Hi, I've been experimenting with split-levelling for a while now and have successfully pulled it off a few times with staircases my Shields Road series. (notably 23, 27, 43a, 45, and 52). However, those have only been with staircases. What I'm trying to create is a split-level house, where half is on the ground with the other half up on a foundation. The images show what I've got so far.

The main problem is that every time I try a split-level house, I end up with a box, or some kind of shape that's impossible to work with or put a decent roof on. This is what I plan to be #59 in the series, but it might need some work. I tried to break the image of a "box" by adding the side porch. Any suggestions on how I can make this more interesting or make it work around the staircase better? Thanks.

In complicated houses I always make the complicated bits first, and add on rooms later. That makes it possible to think about layout when my mind is free to think about it.

That might be good - I just need to decide where that goes in the house.
It's also important that the house I build works well. The house in the screenshot only has one bedroom, which isn't that great for a family house. With the basement it has to be one tile in so that the foundation works.

Yes, it pays to have made a flexible plan on beforehand. It's very easy though that the plan stays too rigid, and you can't bring yourself to do changes to it.

I tend to draw a lot of my lots on graph paper before building them, so I know what I'm building, but even then some things change. The house I showed you wasn't really planned - I just had the idea of split-levelling and went from there.

I have been enjoying your TS2 Shields Road series!

If I understand your question correctly, you want to find ways to "unbox" your house. Excuse my using my own lots to illustrate my points.
A porch, as you've shown, is a good way to change the shape and add interest. You can add an porch by bumping out (your example) or in (my first example).
That house also has a side addition that forms an L- shape from above. My second example shows an addition to the front (another L- shape).
Third example is a simple "echo" gable.
Dormers are good ways to add interest (shown in first example).

I also sketch out my lots on graph paper. Then I move my sketch to the game by using different color floor tiles to map out the rooms.

Thanks for the examples I'll experiment with the shape of the house.

Update: Here's the result. The lot comes in at 19,915 since it's meant to be another starter.

First look i thought this house is duplex where one entrance has a porch. Now I see it is a balcony. I'd prefer to make different doors for entrance and balcony. But this all up to you. Great side-split.

I really like the new version. You have added lots of charm!

Thanks for the feedback. In that case the lot is ready for upload, but I have a few lots that come before numerically.

Update: You can find the lot here .

Hey

You should make a thread of your own. This is a social group, so the thread will be for you. If you're not a memeber you should be one first Also pictures would be nice. You can just attach them to your post and upload them that way, instead of some external thing.

We also need to know what game you're in.

When that's been said. The way to put in doors is to make sure the ground level is the highest and the extra bit is on the top.

Ok. I wasn't sure whether to make a new thread when this one was same topic and for Sims 2. I am a member, just haven't been around much.

Hi @yavannatw - good to see you! I try to keep this group pretty casual so feel free to add a question or comment to an already existing thread, even an old one. I see you started a thread and then deleted it, so I am hopeful that you have the answer to your question. Sorry for the late response, but if you still need help, please post again.

I don't even know if I responded. I have been very busy with my exams and school assignments. I have more time to respond now. Where are people these days? Do they all go to the official sites?

It looks like I didn't even snswer the question. Funny thing that. My brain doesn't really have room for it with all the school work I have to do.

It is very quiet here. Maybe the pandemic and lock down has put people in a funk. I myself haven't opened my game in weeks. You would think if people had more time they would play more.
I am happy you are here.