I’m excited that my work is featured in Brick Loot’s November 2016 box. The model I designed continues the story I began in my book, The LEGO Architect, by exploring contemporary architecture trends. The model is a small home reminiscent of the ultra-modern style which emphasizes projecting volumes, angular shapes, glass, and mixed materials. I call it “@ Home”, because the front facade has a curving yellow shape that looks like an “@” sign.
I designed a contemporary LEGO home which is included in the November 2016 Brick Loot box.
Detailed Building Instructions
The Brick Loot package includes directions to build “@ Home”, but the instructions are very small to fit on one page. I have prepared the following four-page instructions to make it easier to follow the instructions to build this model.
Download detailed instructions to build the Brick Loot contemporary home.
Download link: Brick_Loot_Contemporary_Detailed_Instructions.pdf
Video explaining how to assemble the model. (The last two steps are tricky.)
About the model
I was excited when the Brick Loot team reached out to me to see if I wanted to design an exclusive model for their subscribers. I was quickly drawn to the opportunity to explore a hot trend in contemporary architecture to utilize blocky volumes, bright contrasting colors, reclaimed materials, and environmentally sustainable design elements. This new model follows the narrative of my book, The LEGO Architect, exploring a newer trend that I wasn’t able to explore in the chapter about “High Tech” architecture.
I went through several prototypes before settling on the final design.
It took several tries to create a design which I was satisfied with. The first design was a simple modern structure with two blocky projecting windows, which is inspired by ‘cubist’ arts of the early 1900’s. This is fitting of the style, but rather conservative compared to some of the designs that are being built today. Latter design iterations explored a projecting volume of contrasting colors that curved through the design. I even explored the use of variegated colors, as a patchwork effect is common especially in buildings which use reclaimed materials.
The final design requires 69 LEGO bricks.
The final model presented two challenges. The first challenge was to figure out a SNOT construction technique which allowed the roof to have a clean appearance without visible studs. The second challenge was to take the design that I was proud of, and modify it to ensure that the parts could be cost-effectively purchased in the quantities needed for so many Brick Loot subscribers. This resulted in a couple part substitutions, and a small change to the base of the building. Thankfully, we were able to keep a pretty large part count, especially the model requires twenty 1×2 clear plates which are inexpensive in bulk.
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What’s Brick Loot?
Brick Loot is a subscription service for LEGO enthusiasts. Each box includes a selection of LEGO-themed toys and accessories, including a custom model designed by a prominent member of the LEGO community. The custom model includes 100% genuine LEGO bricks and detailed building instructions. (Other models and accessories are a mix of construction toys from other brands, some of which are LEGO compatible, and some aren’t.)
Unboxing the August Brick Loot box.
Visit brickloot.com to learn more.
About Tom Alphin
Tom combines his passion for LEGO and Architecture in his bestselling book, The LEGO Architect. You can also find the latest news, reviews, building techniques, articles, and an extensive collection of Brick Labels to organize your LEGO collection at brickarchitect.com
The LEGO Architect is published in English, Français, русский, & 日本語.
Thanks to @ricecake, who also pointed out a minor error in the PDF instructions which I have fixed. If you download it now, you will be getting a revised version 1.1 of the instructions.
Thanks for the model! I have built it on Mecabricks: http://mecabricks.com/en/models/Z79a8LJra8w
@ricecake, Love it! Thanks for building and sharing this on my blog. It’s fun to spin the model around to see it from all sides.