ExeSandbox Posted December 14, 2020 (edited) 1 and a half years later, I finally built another Modular Building, WOOOO, hooray, yeah.... I thought I set a pretty high bar with the Doughnut Shop (if I do say so myself), because of that I had trouble thinking of what to build next thematically. So I went the entirely opposite direction, instead of giving it a unique footprint with a rich contrasting color scheme and basing it around an interesting subject, I made the Umbrella Shop a solid rectangular block with a subdued color scheme and gave it the least interesting subject, which is a shop that sells umbrellas. (hOw ExCiTiNg) Of course, then my job was to use those design cues and still make it look nice and interesting. I think I did a pretty good job (but you can be the judge of that. ) (Also just like my previous modular, many building techniques and details were stolen-...ahem...I mean...inspired by the Downtown Diner, some more obvious than others, because I practically worship that modular building at this point. I do feel like the style of this model turned out looking like a scale model building, rather than a LEGO Modular Buildings. But it is still in essence a modular building.) I was initially clueless on how to design the back of the model, since I always pay all my attention to the front, So I just threw in whatever ideas I thought felt good to me. The shuttered windows was actually influenced by my house in which every single window would have a metal lattice placed over it (presumably to prevent easy break-ins.), Exploded view of the model. The tree can actually tilt forwards to allow the upper levels clearance to lift up, this was an accidental but needed feature because I just wanted a solid connection for the tree and the ratchet w/ cross axle receiver element worked for that. Strangely, of all the carefully crafted details in the model, the simple sloped skylight build is my favorite of them all, it really ties everything together nicely. But idk it could just be me. The interior for the titular store. From this view it doesn't look like much is going on unfortunately, but there are some more items and details from other angles. That vintage cash register is way oversized though... It's an odd decision for me to make everything but one item in black and white. But I just couldn't find the right color scheme and I wanted to give off a vintage vibe, so I thought nothing looks more vintage than black and white photographs. I thought the colored shelf looks pretty which is why I left it in. A small little living space, but not good enough to fully sustain a life. The old school-ness really shows on this one with the typewriter and metal frame bed. I'll probably get a raised eyebrow for this, but why is the bathroom fully exposed by a open window and a glass door!? But really, what's there for a minifigure to hide.? If you're one of those people that likes your minifigures a little spicy, ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) please seek help. maybe I'm the one that needs help...... Here's a pic of the iterations this model went through. The first iteration was very very rough and looks like garbage, I established some core ideas with it, but the proportions and window arrangement is bland and unattractive, so I fixed them in the second iteration. I've gotta be pretty careful with what details I add, because for a fairly "simple" building like this, small details can have a massive impact on the way it looks. Welp that's all from me, I hope you enjoyed looking at the model. I gained a lot of satisfaction from designing it, but I have been looking at it everyday for more than a month during designing and the exposure blindness is killing me so it's good to finally be done. Also I went through LEGO rehab and turned a new leaf, so I only used parts in available colors for this model. (well all except for 27150 Minifigure, Utensil Umbrella Folded. Old habits die hard.) Which means I was able to create instructions for this model. If you're interested, you can get it here: https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-59200/ExeSandbox/umbrella-store/#details (It's a hefty $20 though Do you think this model is worth that much, or should I lower it?) I'd also like to hear what you think about this model. Be as un-objective and critical as possible, don't worry I won't feel bad at all. More pics: https://www.flickr.com/photos/exesandbox/albums/72157717310853613 Edited December 14, 2020 by ExeSandbox Forgot to add flickr link lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jalemac34 Posted December 14, 2020 Really, really nice The choice of colors The exteriors-interiors are fantastic Good job Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JintaiZ Posted December 14, 2020 The overall build is simply amazing! I think the red axle could be replaced with a black one. (It appeared in some new sets) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vilhelm22 Posted December 14, 2020 Fantastic! You see modular police station MOCS all the time, but an umbrella shop on the other hand - that’s a niche idea and very well executed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
koalayummies Posted December 14, 2020 Most excellent ExeSandbox! Your Donut Shop was beautiful and this is as well. The snot facade, the bar plate pieces upside-down for the window trim, that cash register, the textile work on the second floor draped over the table, typewriter, pith helmet sink. Brilliant designs, connections and parts usage abound and a very fresh subject. The thought and dedication shows everywhere. A fantastic creation you've made! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ExeSandbox Posted December 15, 2020 On 12/14/2020 at 9:05 PM, jalemac34 said: Really, really nice The choice of colors The exteriors-interiors are fantastic Good job Thanks @jalemac34, I'm really glad you like it! 22 hours ago, JintaiZ said: The overall build is simply amazing! I think the red axle could be replaced with a black one. (It appeared in some new sets) Thanks! Yeah, that's true. For some reason I quite like the technic connector eyesore. But I do have to keep the consistency of the look in mind too. 22 hours ago, Vilhelm22 said: Fantastic! You see modular police station MOCS all the time, but an umbrella shop on the other hand - that’s a niche idea and very well executed. Thanks a lot! Perhaps I should make a challenge for myself to find the most niche subject to make a modular on. 17 hours ago, koalayummies said: Most excellent ExeSandbox! Your Donut Shop was beautiful and this is as well. The snot facade, the bar plate pieces upside-down for the window trim, that cash register, the textile work on the second floor draped over the table, typewriter, pith helmet sink. Brilliant designs, connections and parts usage abound and a very fresh subject. The thought and dedication shows everywhere. A fantastic creation you've made! Thank you very much @koalayummies, I appreciate it! Glad you spotted all those little details too, quite a many of them were actually born out of dumb luck by random experimentation or I happen to come across a picture that had a particular detail I liked and decided to include it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ReplicaOfLife Posted December 15, 2020 (edited) This looks rather brilliant. Very realistic looking building. Looks like there's some nice snot-work hidden in the facade. Well done! Oh, and the usage of that Harry Potter Window print in the phone booth is strikingly simple yet utterly brilliant. Edited December 15, 2020 by ReplicaOfLife Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CopperTablet Posted December 15, 2020 Fantastic job. I might have to get the Rebrickable file for this one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vlado_sk Posted December 15, 2020 Well, this is exactly type of building which I miss in Modulars... Those clear lines, simply Facade only with balconies, rain gutter. I love it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peedeejay Posted December 16, 2020 I‘m really in love with this one. Haven‘t seen such a style yet. Great! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ExeSandbox Posted December 16, 2020 22 hours ago, ReplicaOfLife said: This looks rather brilliant. Very realistic looking building. Looks like there's some nice snot-work hidden in the facade. Well done! Oh, and the usage of that Harry Potter Window print in the phone booth is strikingly simple yet utterly brilliant. Thank you! Yup, this building is covered in more SNOT than a five year old's toy. I've been planning to include a phone booth quite a while back and the Diagon Alley came just in time! 21 hours ago, CopperTablet said: Fantastic job. I might have to get the Rebrickable file for this one. Thanks, hope you enjoy it! 21 hours ago, Vlado_sk said: Well, this is exactly type of building which I miss in Modulars... Those clear lines, simply Facade only with balconies, rain gutter. I love it! Thanks you very much too! Yeah I noticed that many modular builds are often filled to the brim with details and that's totally not a bad thing as everybody seem to really like that, but I wanted to see iif I can take a different approach for this model. 4 hours ago, peedeejay said: I‘m really in love with this one. Haven‘t seen such a style yet. Great! Thanks, I appreciate it! Glad you're really in love with the building! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gotoAndLego Posted December 16, 2020 (edited) This really is spectacular. The colors are excellent, especially all the wood tones on the first floor. I really like the black fabric hanging off the table sides. Also, great accessibility bathroom fixtures. Edited December 16, 2020 by gotoAndLego Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Peppermint_M Posted December 17, 2020 NPU with the helmet for a wash-basin! This has a very smart appearance, it would look at home on Savile Row for sure. Also, love that phone box, a very good representation of one. Thanks for sharing it on the forum Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jus1973 Posted December 17, 2020 A fantastic build. I could almost imagine seeing this in any one of a number of UK towns. I love some of the little details, and having a raised walkway through to the rear like that is a great way of removing the desire to make a narrow ‘filler’ building, or stretch the main building too wide. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JopieK Posted December 17, 2020 Really nice MOC @Exe Sandbox. Nice details. Enough ideas to inspire others including me :) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LEGO Train 12 Volts Posted December 17, 2020 The ground floor is well done, but the first floor umbrella making workshop is great! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tomclair Posted December 18, 2020 Fantastic building, I love the colors and the architecture! So realistic Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
niteangel Posted December 18, 2020 Truly amazing, beautiful! I would love to see this in reality! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Merlict Posted December 18, 2020 The MOC itself is great.. but it's your photos / renders that take it to the next level. Seriously, these are better than the official 'Adult' photos they've been using for Expert sets. What are the printed windows for the phone box please? (And yes the cash register is a bit large, looks like a baby pipe organ haha) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SATSOK Posted December 18, 2020 Awesome moc !!! Loved the square cloth as it falls of the table. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MaximB Posted December 19, 2020 Wow!! A very great building! The color scheme is striking, as are the design solutions and execution technique! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
