Everything they've ever wanted...just smaller!
 

It's always easy to design a home when you have all the space in the world, but what to do when you have no room to spare? For each round, you will be able to use any size/type lot you wish; but, there will be a "tile allottment" that you can't go over. There will also be furniture you need to fit into the space, but no actual spending limits.

• Entries may be Sims 2 or Sims 3
• One entry per contestant.
• There will be no eliminations.
• All forum rules apply.
• No budget, so spend as you will!
• If you have questions, please pm me!
• Custom content is allowed.
• NO photoshoping, except for creating collage photos.
• Be polite!
• If you need an extension you must PM at least 12 hours before the round ends.(Rounds end at 11:59:59 PM GMT-5 of the last day of the round.)

Application Requirements:
Using no more than 35 tiles, design a home for a single sim. You may design in any style, on any lot, any number of floors. You must include the following items at a minimum, feel free to add more if you can! You may add outside terraces/decks in keeping with the scale of the home, and any landscaping/amenities you wish.

• Toilet
• Shower
• Sink
• Refrigerator
• Stove
• 2 Counters
• Double Bed- Accessable from both sides!
• Nightstand
• Dresser
• Desk w/chair
• Table w/4 chairs
• Bookcase

Scores will be based 45/45 on Beauty and Creativity. There will be an additional 1 point added for the first 5 tiles "under budget" (ie: for the application, if you use only 30 tiles, you will get 5 points, and if you use 32 tiles, you will get 3, etc.) and up to 5 "free points" for each judge to allocate as they wish.


Judges:

Judge 1) baratron
Judge 2) Vampire of Death
Judge 3) appelsapgodin

EJ 1) kaylarox
EJ 2) me


Contestants:

Ladies and Gentlemen...start your entries!

Or, ask about being a Judge/EJ.

Il be a judge :') haha if this is still going that is ;D

From my calculations (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong) but to have all of these items, including empty tiles to access them without cheats, you need about 42 squares...

I would like to be a judge, if that's okay with you.

It can be done in the alotted amount; you just need to think outside the box on placement sometimes.

We have 2 judges so far, iiebccax and Lavaster; still need one more judge, and an EJ or two, and hopefuly some entries!

Lauratje86 - Application
 

I've playtested this lot, and everything seems accessible, though some of the clutter may make it hard to use some items now. I saw that CC was allowed, so I used a custom 1-tile desk - just couldn't manage to fit a 2-tile one in! I used the full 35 tiles. Boy, this was hard.....

I have edited this because I changed the house. I took way more photos too, so I made a few collages.

Let me know if I need to change anything! :-)

Exterior Overview:



Aerial View:



Collages:










**EDIT** I just re-playtested it, and she can get to everything and use everything, despite the clutter. I have added a laptop on the desk and she can use that too.

**EDIT 2** I've changed the pictures, because I changed the house a bit. The basic layout's still the same, but I did some more landscaping outside and changed some of the wall paint. I hope the collages are ok.

@ sandymdh - I made it look easy?! Only because you didn't see how long it took me to squeeze everything in! I must've redone the layout at least a dozen times before I made everything fit.... I love your castle, by the way. I can imagine it wouldn't be quite what one expected if one was told that one had inherited a castle, but I think it's pretty cute! :-D

Can we use moveobjects to place stairs and a door against the same tile?

You can use any building cheats/methods you wish.

Petit Chateau
 

Thanks Lauratje86 for making that look so easy when it really isn't :-)

I am very busy making a new world - though a historically themed one so thought I'd kill 2 birds with one stone and build a house I can use in it as well as enter here. It's a Sims 3 one so I do have the luxury of CAS. Amazingly it's actually all routable - I even have a pic of my Sim brushing her teeth to prove a 4 tile bathroom can work!

My sim was a little disappointed when she arrived in France to view the 'castle' she had been left in a distant relative's will but is settling in and appreciates it's shabby but luxurious style.


Front View



Floor Plan

My aplication!!!

I am creating a new hood and this house is just perfect for there!
Welcome to Beachview 01 the compact house build in Simyear 001, with two floor is perfect for a single sim.
I did used 35tiles!!!

This was really hard, not just the building and decorating, but also taking the pictures.
Anyways, I gave it a shot and this is the result:

Exterior:



The house features a small frontporch, filled with plants, the backyard is full of palmtrees and exotic bushes, and a hammock just for your single sim's pleasure.


Aerial:



As you can see, everything is crammed inside this tiny little house. It's more spacious when the bed is folded in though.

Kitchen:



The kitchen offers all basic comfort; a refridgerator, sink and stove.

Dining Nook:



The dining nook has extra large windows, so your sim can enjoy the vieuw (in my case, the ocean).

Bedroom Area/Study Area:





The bedroom and study area has a double fold-in bed, a dresser, nightstand, bookcase and desk with computer.


Unfortunately, the bathroom is too small to take a picture of it, but there's only a shower and toilet so it's not very interesting.



I'm gonna use this house as a vacation house to one of my very girly sims, hence all the pinky goodness. I've already taken her there to test the lot, and everything works fine.

Sorry to do a quick edit-and-run this morning without posting, but I hadn't looked out the window yet, and suddenly realised I heard snow being shoveled. Looked out and saw that I had to go dig the car out as we had gotten more snow overnight, snow that was originally "scheduled" for Wednesday AM, and which we are now also supposed to get Weds PM too, we shall see...

Anyhow, thanks for the new entries! Some of you may want to double check your entries. Still looking for another judge.

wgroome - Application
 

Here is my itty bitty cottage in the woods:

Uhm... you still need a judge, right? Can that judge be me? Oh, and is it a problem that I don't play The Sims 3? I'm planning on buying it, but I think that won't happen until after the contest is over, because I haven't played The Sims 2 for two years (4-year-old laptop, father too stingy to buy a new one), so now that I'll finally be able to (my new brand new desktop will be here in a few days), I just don't feel like playing The Sims 3, all I can think about is good old TS2! I can still look at TS3 lots' pictures, rate everything and all, I just won't be able to playtest lots, if that's required. So... can I be a judge? :D

ETA: I looooove small lots and I have lots of free time, if that helps. (:

I had to give this a try, it was really hard, almost impossible. I don't even have any one tile dressers or desks.

I need some clarification. Are porches and decks not included in the total count? I thought they were and made allowance for that in my build.

Porches/decks/gazebos/etc were optional as long as they don't overpower the main structure. Which, in this round, is the 35 tiles. Remember though, you get bonus points for being "under budget".

Updated entries/judges. Anyone want snow? We got plenty this AM and are expecting another 8 to 12 inches overnight, sheesh!

And, look at that! & entries so far. I guess it isn't quite as difficult as you all thought now as it? After all, you DID it!!! Congrats! Hot Chocolate and cranberry/orange scones for everyone!

May I ask for clarification? Do all the listed items have to appear inside the 35 squares of house, or is it permissible to have, say, an outdoor table and chair set (maybe on a porch/verandah) as the table and four chairs? In the sense of what would logically exist. I'm very interested in taking this contest up, but I want to make sure my ideas are OK as there isn't much time left on this round.

The required items should be inside the 35 squares.

Is there any chance I could get an extension? I'm typing this in a hotel room due to power outage + cold, and don't know when I'll have access to Sims 3 again.

Sorry I haven't gotten back sooner, Spent a couple hours shoveling snow, 'cause the grounds crew did such an f-ing poor job. Granted, we are at record-breaking levels of snow, but still... Then I needed a nap, for SIX!!! hours! OI!!

pandoransark Let me know Saturday if you still need that extension, if we haven't gotten at least 10 entries, I'll brobably be extending apps through Round One.

This is my entry. Besides the main picture, the others are attached since the page was getting hard for me to load because of all the pictures... Yay slow internet...

I call it The Wave House. 35 tiles on the head.

This is my entry for the contest. this is my first post on mts

That was incredibly hard, but it looks like I've managed it...

Kitsch Cottage, secret woodltrail home to the fashion designer Molqui. 34 tiles including a 3 1/2 tile functional bathroom. Landscaped to include both exotic and traditional trees, in line with its renovated feel.

Overview

This secluded country cottage is found up a winding path in Twinbrook. It maintains its traditional exterior, but has been recently renovated inside.

Aerial


Kitchen

Fridge, cooker, two counters, sink, table and four chairs.

Bathroom

Shower, toilet and washbasin.

Bedroom

Bed, bedside table, dresser, bookcase, shelving, desk with laptop and chair, and widescreen wallmounted telly (because even the smallest of modern homes have their luxuries).

Routing Examples

Molqui: "Hrmm .. not bad for a 3 1/2 tile bathroom."


-----
@sandymdh - I'm absolutely loving the mini castle! Especially the attention to detail it holds.
@hotaru801 - Yours is stunning as well!

ETA: Yay for having enough people!

Thanks and kudos to you for that 3 1/2 tile bathroom.
I've done the 4 tile before but I never thought it could be smaller. You gave me some great space saving options. ^_^ Good luck! :D

The routing in Sims2 probably precludes this, but in Sims3 you can use as few as 3 tiles for a bath. Very RV.

The exciting bit is that picass0blue's entry makes 10! Yay!! Someone can win a star! That dosen't mean that more entries won't be appreciated, so keep them coming, you still have the better part of two days.

Any way you'd be willing to extend this just one day, even though you've got 10 entries? I didn't see this thread until now. Since the smallest house I've ever built was 48 tiles, this sounds like something I'd like to try. My computer had to be reformatted and everything reinstalled...at the moment I'm reinstalling all my games. If I rush I could have something done tomorrow (the 29th) but.. Well, if you can't extend it just one day that's alright.

Well that was more difficult than I thought it would be, but I got there in the end. I managed to do this with all the items in 30 tiles, although I'm not sure if the tile with the stairs counts, since its only purpose is to enable you to get on the foundation. If it does then I managed it in 31 tiles

All the items are accessible except for two of the chairs, but that's only because there's clutter behind them; without it they function perfectly. :D

Edit: Almost forgot to mention, the dormer thing in the roof is purley for decoration and there's no usable flooring up there (and no way of getting up even if there was).

Power's back!



Situated along the coast of kiwi_tea's Niua Simoa , this tiny modern home for one or two takes up 33 tiles and is completely playtested.



The floorplan includes a "cutout" in the center of the house, preserving a prexisting palm tree.



The windows around the bed allow for an amazing view. There is room for a small dresser and an endtable behind the bed.



The left half of the desk is used as a display area for Chinese urn.




The bathroom features local stone and a full size bathtub.

Kitchen/Dining Area

The kitchen/dining area is separated from the "bedroom" by a stylish bookcase.

Sorry to have not been around this AM, got roped into some unexpected babysitting. Now, I'm worn out! Anyhow, I've decdided that entries will close on time, which at present is in about 8 1/2 hours. Sorry to anyone who wants to enter but can't make it. I'll be posting round one later tonight, and have notified the judges about getting their scores in.

Looks like there are some awesome entries, have fun with the judging judge people! :-)

I wait with bated breath for Round 1! :-D (well, actually I'll be waiting asleep for Round 1, as it's almost 2:30am here, but I'd be very excited about it if I was going to be awake! :-P

So, your lovely, cosy, tiny home was everything you ever wanted. Then you met that special someone, and things got a little tight, but you were "in lurve" and made do. Then one day...!!! Suddenly, tiny was NOT an option, however having a baby is expensive and there wasn't a lot of money left over, so...


Using no more than 50 tiles, design a home for 2 sims and a baby. You may design in any style, on any lot, any number of floors. You may design an entirely new home, or add on to your previous lot.

You must include all the items from the aplication round plus the following items at a minimum, feel free to add more if you can! You may add outside terraces/decks in keeping with the scale of the home, and any landscaping/amenities you wish, again keeping in scale.

• Crib
• Changing Table*
• High Chair
• Two skill toys
• Potty Chair

(Don't babys need a lot of stuff?!! lol!)

*Sims 3 players may use a cc changing table, or a two-tile dresser, as there are no changing tables in the game.

Rules, photos and scoring are the same as in the aplication round.

Please PM me with any questions.

I was trying to stay up untill midnight to close the round on time, but I'm too tired from this morning, even after a nap! My nieces and nephews wore me out. So, applications are officially closed. Round one info has been posted, so have at it.

Ooh, this round will be a hard one but fun! Remember, everyone, YOU CAN MAKE SECOND LEVELS!

I have two questions before I start concocting ideas for this round....

• Can we use 1 tile cribs and dressing tables, such as these? I'm guessing the answer is no, which is fine, but I thought I'd ask anyway!
• Do we have to follow the story that the Sim from our application round has now had a baby? I only ask as I made a log-cabin for my application, and I'd love to perhaps a very different style for this round, which probably wouldn't fit in with your story...

Thanks in advance for your answer, I am looking forward to what I'm sure is going to be a really great round!

CC is perfectly ok, and you can do a totally new lot.



OT: Was so darn tired at 11pm. Now wide awake at 5am WTF??!!!

Another question. Second levels are possible but especially with Sims 3 the stairs do take up 6 tiles for example for 1 level straight stairs and split stairs aren't much better with the connecting tiles required. It gives the Sims 2 folks an advantage with their spiral staircases. Anyway do ALL these tiles need to be counted even if they are only for structural purposes?

To me, spiral stairs have 6 tiles of "wasted space" where you can't place objects and straight-run stairs only have 3 tiles. As to "void" spaces, spaces that are part of the structure but not accesible/used, I'm leaving that up to the judges to decide. I've given them my opinions, but it is their call. If you were to use walls to make a collum that holds up a car-park roof or porch roof, I wouldn't count those. Spaces under interior stairs that are created by building cheats and are a main part of the building, in my opinion should be counted.

So does that mean that spaces inside the structure where stairs are used don't count toward the total tile count? Like in my split level for the app round, minus one tile because of the stair to the upper level?

I think I'll just count it all except porches to be safe. I'm really struggling with this round - 15 more tiles seemed like so much but with stairs, 2 tile landing and all the baby stuff it's still very difficult. I think I'll have to scrap my first attempt and start afresh (54 tiles and can't get any smaller). Perhaps extra points for those with 2 floors this round as that is definitely harder to fit in.

No, those spaces count because they are being "used" by the stair (and whatever objects placed below the stairs if possible). To me, it appeared that sandymdh felt that Sims 2 players had an advantage in useable space over Sims 3 players because of the spiral staircase footprint, which I believe is false.

The second part of the question was what spaces were counted. All used spaces are counted, regardless of how they are used. "Void" spaces that are part of the structure yet not used are left to judge's discretion.

YOU DO NOT NOT NOT NEED TO USE STAIRS IN THIS OR ANY OTHER ROUND!!!

THE USE OF MULTIPLE LEVELS IS AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION!!!

Lavaster's post about second levels is in no way a requirement.

May we use those animated ladders instead of regular stairs?

Ummm... I'm gonna have to say no to this one, because there is no equivalent in Sims 3. Considering how the stairs (don't) work in Sims 3 I don't think the equivalent will even be possible. It's the one thing I want in the game more than anything else, is more ways to build/have stairs without cfe cheats.

Ok, than it's going to be plan B

With one tile dressers, desks, cribs and changing tables I seem to be at a bit of a disadvantage for not using CC. Can I just replace the changing table/dresser for a toy box instead? Or use a one tile table as a desk? I guess not since these are required, I just had to ask. Of course if the one tile cribs and changing tables are only available for TS2 they probably need the extra free tiles, TS2 Sims need a lot more room to move around.

Would it be ok to use the fire pole instead of stairs if I add a second floor?

Wow, awesome contest
I'm a bit late, lol, but I'm watching avidly for the results! Good luck everybody!

O.O the fire pole! I forgot about that! Umm.. Ok. The firepole and the Sims 2 ladders may both be used. Just an fyi, I do create a home myself to test the number of squares, so I do know it is possible to fit the items I give you, even if the places they end up are a tad unexpected. I'll admit, the ones for these first two rounds have both been one lelvel, I'm impressed at those of you doing multiple levels. (I also think you are a tad insane... )

"The Shingles" (49 tiles)
This renovated Beach Hut lot includes a spacious open-plan bedroom/living room/kitchen, gorgeous dune-inspired bathroom (with a bath and shower), and space for one more in the adjoined second bedroom. Designed with a young family in mind, there's plenty of room to play on the beach, and open access to the parent bedroom with curtains to draw for privacy, not to mention ample space to expand, although the home was designed to be compact, inkeeping with the ramshackle getaway theme.

Landscape & Exterior


Aerial


Baby's Room




Bathroom


Open Plan




ETA: hotaru801, yours is amazing!!

Anyone who uses the firepole/ladder -would love to see the pics of getting baby up them too :-)

^ That's what I was thinking Wouldn't have worked for my housing plan at least!

One can go up the fire pole? O_o Our sims are strippers!

Well, since I thought I couldn't use a ladder I went ahead and created a new one with just a groundfloor.

Overview:


Aerial:


Kitchen/dining:




Livingroom/bedroom/study/nursery:





Again, I've playtested it and everything is accessable (sp?), the bathroom is still too small to take a decent picture of it, but it has a shower, toilet and potty.

Managed this one in 45 tiles, and everything is accessible.
Can't wait for the next round now :D

wgroome - Round 1
 

All of your houses look so great!

So, you're comfy and cozy in your sweet but tiny cottage when you meet the love of your life and in the blink of an eye, you find you are now pregnant. Your love surprises you with a new house but it's a little....disappointing. Still, you love him too much to hurt his feelings when he's so proud of himself, so you hang some curtains and try to make a home.












At least there's plenty of yard and even a little pond.


I used 50 tiles on the dot. Funny, I thought this round was going to be easier because after 35, 50 seemed like A LOT.
Not so much. :p

OMG I am so excited... I wish there were more contest like this here... Biting my nails in anticipation for the next round. ^_^ So far everyone has made some beautiful lots. Good luck to all of you guys!

Hopüe i still can make mine tonight!

Just waiting for scores from one judge, I'll post them as soon as I get them.

i want to drop out as a judge sorry school is overloading me at the moment

So, as you can see, I'm now desperately searching for a judge. Any takers?

^ Did I imagine that you posted at one point to say we're now allowed up to 54 tiles because it's harder than you thought? Is it now 50 again and I have to scrap this? And that's unfortunate about the judge ... I originally came into this thread thinking of judging but you had three. Good luck finding someone

ETA: Yay for singing_Noel!

I'll judge. ^ ^

'Twas totally your i'm-a-gin-askin'. (imagination)



Thank you very much! I'll pm you about scoreing/etc ASAP.

O.O
Ahh OK...
As long as we have until the 5th I should be fine This is the only tight week for me so that's a blow.

My app round scores are done. I'm sending them now!

Good luck everybody! You all did amazing!

^ ^

I have overly enjoyed looking through these applicants lol do you need another judge????

Application Round Scores
 

Yay! Scores!
Comments from all three judges have been mingled, and edited for redundancy, verbosity, and grammar.

• Lauratje86
  I adore the wrap around porch, and the landscaping is gorgeous. I would like to see more color on the walls. The white is pretty, but too safe. I love the lake. Putting a bookcase in the kitchen was a pretty smart idea, especially because it doesn't look out of place like I though a bookcase would look in a kitchen.
  
  Total 1: 82
  Total 2: 60
  Total 3: 69
  Average: 70.33
  
• sandymdh
  The castle theme is so unique, and the landscaping is superb. The furnishings really do a good job of continuing the feel throughout the house, letting everything just flow. You appear to have more tiles than you should, but you left those areas "void." I like the four-tile bathroom and the tiny entrance hall as well, they helped make everything fit. Also, the back of the castle is interesting; it looks as if part of the building had fallen down.
  
  Total 1: 95
  Total 2: 85
  Total 3: 89
  Average: 89.66
  
• amora_selvagen
  I really love this house, and I really didn't want to take off so many points but I had to because it is "over budget". I like the style, you furnished it well, but nothing about it really popped. Loved the modern kitchen and style! Also loved how you put in a driveway for cars. However, your house seems too big and you went over the tile limit. The furniture is great - the kitchen looks like something from a magazine advertisement. It looks like she used 35 tiles on EACH floor, how could a two-story house possibly have only 35 tiles?
  
  Total 1: 81
  Total 2: 60
  Total 3: 59
  Average: 66.66
  
• Samethana
  I adore this house! So cozy and cute! You did an amazing job of furnishing the inside, and I love how quaint it looks on the outside, maybe a little too quaint. I love the exterior! It gives a warm 'welcome home' feeling and interior's space is used wisely. This lot's furniture is swee, if a bit too pink. The living room/bedroom/kitchen looks a bit "empty" when you look at it from the top. She's a genius if she managed to build a 35-tile lot and still make it look empty.
  Maybe some of the extra space could have been added to the bathroom?
  
  Total 1: 93
  Total 2: 80
  Total 3: 66
  Average: 79.66
  
• wgroome
  Yay, a cabin! I like this house, it seems like it would make a really great vacation home. I love the simplistic quaintness, but it may be a little too simple and quaint. Some fun colors and decor would have been nice to see. The Montana Cabin #5 fits right in among Maxis lots, but it doesn't have a "Maxisy" feeling - that's the perfect balance to me. The space was also well-used: the lot doesn't look too full or empty. I think the builder could have moved the bed to the left and made a dressing room.
  
  Total 1: 91
  Total 2: 73
  Total 3: 73
  Average: 79
  
• wickedblue
  Everything is really well done, the inside, the outside, the landscaping. I would have liked to see more creativity in the architecture, but you did do this house under budget. Doesn't this look like a house in a fairy tale? Except for the technology, of course.
  
  Total 1: 97
  Total 2: 78
  Total 3: 73
  Average: 82.66
  
• Sulyuki
  I really like wrap around porches. This house is gorgeously lanscaped, and built. I would have liked to see just as much creativity inside the house as outside. Great house and very nice landscaping, nice and clean job! I noticed that the porch is overpowering the house and it would seem that you went over the tile limit. This one is particularly pretty. I wouldn't mind living in it! Uhm... dejà vu? Isn't something about this house kind of similar to something I've already seen?
  
  Total 1: 93
  Total 2: 55
  Total 3: 69
  Average: 72.33
  
• hotaru801
  Wow! This house is awesome! I love your idea of a far eastern-style house! The lot looks so spacious, when it's actually kind of small. It's so relaxing! What a gorgeous and exotic building! This Japanese style is simply awesome.
  
  Total 1: 95
  Total 2: 75
  Total 3: 90
  Average: 86.66
  
• phoenixshikiri
  I really like the furnishings in this house, so pretty and classy. The structure and the exterior of this home leaves something to be desired. You were also over on your tiles, so I had to deduct some extra creativity points. The interior color scheme really took a hit on your beauty score. However, the exterior looked beautiful. Next time, try not to make everything inside the same color/texture; mix it up. Try to stay within the allotted tile limit next time. There is no privacy in this house with no walls for the bathroom. The bedroom could have been private too.
  
  Total 1: 88
  Total 2: 55
  Total 3: 82
  Average: 75
  
• picass0blue
  When I saw the outside I totally didn't expect it to look like it does on the inside. I love how you furnished it! I would have liked it more if it was as fun outside as it is inside. I love it how the house looks different on the outside and on the inside. It's kind of surprising.
  
  Total 1: 91.5
  Total 2: 67.5
  Total 3: 84.5
  Average: 81.16
  
• Cloudburst
  This house is spectacular! The landscaping, the architecture, the decor, everything flows so perfectly. Big round of applause for you! The dormer was a nice addition, despite being decorative only. It looks so inviting and peaceful. It looks like one of those places where even time seems to "relax": years feel like days and days feel like years. It's such a calm and quiet-looking house.
  
  Total 1: 100
  Total 2: 99
  Total 3: 90
  Average: 96.33
  
• pandorasnark
  This house is so unique! I would have liked to see more landscaping, but in a way the emptiness kinda adds to this house's funkiness. I liked it, but everything seemed to have the same pattern/texture. Those windows are really romantic. I love the palm tree placement.
  
  Total 1: 93
  Total 2: 75
  Total 3: 79
  Average: 82.33

The top three scores for this round are:

#3: hotaru801 86.66
#2: Sandymdh 89.66
#1: Cloudburst 96.33

Congradulations to you all!







And, slightly OT:

Wait 'till round two. You have almost three times as much as this round. It dosen't get easier, MUAHAHAHA!!!!

Hum... these scores have made me want to redo my entry for round one... I'll probably update it later tonight... *Nods*

Changed my mind
 

I was feeling pretty underwhelmed with my entry this week and suddenly had an idea last night. As time's not up yet I have deleted the original post and here is my 2nd round entry. As a bonus I even got to find a use for some of the Barnacle Bay items I forgot I even had!
As you can see it's a recycled canal boat. Once it used to transport goods between towns but it hasn't left the area in decades. Instead it's being used as an unusual home. Hope you like it :-)


Front View


Overhead


Interior

Bedroom Area

Nursery

Misc

Thanks for the scores/comments judges! :-)

I do have a question, though. It seems from looking at the round just judged that there was no (specified) penalty for using more than the allotted tiles. Will this be the same for all the rounds?

My next one will be in in a day or two, I'm still finishing it off :-D It's so hard!

So I have redone my entry for round 1... And I came in at 44 tiles. Yay! I think this might be the first time I actually had fun using cas... I wanted it to be bright and fun... And I managed to get everything to be accessible. Woot woot!

I call it Da Go Pa House...

While there was no specific penalty, the requirements specifically stated to use no more than 35 tiles. Not following direction generally incurs a penalty. By the same token, there was a bonus for being under the tile budget, at a hefty 1 point per tile for the first 5 tiles.

Each round will have a tile allotment requirement, hence the title "Everything they ever wanted, only smaller."

Out of the 12 contestants, 2 went over and recieved lower scores, 2 technically were over by 1 tile each, but didn't get penalized because the space wasn't useable, 4 recieved bonus points, and the rest were right at 35.

Okidoki. I was just wondering, as though some of the judges comments mentioned that an entry had used too many tiles, it wasn't specified whether they'd been penalised for this.

I just had another idea for my entry for this round, so I have a couple more questions, this time about void space. Am I right in thinking that space counts as void space if it is inaccessible yet enclosed by four walls - so part of the building's structure but not actually used by sims/containing any objects etc? For example dormers, pillars made using walls etc. Also, outdoor space never counts towards the allotted tiles, right? If it has none of the required objects on/in it, anyway? Is it allowed to make "outdoor" space that does contain some of the required objects as long as it counts as part of the 50 tiles??

Basically, yes. It must be totally inaccesable, and unused/unfurnished. The exemption to this is unused space under stairs, because it is being "used" by the stairs themselvs. Tiles under stairs DO count.

EDIT: If someone were to have a fireplace, and enclose the chimney, that space would be counted, as it is being "used" by the chimney; also, an equlivalent space being used asthe chimney, even though no chimney pieces were in it.



No, the required objects must be within the 50 tiles. You may have additional or duplicate items outside though. With the caveat that any outdoor space must be in keeping with the scale of the indoor space.



Basically, the last two words of the contest title are the most important ones: Just Smaller!

So, does that mean that it is not ok to have an (entirely enclosed by fencing, and on the first floor) outdoor balcony which is included in the tile count and contains some of the required furniture?

Sorry for all the questions - I just managed to get to my game to load so I want to build asap!

**EDIT** I mean the UK "first floor", I have a sneaking suspicion that Americans would call it the second floor. Not the floor that is on the ground, one up from that.

Yes, it is not ok; and that would be the American second floor.

It would have been nice to have the option to use a table as a desk which I do sometimes. But I can do this without any CC shortcuts anyway, in less than 50 tiles. It's 49 tiles if you count the empty tiles above the stairs, 46 if you don't. I was wrong about the TS2 Sims needing more room to move around. They've allways complained before in too small places, but I've tested it and they can use everything.



Edit: I just replaced two pictures. I really like some of the other round 1 entries.

Lauratje86 - Round 1
 

Here we go. I make it 48 tiles, but please count them yourselves - my brain is not entirely with it at the moment..... Sorry if the pictures aren't brilliant quality graphicswise, my laptop is dying :-(

I have named it 'The Eco House' - not hugely original, I know, but never mind! It comes complete with its own veggie patch, orchard, windmill to produce electricity, and eco-system roof - excellent to encourage birds and bugs into the garden! :-) And on the inside it's, well, pretty colourful :-) But practical too, of course!

Loving everyone's Round 1 houses so far :-D

External View:



Aerial Overview:



Outdoors:



Bedroom:



Kitchen & Dining Area:



Study Area & View From Shower-room:

We are only waiting for entries from amora_selvagen and pandoransark. If they post soon, I'll post Round 2 early. Fair warning to anyone who may wish to re-do their entry.

^ Thanks for the warning. I've been 110% swamped by college work but promise to post my revised entry in the next couple of hours. Just wanted to make sure I don't end up judged on the first attempt when I've nearly finished the real one.

ETA: Oh damn HOW can this happen? I have unconsciously made another 54 tile house. Well I'll have one up later on today, but I really need to sleep. I'm really sorry; I suffer from maths dyslexia.

I wouldn't worry too much, it looks like I'll be closing the round at the original time; which is about 20 hours from now. We are still missing three entries, not two as I previously thought (not including do-overs).

ETA: As nobody has PMed/requested an extension before the time limit, if one is needed it will not be granted.

A promotion, job change, another baby, another promotion; birthdays, aniversaries, recitals, games; where did the time go? You kept planning to move or renovate, somehow there was always something more important. Then... you guessed it! ANOTHER child! This time it has to happen, there just isn't space.

Using no more than 138 tiles, design a home for 2 adults, a teen, a child, and a baby. You may design in any style, on any lot, any number of levels. You may design an entirely new home, or add on to your previous lot. The following rooms should be included as seperate rooms: a study/office/library type room with fireplace, master bedroom, teen bedroom, 2 bathrooms, a half bath. The child bedroom and nursery may be seperate or one space. Kitchen, dining, living may also be combined or seperate. (You may also combine any 2 of the 3 spaces.) You may add any other rooms you have space for.

You must include all the following items, decor and lighting are left up to you. (You may also add any additional furniture you have room for.)You may add and furnish outside terraces/decks in keeping with the scale of the home, and any landscaping/amenities you wish, again keeping in scale.

3 tile sofa, 2 tile loveseat, 2 chairs (may be replaced with 1 lounge chair), 2 end tables, 2 or 3 tile dineing table with 6 or 8 chairs, no less than 2 tile "sideboard", stove, fridge, 3 to 5 counters, 4 sinks, 2 tubs, 1 shower, 3 toilets, crib, 2 single beds, 1 double bed, 4 nightstands, 3 dressers, changing table, desk, chair, 3 bookcases, 2 chairs, chess table.

2 toddler skill objects, potty, high chair, toybox, easel, weightbench or treadmill, telescope. The telescope should be placed outside and will NOT count to tiles used.


Rules and photos remain the same as in the previous rounds. There will be a bounus of 1 point for each set of 3 tiles under budget, up to 5 points (15 tiles). Full sets of 3 only!

Please PM me with any questions.

Round one entries are closed. Good luck to everyone.

If you did not post an entry for this round, you may still post entries in the following rounds, you will just have a score of zero for this one. The same will hold true for all subsequent rounds.

What do you mean exactly by "sideboard"... How is it different from a counter?

If you want to use two counters to create your sideboard, that would work too. I put the word in quotes so that you could be creative on what you used.

I do know the difference between the actual nouns (LOL) I just wasn't sure what you meant by sideboard as they're not actually in the game and you put it in quotes!

Right, now I can get planning!

It says crib twice on the list of required items. It should only be one, right?

Can we delete the chimney?

0.o Yes, only one crib! Fixed! I don't know, can you delete the chimney? You may if you can.

(Can vs May second biggest pet peve EVER!!! )
(# 1 is Their vs They're vs There. 16 years of required English classes in this country, and everyone STILL F---s it up!)



Thae fact that they don't exist in-game is pretty much why I put it in quotes.

Huh. Remember when you said that this round was going to be really hard even though you got "loads" of tiles. I see your point! Looking forward to it though, time for me to start planning! :-D

I'm having soo much fun with this contest! I really hated the fitness machine though, took me 4 do-overs before I got it in.
I tried to make more pictures this time, but I guess it's obvious that I'm no master of photography, I still have a long way to go.
I also tried to use different colors and styles for the interior decorating, my houses are usually very monochromatic.

So, let's see:

Exterior of the lot:


Overview downstairs:


Overview upstairs:


Library & Livingroom:


Kitchen, Powder Room & Upstairs Hallway:


Teen (artist) Bedroom & Master Bedroom:


Master Bathroom, Kiddie Batroom and Kidsroom/Nursery:


More of the exterior:



All of the required items are inside the house, except for the telescope as per instructions. The furniture outside was not required and only added for decorative purposes.
The tilecount is 138 (I seem to use up every last single tile every round), and everything is accessable.
Just in case it's not very visvible: the sideboard is on the upstairs hallway, one of the required endtables is under the stairs (and the cardboard box is a toychest).

Instead of a dresser can we use the one tile clothing rack in sims 3 to create the visual effect of a walk in closet and it count as a wardrobe?

If it functions as a dresser, yes.

So a sideboard is a china cabinet right? And can we substitute a 2 tiled island for it instead?

Yep! Nope, it must function as a sideboard. You may use the buffet table, if you have the room.

Before I post my entry for round two, are we allowed a few more pictures since in this one we have to have separate rooms?

You may have collages.

Can we use a bar as our "sideboard"? They are two tiles and, in real life at least, serve the same kind of purpose (a flat surface!)

EDIT: My game hates me. It decided to play up after I spent ages decorating my house for Round 2. Unfortunately I had to restart my machine and lost it all, and I don't reckon I'm going to have enough time before the deadline to complete the round, and since I've already done it once I'm not feeling that enthused about doing it again... Sorry, but I'm going to drop out. Thank you for running a great contest, kattenijin, and I am more than happy to sign up to be an emergency judge if you need one!