Sunday, October 14, 2012

I know what you're thinking . . . does the world really need another blog?!  Probably not, but here I am.  If blame can be placed, I point my finger toward my partner, Ray Whitledge of "modernminiatures-whitledge-burgess".  Ray has so enjoyed sharing his journey with the transformation of a Chessington Plaza structure, that he has encouraged me to enter the world of the blogger.  My question had been . . . what can I possibly write about that would be of interest to our fellow miniaturists?  Then it came to me.  I have always wanted to design a dollhouse in 1:12 scale and build it using "real life" construction techniques.  And so, as my journey begins, I'm proud to introduce . . .

"the dollscottage"

To begin, I spent the first few weeks playing the role of "the client".  Sounds simple enough, but this is a daunting task for any professional in the design field . . . there are sometimes simply too many options!  Plunging ahead, I asked myself, how could a house that I would want to "live in", be designed within the parameters of a dollhouse.  I knew that it couldn't be too large since we had to be able to get it out of the basement someday.  I also knew that while it had to "open" to allow access to the interior, I wanted to accomplish this in a way that didn't involve the opening of the exterior walls.  The end result is a house that is built in two halves, joined together.  Since we all know a picture is worth a thousand words, here are a few drawings of the final design . . .

This is the front elevation

This is the right elevation

This is the rear elevation

And finally, this is the left elevation


I'll end this post with the floor plans.  This will give you some time to review the overall design of the cottage.  Next time, I'll explain my concepts for the function of all of the rooms . . . and how the house comes apart!


First Floor Plan

Second Floor Plan


Thank you for visiting my new blog.  I hope you've enjoyed this introduction to "the dollscottage", and I hope you'll become followers of its progress over the next several months.  I'm looking forward to sharing my trials and tribulations with you!

Until next time . . .
Scott

23 comments:

  1. Hi Scott!
    Welcome to "Bloglandia"!
    I have the privilage of seeing this structure come to life before anyone else! I know what you are capable of and bloggers are in for a treat!
    Welcome...........
    You know who

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  2. Welcome to the Bloger's land, Scott. I'll follow your progress with big anxiety since the whole idea that you have represented is so close to my heart. I've been thinking about building a house I would love to live in in a miniature scale. Where else is it possible to make a dream true? Mini hugs, Natalia

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  3. Hello Scott,
    Welcome! I just love your project! It's going to be great to follow the construction of a "real house" construction miniature. It's a great and challenging project and very, very exciting. I just love the design and plans you've come up with. The house is beautiful and I like the floor plans and the flow of the rooms very much. I can't wait to see more!
    Big hug,
    Giac

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  4. Nice looking forward to seeing the progress

    and welcome.

    Mario

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  5. C'est une belle et intéressante aventure qui commence , que je suivrai avec beaucoup de plaisir moi qui suis incapable de faire un plan !!!
    Je suis admirative et impatiente de de voir les travaux démarrer!!
    A bientôt!
    Isabelle

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  6. Hello Scott,

    How exciting! I have another miniature "construction project" to follow. The design plans look fabulous, and I love the idea of a dollhouse that will split in two for viewing.

    I am looking forward to seeing your progress.

    Cheers,
    Julie

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  7. Hello Scott,

    Welcome to Blogland!!! I am delighted to see you here and look forward to seeing this wonderful house built.

    I am already envious of your outstanding CAD program designing skills. Ray has share some of that with with us.

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  8. There can never be too many blogs Scott! Welcome!

    Ooooh a project from scratch, how wonderful! Will look forward to seeing progress. :o))

    Michelle :o))

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  9. Hello! I have already signed up for a few hours to your blog, but only now I found the time to translate your first words and to write a comment. Your project is very interesting and follow it with pleasure. I'm planning to plant for my Bethany Cottage and I know how diificile decide among many options in such a small space. I can not wait to see how it will proceed. See you soon.

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  10. It's such a thrill to have 20 followers already! A big thank you to those of you who took the time to comment. I'll try to keep my cottage construction informative . . . and fun!

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  11. Hi Scott!

    Welcome to the blogosphere! As someone who keeps stacks of house floor plans on hand (not sure why) I appreciate and am intrigued by your plan. Sure wish I had your CAD ability! I think I know how how your house will 'open,' so I'm really looking forward to see if I am correct...

    Best of luck, Scott!
    John

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  12. Hi Scott,
    Well, you have made me very curious about your project!
    Your skills with CAD will no doubt come in handy; looking forward to seeing your progress!
    Have fun,
    Hugs,
    Gee

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  13. miniature blogers always welcome! I admire your work very talented and looking forward to seeing your project from scratch completed!!

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  14. Welcome to the blog world. I am anxiously awaiting what is going to be a wonderful journey. Thanks for taking us along with you!

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  15. Hello Scott, so nice to see you here in blogland! I like the name you chose.

    I am really looking forward to following the build of this project. I have been studying the floor plans but can't quite figure out how the house will come apart. Maybe straight down the middle, or per floor?

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  16. It's nice to meet you at last after the occasional mention by Ray of your marvellous CAD skills!

    Welcome to blogland and I'm looking forward to following your project.

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  17. This is going to be a real treat, thanks for deciding to share it.

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  18. Oh, this promises to be a Wonderfully Original build!!! I look forward to seeing how it develops! The design looks very Liveable.... !
    Welcome to Mini Blogland!

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  19. Oh I love scratch built and your drawings are so intriguing, can't wait to watch it develop---

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  20. bienvenue Scott ! Très joli début pour cette maison, c'est avec plaisir que je vais en suivre l'évolution.
    A bientôt !
    rosethé-Minima

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  21. Scott, thanks so much for sharing your drawings and floor plans, and for including us on the journey to completing this house.

    There's much we can learn from you--looking forward to it!

    Sophia

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  22. I really look forward to seeing you build your dolls cottage Scott, great design.

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  23. Hello Scott !
    It seems that we all needed a new miniature blog ;-)
    And obviously we are all thrilled by your project and looking forward.
    So welcome and I hope to see very soon a lot of posts showing your work.

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