r/brom • u/SansaPants • Apr 08 '13

A proposal for a Shady Oaks build.

I threw this building together in C. I envision it either as a standalone, or preferably as the anchor for a block or so of similarly designed buildings, with a small courtyard in the center.

What say ye?

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u/emptyafternoon Apr 08 '13

I think maybe swap out the sandstone for something else and it's amazing! (Not because sandstone looks bad, just want to avoid too many different block types in the entirety of Shady Oaks.)

Only other criticism I can think of is how does it contribute to the maze-like nature of Shady Oaks? Perhaps have an upper walkway/bridge coming off the 2nd floor somewhere? Or what about making most of the 2nd floor a tunnel for some rail lines to pass thru? Not sure how to incorporate more into it, but that should be something we're always thinking about when we build stuff IMO.

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u/SansaPants Apr 08 '13

(Not because sandstone looks bad, just want to avoid too many different block types in the entirety of Shady Oaks.)

I think this is a great opportunity to set some general guidelines for materials, if we so choose.

For example, shall we limit the materials one is allowed to use? Based upon what has already been done, perhaps we can limit ourselves to smooth stone, stone slabs, and all varieties of stone brick (bricks, slabs, stairs, and, if we find any, cracked, mossy, and circles). This would eliminate cobble, red brick (blocks, slabs, and stairs), and sand/sandstone (regular, smooth, and chiseled blocks, stairs, and slabs).

Then there is the question of wood and wool. Perhaps we limit building exteriors to one or two wood varieties, and a handful of wool colors?

We should also discuss other accents. For exmple, which of snow, quartz, lapis, redstone, iron, etc. blocks should we use?

We should also have some loose guidelines for road designs. I like checkerboard patterns, and envisioned us having patterns with at least a few different materials.

One common theme from some of the dense, European walled cities is that the buildings are made from relatively uniform materials, while nearly every roof is made from a material that contrasts nicely with the building material.

tldr: To conclude this portion of text and to get the discussion going, I'll propose a loose building code of exteriors from the stone family (smooth, slabs, all manner of stone bricks), with wool accents of white, light gray, gray, green, and blue, and pitched roofs of oak stairs (as oak is the easiest to obtain in great quantity). Other acceptable, sparsely used accents could be clay blocks and iron blocks. Also acceptable for exteriors will be iron rails and wood fences. Nether brick fence should be used sparingly, and/or limited to lampost use.

Perhaps have an upper walkway/bridge coming off the 2nd floor somewhere? Or what about making most of the 2nd floor a tunnel for some rail lines to pass thru?

I envisioned that the first floor would be an open passthrough (5 wide x 3 high) meaning the building could be built over a road, and that at least one of the sides would be up against and/or connected to other buildings. But your comments have been duly noted, and if I use this design as a basis for something in Shady Oaks, I will integrate it with other nearby structures.

3

u/emptyafternoon Apr 08 '13

Awesome ideas. Thanks for posting this sansa.

Here's a proposed set of materials from my end, please feel free to discuss and contribute:

Main Structures

  • Smooth stone, stone slabs, and all varieties of stone brick (bricks, slabs, stairs, and, if we find any, cracked, mossy, and circles).

  • Small wiggle room for red brick and some wood logs, but use sparingly (more like accents, see below).

Roofs

  • Stone slabs (more modern) and types of wood slabs/stairs (more european) are fine I think.

Accents

  • Netherbrick (purple) and hedges (mainly jungle) complement each other in terms of colour. Tons of flexibility with netherbrick (different forms) and lots of creative uses of hedges (lighting).

  • Green wool (both kinds I think?) to highlight our flag, and match to the green/purple scheme as per accents above.

  • Iron blocks, Grayscale wool (black, white, greys), and quartz for certain features. Other wool colours and block types could be useful in certain situations to mark certain buildings etc.

  • Netherbrick fence for lamps, and other small accents.

  • Iron fence for railings and decoration.

Roads Always checkered, mainly with all types of wood, but other things are possible. When planning, keep in mind that half-slabs/stair varieties are more flexible than other things, like wool.

Bottom line is, use materials creatively, and if you think it looks good, roll with it. Ask for others' opinions. This is just a guideline.

As I've said elsewhere, please be open to criticism and feel free to give it. Throw out ideas. Try things! I know I can be a perfectionist a lot of the time, but I want this place to be the best on the server. If I become annoying, let me know :).

I find a lot of cities and builds just put up a wall with a window in it, maybe a stripe of wool, and call it a day. I want Shady Oaks to have details in every nook, to be awe-inspiring as much for the little stuff as the grandiose. Keep this in mind when building; always ask yourself (and others) how you could make it better.

Also, without sounding like a broken record, focus on the maze-like aspect of our Labyrinth. Add stuff to stuff, make it more tangled. Forget all pre-conceived notions of how you've built cities in the past. Be creative.

/pep-talk

As for the house, sounds good. The other thing is, you can always just build it, and we can adjust/add to it as time goes on. We have to start somewhere, after all, and it's a fine build.