.1%)
sunshine_2406 - Teeny Tower
4 (4.9%)
Swirl-Girl - Aquatic "Palace"
3 (3.7%)
intl_incident - Coldharbour Castle
14 (17.1%)

Total Members Voted: 29

Voting closed: August 16, 2013, 06:25:51 AM

Author Topic: Building Contest 2013: 15 - Towers and Palaces  (Read 17861 times)

Offline Ausette

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Building Contest 2013: 15 - Towers and Palaces
« on: July 02, 2013, 10:03:49 PM »



Building Contests 2013: 15 - Towers and Palaces


The Task:
In ancient times, Sims built castles to house their nobility and protect them from dragons. In modern times, Sims build castles because living in a castle is really cool. Your job is to create a medieval tower or palace for wealthy Sims to live in. Your entry can be anything from a one-bedroom tower to a sprawling castle fortress - the size and scale are completely up to you!


Entry Specifications:
  • Lot Type: Residential
  • Lot Size: 50x50 or under
  • Budget: $300,000
  • Content Restrictions: There are no additional content restrictions.
  • Number of Bed Spaces: Minimum of 2
  • Other Specifications:
    • Stone walls
    • Medieval furnishings
  • Optional Specifications:
    • Moat and drawbridge
    • Great hall
    • Palace courtyard/gardens


Contest Start Date: Sunday, 28 July - 12:00am
Contest End Date: Saturday, 10 August - 11:59pm


For instructions on how to enter the Contests follow this link.


Only post in this thread if you are posting an entry or you are asking a question, we would prefer however if questions were PMed to us. If you have any questions please PM the Contest Team: samoht04, Lilygirl and Ausette. Ensure all receive your question to ensure it gets answered as quickly as possible.


Offline samoht04

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Re: Building Contest 2013: 15 - Towers and Palaces
« Reply #1 on: July 27, 2013, 07:56:51 AM »
Please note that Contest 14: Craftsman Renovation is still running due to a later start date, however this Contest will begin as normal.
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Offline marwolfer

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Re: Building Contest 2013: 15 - Towers and Palaces
« Reply #2 on: August 04, 2013, 11:42:34 AM »
Question: I am working on a build for this contest that is based loosely on Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette's personal retreat. Is this kind of palace allowed or does it need to be more medieval?
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Offline Vinyl

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Re: Building Contest 2013: 15 - Towers and Palaces
« Reply #3 on: August 06, 2013, 01:05:38 PM »
Drifting Tower
Lot Size: 17x22 (large barge houseboat), 20x25 (land)
Lot Value: 191,899
Content Used: All Expansions, a flower arrangement from the 70s, 80s, & 90s Stuff Pack, possible accidental use of other Stuff Packs
Number of Bed Spaces: 2 + 1 (1 double bed, 1 sleeping bag)
Number of Bedrooms: 1
Number of Bathrooms: 1-ish (2 toilets in the privy, 1 bathtub in the bedroom, 1 sink in the kitchen)
Moat and Drawbridge? Gangway and the sea!
Description:  What terrible curse broke this tower away from the land, casting it to drift aimlessly across the seas? 


Tropical plants grow wild in front of the gates, but nothing lives in the courtyard under the shadow of a long dead tree.  Where did the inhabitants go, and why are there so many misshapen rocks in the courtyard?


A grim tableau in the rooftop garden depicts Thoggus, Dark Emperor of the Seas, standing angrily in judgment over a grieving fairy.  A coldly indifferent mermaid looks away.


The great hall boasts seats to hold a mighty feast, but no bodies warm the chairs.


The well stocked kitchen sits dark and disused.


Minstrel's instruments rest silently in the corner of the great chamber.  In the opposite corner a pile of rubble buries part of the room, fallen from a hole in the floor above.


The luxurious bower room lies dormant, the mirror reflecting no movement, the wardrobe holding no clothes.  A hole in the floor opens to the great chamber below.


The halls of the thick tower walls go unpatrolled and the privy untended.


The oubliette is forgotten, the nectar racks are empty, and the nectar press has long gone dry.  (The blue glow on some objects seems to be caused by the water colour in Isla Paradiso.)

Mini-Adventure Spoilers and Screenshots
There's one hidden grave, two hidden rooms, three hidden doors, and four hidden treasure chests in the tower!  Here's where everything can be found - don't click if you want to try discovering everything on your own first. (Yes, finding the helm itself is part of the puzzle of the tower) ;)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Notes:
-To quickly convert the tower from its "adventure" state to a more conventional home style simply delete the rubble piles, replace the secret doors with archways or regular doors, remove the two tomb markers in the secret rooms, and use the eyedropper tool on the bedroom floor to fill in the 'hole'.
-The rubble pile needs to be cleared and the statue moved before sims are able to use the sculpting station in the great chamber
-There are buydebug-enabled only objects on the property.  Rodent, spider, and cockroach spawners are located in the basement.  Butterfly and bird spawners are up on the rooftop garden.  Tomb markers (silver balls) mark the secret rooms.  A scorch mark (white ball) is in the basement.
-The oubliette isn't very effective, thankfully.  Sims can climb back up the pole easily, especially when they're on their way to some other part of the tower.
-If the lot is placed on land there's a chance the default wood floor cover of a new houseboat will show up on the lawn (easily deleted).  The trashcan in the kitchen and the helm will be removed, since they're houseboat objects.  Other than those changes the tower isn't altered and can easily by lived in and played on land.

Offline samoht04

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Re: Building Contest 2013: 15 - Towers and Palaces
« Reply #4 on: August 07, 2013, 06:05:40 AM »
Question: I am working on a build for this contest that is based loosely on Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette's personal retreat. Is this kind of palace allowed or does it need to be more medieval?

That's fine. :) As long as it is a Palace, Castle or Tower.
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Offline Zoey30

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Re: Building Contest 2013: 15 - Towers and Palaces
« Reply #5 on: August 07, 2013, 08:11:13 AM »

Mini Emperors Retreat
By Zoey30

Lot Size: 30 x 30
Lot Value: 210,180§
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Expansion Packs: Am, WA, SN, Pets, IP
Stuff Packs: OL

Description
The Mini Emperors Retreat is perfect for somebody in pursuit of power, this mini castle has everything a soon-to-be emperor should need. The main house has a small, but well functioning kitchen and a big dinning room(table) with pace for seven people. The second floor is the study, with rows of bookcases and a big wooden desk. You could rule a country from that desk! The third floor is the masters bedroom and bathroom, the bed is big and cozy and the view from the balcony is spectacular!
On top of all this greatness, you get a beautiful garden, perfect for an afternoon stroll and a small labyrinth, because every emperor with respect for himself has a labyrinth! This castle also has a nectar cellar for all you great and expensive nectar and a kitchen garden, so you get fresh vegetables for your dinner. Last but not least do you get a tower to lock your favorite princess in. It has everything a person would need to survive and it's filled with skilling objects! Dragons are sold separately.
The Mini Emperors Retreat is simply the perfect home for anyone hoping to conquer the throne!

Images

Offline ladybug53

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Re: Building Contest 2013: 15 - Towers and Palaces
« Reply #6 on: August 07, 2013, 03:13:18 PM »
Landchester Palace
by ladybug53

Lot Size : 50x50
Cost Furnished : 295,364
Cost Unfurnished : 182,056

Expansions Used : Pets - Supernatural - Island Paradise - World Adventure - Ambitions - Showtime - Generations - Late Night .
Stuff Packs Used : None .
Free from The Store : Earth Day

No CCs or Mods were used .


Main Floor : Large foyer , living room with fireplace , Kitchen with dining and sitting area , 2 skill rooms , office with computer , party room , 3pc bath , powder room and play area for the little ones .

Second Floor : Master bedroom with 4pc ensuite , guest bedroom with 4pc ensuite , nursery with 4pc ensuite , sitting area and a computer area .

Outside Grounds Patio with grill and eating area , vegetable garden , pond , fountain with sitting area , swing sets , pool with waterfall , chess and domino tables .

Towers : There are two towers with each three floors containing skill items .

Landchester Palace is where the Sim King and Queen come to rest . After spending many hours at the Castle they need to retreat somewhere restful . Solitude is of the most important in their hectic lives . At times , they just stay at the palace for months to socialize and entertain .

Click to enlarge image ,  then use arrow key to move forward .



Landchester Palace






Memories have no expiration date .
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Offline RaiaDraconis

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Re: Building Contest 2013: 15 - Towers and Palaces
« Reply #7 on: August 09, 2013, 07:07:21 PM »
Crowning Glory Castle

Lot size: 30 x 40
EP Content Used: Base Game, World Adventures, Ambitions, Generations, Pets, Showtime, Supernatural, University Life
SP Content Used: None
No CC or store content, however you will need Patch 1.55 for the ladders

Cost (Based on §2,400 lot):
Furnished: §223,547
Unfurnished: §146,409

Bed Spaces: 6 (Two doubles, two singles)
Bathrooms: 3 ˝



They say that the crowning glory of a kingdom is its castle, and this opulent royal abode would make any kingdom proud. Note the protective moat in the front, with two watchtowers at the gate and another pair on the castle roof. This royal family can count on their castle to keep them safe from outside trouble.

The bottom floor boasts a grandiose foyer surrounded by (clockwise, starting lower left) a throne room, a sitting area with a secret study leading out to a private garden, privy (with its own marble “throne”), large kitchen, maid's quarters (bed and bath) leading out to a small vegetable garden, and a stately dining hall.



A close-up of the dining hall.



Close-up of the throne room, complete with presiding royalty.



The private garden. (Shh...don't disturb them!)



A grand staircase leads to the second floor, the living quarters of the royal family. Starting from the lower left (again going clockwise), child's room, teen room, privy, ladder room leading to the roof, and the king's suite with private bath.



Close-up of the child's room (a prince's playtime is never done)



The princess's chamber.



A partial view of the king and queen's suite.



Finally, a back view of the castle showing the roof area, which is accessed from the ladder room on the second floor. Here the royal family can play Gnubb, practice broomstick riding, or relax by a warm fire in the firepit while their loyal guards keep watch in the two watchtowers.


Offline Arefa

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Re: Building Contest 2013: 15 - Towers and Palaces
« Reply #8 on: August 09, 2013, 11:17:10 PM »
Rapunzel's Tower  - 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

Lot Size: 40x38

Furnished: $88,136
Unfurnished: $40,656

Content Used: Sims 3, Ambitions, Supernatural, Pets, Generations, Seasons, University Life, Island Paradise, World Adventures, Late Night, Showtime, High End Loft Stuff, Master Suite Stuff, Outdoor Living Stuff

Number of Bed Spaces: 1 Double Bed

Description: Haven't you ever wanted to lock that pesky Sim away or hide that loner Sim high up in a tower where no one can ever reach them?  Well, now's your chance with still having all the comforts of home!  Welcome to Rapunzel's tower built and designed by Arefa Studios!  This five story tower is perfect for the newly married couple or a princess waiting for her prince to come.  This tower is void of electricity and only lit by candlelight.  Best of all -  there is no "traditional" door.  Only the bravest of Sims will transverse the dive well into the bottom pits of this tower to save his princess!  Enjoy your own fairy tale in Rapunzel's Tower!

Floor 5 - Main living area: Bedroom, Bathroom, Library/Hobby Area, and Terrarium for Pascal, of course!

Floor 4 - Glimpse to the outside world: Open Floor Terrace with a garden perfect for one, Jellybean magic and a telescope & chess area

Floor 3 - Kitchen:  Dining area, Sink, Refrigerator, and Stove

Floor 2 - Virtuoso's Haven: Grand Piano, String Bass and small sitting area

Floor 1 - Foyer: Sitting area and Art Gallery

Basement - Secret Passageway: Entrance to the Tower via the Dive well


Front of Tower



Bedroom/Bathroom



Hobby/Library Area



Terrace



Kitchen



Dive Well Entrance - This outside dive well links to the basement, where the front door is then found.



Floor 5 Layout



Floor 4 Layout



Floor 3 Layout 



Rapunzel and Pascal - They just stopped by to say "Hi!"



Disclaimer:  I may have watched one too many Disney movies when I was little :)

Offline sunshine_2406

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Re: Building Contest 2013: 15 - Towers and Palaces
« Reply #9 on: August 10, 2013, 01:29:45 PM »
Teeny Tower
Lot Size: 40x40
Lot Value: 133,709
Content Used: World Adventures, Outdoor Living Stuff, Generations, Pets, Master Suite, Showtime, Island Paradise
Number of Bed Spaces: 2 (double bed)
Description: This tower may be smaller than others, but it contains everything an aspiring Royal could possibly want.

View from the street:


Ground Floor:


First Floor:


Second Floor:


Third Floor:


Garden Area:


Great Hall/Throne Area:


Kitchen/Dining Area:


Study:


Bedroom & Bathroom:
From the moment I fell down that rabbit hole I've been told what I must do and who I must be. I've been shrunk, stretched, scratched and stuffed into a teapot. I've been accused of being Alice, and of not being Alice, but this is my dream. I'll decide where it goes from here.

Offline Swirl-Girl

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Re: Building Contest 2013: 15 - Towers and Palaces
« Reply #10 on: August 10, 2013, 09:41:03 PM »
Aquatic "Palace"

Size: 20x20
Cost: 26,479
Content: Island Paradise

Your son used to be levelheaded, regal, and ready to rule. Until he met that ninny in a coconut bra. She used your silverware to style her hair.
You decided, "Nothing but luxury for my son!" he decided that his new style was rustic and aquatic. You had to convince him that, yeah, you really do need a refrigerator. He now prefers parrots over dragons. You may not be happy with his "Palace" but at least neither will he. And it has a moat... kind of.






He will simply adore his pool. So long as he is happy. Right?



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Offline intl_incident

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Re: Building Contest 2013: 15 - Towers and Palaces
« Reply #11 on: August 10, 2013, 09:49:15 PM »

Name: COLDHARBOUR CASTLE
Lot Size: 50 x 50
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 3.5
Cost furnished: 290,482
Cost unfurnished: 186,845
EPs: All through IP
SPs: OLS (candle on piano), FLS (bucket by well)
Store: maps and chair from the WA registration rewards
CC: NONE

A castle in true medival style, this large stone structure has thick walls mounted with cannon, a busy courtyard, an elegant great hall and throne room, a filthy dungeon and more.

The walls are all able to be walked through and walked on.  One of the corner towers is set up as a guards' bunkroom, with beds, a desk, a dresser and an all-in-one bathroom.  Another has an alchemy station, and the third has a dart board and some chairs for when the guards have some down time.  Secret doors lead through the walls from the gatehouse to the main building.

The courtyard has a formal flower garden for the lord and lady and their family, with a dominoes table to while away the evenings.  There is a vegetable and herb garden to supply the castle with foods and medicines, and a blacksmith shop (sculpting station and a horseshoe court) as well as a small kennel for the castle's hunting dogs.  A grand entrance is flanked by lions, leading to a foyer and then the large great hall wth trestle tables for guests, a head table for the lord and lady, and banners of all the local vassals.  The kitchens have a massive stone fireplace, as well as the usual cooking equipment.  One one side of the great hall, the lord's throne sits atop a platform, surrounded by gilded wood walls and carpets.  On the other side, a sitting room has another huge fireplace, flanked by stone horses, as well as a clavichord (keyboard), a bar, and a guitar.  Behind that is the lord's map room, where he makes plans for the defense of his lands, as well as a passage way to the treasury, and stairs to the upper level.  Lastly, two small garderobes (half-baths) extend out over the moat.

Upstairs are two bedrooms suites with double-beds and attached bathing areas (though every one shares two more garderobes for *ahem* other bodily functions).  There is a child's bedroom and a nursery connected by a playroom, and a walkway to view the goings-on in the great hall below.  Off to one side is the small family chapel.  The lord's library/study is also up here, with a chessboard and drafting table.

At the opposite end of the spectrum from all of this luxury, the cellar includes a filthy dungeon with medieval torture equipment (exercise machines) and a nectar cellar.

DOWNLOAD HERE




Offline samoht04

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Re: Building Contest 2013: 15 - Towers and Palaces
« Reply #12 on: August 12, 2013, 06:28:09 AM »
Voting is now open and there are so many stunning entries to choose from! Congratulations to all entries in advance because they are all just amazing!  :D
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Offline samoht04

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Re: Building Contest 2013: 15 - Towers and Palaces
« Reply #13 on: August 23, 2013, 06:15:23 AM »
Building Contest 2013: 15 - Towers and Palaces - July 28, 2013 - August 10, 2013
    Vinyl!

Congratulations to Vinyl! for winning the building contest! You can download the winning entry here: Drifting Tower.



Vinyl's Comment:

"[statement to come]"

Comments are now open!  :) Congrats Vinyl!
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Offline intl_incident

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Re: Building Contest 2013: 15 - Towers and Palaces
« Reply #14 on: August 23, 2013, 08:15:24 AM »
Congratulations, Vinyl on a well-deserved win!  That entry was so creative and had such a great theme, that you carried through to perfection.  I was doubly impressed with yours ( and a few of the others) because you thought so far outside the box with your entry. I always have a hard time getting beyond " literally interpret the theme and try to make it look pretty," so I really admire the creativity that goes into an entry like yours.  Completely awesome. 

I am of course very open to comments on my entry.

Great job everyone!