Tutorials Island vol.2

As Typodestoyer suggested on vol.1 of this series, let's take brief look how different materials affect overall impression.

I marked few plots close to house from vol.1 and have chosen two plots on left side to build two houses.


These two houses will be built on the same ground plan, L-shaped floor, 9x9 in longest dimension. Pretty tiny space but i do not care about interiors this time.

First house is going to look more modern and uses smooth sandstone for walls, some obsidian for detail decoration and birch planks for floor.
Second house is going to look more old and uses stonebrick for walls, dark logs for timbering and oak planks for floor.

Front view reveals major difference in size of windows:

I decided to make large windows starting at floor level in modern house, and tiny windows with shutters on sides for old house. This results in modern house being light inside, whereas old house will have a bit darker interior.

Time to add another layer for ceiling/floor.

No big change here, both houses keep materials and style.

Another floor.

First, i decided to change obsidian for lapis blocks. I kinda like combination of sandstone and lapis, and with new lapis texture being very similar to smooth sandstone (at least in default texturepack) these are going to be one of my favorite couples.
Second, old house got birch planks for upper floor. Many old houses use stone for bottom walls and lighter wood for top walls.
No change in windows, both houses just keep the same size and shape as on bottom floor.

View from top to make sure that both houses still use the same groundplan.

Notice ladder on left (it is used in both houses). Ladder goes in one straight line from bottom to top and allows adding more (basement) floors later. However this ladder placed in the middle of the plot makes possible basement floors a bit more complicated.

Last addition will be roof and some details.

Modern house uses simple flat roof made of dark planks and outlined with slabs. Vines are supposed to cover windows like curtains and allow some privacy. Notice small roof over door so vines don't block door.
Old house uses sloping roof that allows to add one more floor (accessible via the same ladder), red brick stairs are to mimic roofing tiles and stonebrick stairs add some decoration. Last addition is that small roof over door and obvious flowerpots in front of windows.

Although these two houses may be exactly the same inside, using the same furniture etc., exterior is totally different because of different materials and some details (window size, roof shape).

 

This actually sort of makes me want to post something related to modular design. Though I have my doubts as to the usability on smp.

 

I now feel really bad for never noticing this... I was on vacation
Also, bump! For all ye who need building tips (<----------- this guy) this will help a lot on fitting a theme

 

What about a tutorial island thread on just furniture? I know how to make about 15 different types of chairs, tables, counters, etc but what about others?