Entry for Sims Build-n-Share Challenge #112
When identical twins can’t be separated, it’s time for an identical-unit duplex! This modern-styled home is nestled on a 20×15 lot for cozy living with a fun feel.
The front of this duplex features minimal-care plants to compliment the color scheme and separate, mirrored entryways. The edge of the lot contains a buffer of natural plants and utilitarian space for garbage cans and mailboxes.
The boxy modern design creates different illusions with shadows and shape from every angle, while still retaining clean lines and minimal-maintenance trim.
The side view of the duplex demonstrates the innovative shapes while giving a peek at the hidden backyard area.
Prying neighbors or paparazzi can’t get a clear view even from the back, however, because of the solid construction of the poolside facilities.
Natural plants and trees help create a transition between the home and the sidewalk.
Stacked waterfalls provide beauty and entertainment, while at the same time effectively screening the pool area.
The shapes of this home are designed to fit well in urban and suburban environments.
The flat roof of the uppermost level creates a “T” shape, reflecting the balanced, mirrored layouts below.
The third (uppermost) level contains stairwells to private bedrooms. These bedrooms include a private, walk-out access to a balcony to enjoy scenic views of the neighborhood and surrounding area.
The second level contains the second/spare bedroom and a combined bathroom and laundry facility. This provides balanced access to both the upper and lower floors.
The first level includes an open concept kitchen/living/dining area and a spacious study for work and hobbies.
Also on the first level, detached from the house, is a poolside half-bath x 2, suitable for a quick bathroom break after the pool or for use by guests at parties.
The poolside includes the bathroom facilities, cooking, eating, lounging, and socializing areas around a large, decorated pool with internal fountain.
Mayor Whiskers is happy to lead guests on an exterior tour, starting with the front flowerbeds.
Small glimpses into the rear give hints at a fun pool area, while not giving a complete view.
From here, it’s also possible to catch a glimpse of the fountains alongside the duplex, as well.
This natural space adds green to the home without overrunning it.
Inside the pool area, a “his/hers” bathroom screens the back of the pool. (Signs not enforced – when you gotta pee, you gotta pee.)
Whether you’re grilling or lounging, there’s space near the pool!
There’s also space (thankfully close to multiple sources of water) for people who just want to set things on fire.
The stacked waterfalls create the illusion of a wall without physically blocking off the pool and create a peaceful ambiance for diners.
Music, fountains and planters frame the back doors to the duplex.
The two halves of the duplex are mirror images of each other. Mayor Whiskers invites you to tour this one.
The entry door opens into an open concept living area. This simple kitchen provides everything needed for regular meals.
A small dining table near the windows makes for beautiful breakfasts in the sun, while a comfortable living area sports a cozy sofa and rug under a wall-mounted TV. (TV normally sits slightly lower, but I kept having some sort of MOO glitch with this build.)
From the living area, the entire open concept is visible.
This is also where the hallway to the study, pool and stairs is first visible.
The view from the hall shows off the bright, airy space created by large windows.
The door to the study fits smoothly into the design of the hall.
This study includes everything needed for work, for research, and for a couple of hobbies.
For those who want to show off their skills, a hobby board is near the door.
A pin board dominates the rear wall to create opportunities for design work.
An easel in the corner offers opportunities for sunny, creative relaxation.
The stairs to the second level are open-backed to keep from feeling too claustrophobic. (This space is not accessible to sims, but I did have a sim get trapped behind these stairs due to a pathing error while playtesting.)
The clean lines of the stairs and railing are more apparent from above.
Simple, monochome wall decor gives visual interest to the angled hallway.
Large, picture windows lining the hall give a gorgeous view of the outside.
No sunny hallway is complete without a planter holding plants to enjoy it.
The simple arrow decor breaks up the space while creating the illusion of larger length in the hall.
The second bedroom and bathroom sit next to each other but have differently-framed doors to prevent confusion.
This small, cozy bedroom is perfect for a guest or child.
A tall window with pulled-back drapes provides a sunny interior.
Plenty of books and a tall mirror offer opportunities to relax in silence or give oneself a pep talk.
The bathroom door gives a glimpse at the over-under space-saver laundry unit.
Inside, this bathroom is more spacious than it initially appears, accommodating a full bath and shower combo, toilet, sink, and other bathroom amenities.
The large window has a heavy drape for when you really don’t want your neighbors seeing you on the loo, but with the opportunity to pull it back for sun on laundry day.
Bold wall art creates a stunning accent wall for this bathroom.
Tall windows at the end of the hallway offer a glimpse outside…
…as do the windows at the top of the stairs.
This hall is dominated by a large, bold triptych, and it ends in the door to the master bedroom.
The master bedroom is tucked neatly with everything one or two people need to be comfortable and get ready for the day, including a bedside table with plenty of space for makeup or accessories…
…a tall wardrobe to meet clothes storage needs, KonMari style…
…and a bookshelf to hold favorite books for bedtime reading.
The master bedroom also has special, private access to the third floor balcony.
Walking out onto the balcony provides a view of the neighboring area.
And, it’s high enough to provide a view of the distant landscape as well.
This balcony wraps around both sides of the duplex and can be shared by both sides.
For those interested in sitting and lounging on the balcony, sedate plants frame elegant seating.
The view from the end of the balcony is no less spectacular, while also providing a view of the architecture of the duplex.
Identical seating arrangements on the opposite side of the balcony allow both’s residents to be seated at once without having to share a bench.
And both have equally spectacular views.
