Storm Mansion Project

This is a personal project that I designed back around 2014, initially.
Unfortunately it never got completed, as the drive it was stored on stopped working and I lost the entire project.
I shall revisit this project and start again in time, when I feel ready.

Original/AutoCAD Drafts

Original Drafts

These are the cleaned up images of my original drawings, for my idea of a mansion.
I initially got the idea for this style whilst visiting Czech Republic (Now Czechia) and I was looking at a potential house to buy and remodel.
It is a Barak style house, which used to be a school, with living quarters on the left and the school on the right.

The original house had barns at the back forming the enclosure, but still an extravagant gate at the front, as its main entrance.
I then adapted this style to include a Chinese theme (from when I visited China and picked up some ideas for this project).

I decided to build the two sides together, making it one large building, using what would have been the barn space at the back for a huge feature swimming pool.
The plans to the left are my initial drafts for the mansion.

Measured Drawings

These are the plans with measurements made, for a more accurate representation when modelling later - and for creating precise CAD drawings from.

Final CAD Floorplans

These are the final CAD floorplans I created within Autodesk AutoCAD.
I shall put them all into a layout and create a portfolio of them once they are all finished.
It is my first time using AutoCAD and I tried to make the measurements look neat, but there were so many to add in, that it was not an easy task. I may attempt to clean them up once all plans have been created.

Final CAD Floorplans cont..

These are the first of the final CAD floorplans, that I created within Autodesk AutoCAD, of the basement and ground floor plans.
I have labelled each room and elements within the scene.
I shall re-do the measurement annotations once each plan is finished, so I can make them all look consistent.

Aerial View Floorplans Finished

These are the final aerial view CAD floorplans, that I created within Autodesk AutoCAD, of the basement, ground floor, 1st floor and attic.
I have labelled each room and elements within the scene.
I shall work on the elevation drafts next. I am very happy with how these are turning out, and learning how to use AutoCAD pretty quickly - even finding some short cuts to creating each drawing.

Final Plans Finished

Front view with Measurements

Left view with Measurements

Rear view with Measurements

Right view with Measurements

Final Plans Ready to Export

Here is a layout I created in AutoCAD with all final floorplans and elevations together.
I made some slight amendments from my original measurements, as when I exported into 3ds Max the top of the U-shaped corridor did not line up on all plans, plus a few windows on the side elevations did not line up with the floorplans.
This is the final look of all plans as they were exported, ready to model.

Progress Update 4th September 2024:

Above is an image showing all plans in place, within 3dsMax, ready to begin modelling.
To the right is an image showing the basement walls modelled, this was tricky initially, (as the usual method would to be to draw the line, in top view with snaps on, to snap each point to the area of the floorplan required, to extrude for the wall), as there are curved walls to trace.
I got around this by cloning the floorplan, then deleting everything within it, except the wall lines.
This gave a very good extrude - mostly, needing a few minor amendments to match the plans, by adding a shell for the wall thickness, then converting to edit poly to create the walls exactly.

Next I shall create the floor for each section of the basement, model the doorways, then repeat for each floor.
Update: Floors modelled and in place, doorways joined and that's the main elements for the basement - except stairs - modelled.
Just need to model skirting, doorframes and doors, plus everything that will go in it - but obviously I'll model the other floors way before any of that.

Basement Modelling Started

Update 5th September 2024:

I have made a great start in modelling the ground floor level, just boxing it all out at the moment with each floor, getting doorways in place, walls, windows and cut-outs for stairs, pools etc.

Coming along very well, but a very long way to go still.

Really enjoying working on my own personal project, testing my skills and knowledge (memory too).

Modelling The Roof

Below are images where I am attempting to model the very intricate Chinese style roof.

This is proving to be very tricky, not only because of the intricacy of an oriental roof, and the fact that I have chosen to model each element of the roof (struts, joists, supports etc), but it is also showing where there are flaws within the original design.
Bearing in mind I originally drew these plans a decade ago, and was my first attempt at architectural drafting, the idea for the roof seemed plausible.
This project is actually my 2nd attempt at modelling from these plans, and modelling the roof is where I was originally having trouble too, but I was hoping that after creating precise CAD drawings, it would aid this process. Alas, it has only shown where some extra work and amendments are needed.
The first issue I came across was the huge area above the rear, which is very flat - if keeping it according to my original plans (I never drew an aerial view to have realised this before modelling).
After attempting to find a work around - including merging in my original models from my previous attempt (which I kept the garage and tower roofing, as I liked how I approached this initially 10 years ago), I then decided to add an extra roof element at the rear, to give a run off for water around the flat area - I might need to add a miniature version of this along the lengths too, but shall see?

Another minor issue was where I originally drew the room partitions and how the 'cut off' with the roof, plus matching in with the back of the towers. So, I moved a few walls, just slightly, to fill the rear of the towers and seal them off.
Honestly, I shall be very happy once the roof is completed, as it is taking much longer than expected - but hopefully worth it in the end(?), and I really want to get on with modelling the details of the mansion, so I can start adding textures - I plan on exporting each section separately into Substance Painter for this part.

Roof Struts Started

Joins Added to Struts - Front View

Joins Added to Struts - Rear View

Original Roofing from an older model imported and an extra roof modelled at the rear - Window Booleans' in place too.

Supports Added to Struts - Front View

Supports Added to Struts - Rear View

Supports Added to Struts - Right View

Update: I have re-imagined the roof to be a lot more similar to my original plans, as I really was not keen on that extra tower idea.
I have slightly raised the bigger area and along the straights, to give everywhere a bit more of a slope, without having to sacrifice my original idea.
I am much happier with this idea, just adding a little bit more height to the roofs, and not making it an eyesore.
Next I shall work on windows and doors, just to have a rest from the roof for now.

Windows & Doors Modelling Started

Swimming Pool Model Started
Aquarium Style Windows Modelled and Stairs

Ladder Modelled for the Deep End

Almost forgot to put in that door - Doh!

Close up of the door style and window.

Stairs blocked out!

Close up of the swimming pool with diving board, ladder and jacuzzi.

Swimming pool from another angle.

Walls back in place to see how it is coming together.

Dual Staircase blocked out, ready for detailed modelling.

All L-Shaped Stairs are completed.

A side view, so you can see how the Spiral Stairs - and others - fit into place.

This weekend's update 16/09/2024:

I have blocked out all stairs now and finished a few too.

Looking so much better now with all stairs in place, connecting the floors together.

All railings are temporary for now, using 'RailClone Lite' to create them within 3ds Max, but I shall model official - more oriental styled - railings, using these as guides for positioning (or how not to position in some areas, hence 'temporary railings in place').

Next stage, after the stairs are completed, I shall model the remaining windows at the front, the main front doors, porch roof etc. Then skirting, and finally onto the roofs to complete them.

Once I have all main parts of the mansion modelled, I shall begin UV-Unwrapping, adding vertex colours for separate sections, and taking them into Substance Painter individually and adding textures.

It'll be this stage where you'll start to see my vision truly come to life.

Full View Front.

Full View Rear.

Main Stairs Leading to the Attic.

Update 16/09/2024:

I have finally got around to modelling the front windows. This was a bit of a task, as the polys' around the initial windows were slightly messy, due to the boolean used.
So, I took some time to neaten them up, before using the inner polygons as a guide for the shape of the window.
I have also modelled more of the front gates leading into the property, as well as the roof struts for the porch and higher wall above.
As much as I am putting off finishing the roofs, I am looking forward to seeing how it shall all look fully enclosed, but I want to finish all other main elements of modelling first, as it is just quicker to get these out of the way, before I concentrate on modelling the rest of the roofs.

Rear View of Current Stage.

Spiral Stairs Leading to the Attic.

Front Porch Roof Struts Modelled.

Front Windows and Porch Modelled.

Ground Floor Skirting Finished.

Skirting Close-up.

Main Basement Modelling Finished.

Main Basement Modelling Finished - Rear.

Update 17/09/2024:

I have finished placing all the skirting boards on all floors - that took most of the day, but looks much better for it.
I also adjusted the main door style to create a double door for the gym, and just finished modelling the grandiose dual staircase that leads from the swimming pool to the balconies.
I am making great progress, especially considering the main aspects for the basement are completely modelled and ready to texture. Just have all of the furniture and assets to model for the basement now - but shall be starting those once all of the main aspects for the mansion are completed (It will be like lots of mini projects, as I model each asset, I am looking forward to it).

All skirting boards in place on all floors.

The final look for the dual staircase.

Final look of everything in place for today - those stairs look amazing! 😎

I hid the walls, so you can see the railings together.

Update 18/09/2024:

I have modelled the final look for the railings, for all balconies.
I am very happy with how they have turned out, much more like the style of the building, keeping that oriental theme.
I am really liking the black & red look also, a happy mistake - I was just making each element separate colours for now, until I add textures, just so they show up better in these snapshots. Now I think I have a colour theme for the mansion - obviously not all elements, but shall be regular.
It was fiddly getting the railings to match the curves of the more bespoke balconies, but it was so worth the hassle, as they look amazing.
Realised today that I still have not modelled the flume and trampolines/sponge pit/climbing wall, so I am now making a list of what is remaining to model before I tackle the roof; as I want everything inside the mansion modelled before I enclose it all with the roof (other than all furniture etc obviously, or the roof will never get finished, Lol!).

First set of railings finished, showing the temporary railings to compare.

All railings finished, front view with roof element.

All railings finished, front view without roof element.

All railings finished, top view without roof element.

All railings finished, top view with roof element.

Top view of swimming area.

Update 19/09/2024:

I have modelled the flume for the swimming pool, so everything in that area is finished now.
After a little bit of research into flume designs, I opted to model a spiral flume, instead of just a curved one as planned, since this looks a lot more fun to ride.
Next I plan to model the cable supports for the attic walkway, then the trampolines and sponge pit, followed by the climbing wall.
That would leave me with pillars - which shall be ornate dragon pillars (I plan to use displacement maps to extrude the dragon around the pillar, since sculpting it will take a very long time and a ton more polys), then the front gates/doors. Which once all are finished I can finally complete the roof, and everything will be ready to UV-unwrap, add vertex colours and texture in Substance Painter. #nearlythere

Idea for the pillars

Flume modelled.

Aerial view of swimming area.

Progress so far: 19/09/24

Supports modelled for the Attic Walkway.

Alternate view of finished walkway.

Underneath of walkway, showing support brackets.

Enclosures modelled.

Update 20-21/09/2024:

I have made a start with the 'Fun Room' and modelled the trampoline/sponge pit enclosures. The trampoline enclosures both have access from the basement for maintenance purposes - also to make sure nobody can walk underneath whilst the trampolines are in use.
I have also modelled the canvas, springs and supports for each trampoline - close up below, so you can see the detail involved.
Next I shall model crash mats for inside each enclosure, plus around the area of the fun room, as I want to make it completely safe for those using the trampolines/sponge pit/climbing wall - or just fun to jump off and land on a large crash mat?!
Then I shall model the actual trampoline canvases/springs/attachments, and the sponge elements. Before I move onto designing and modelling the climbing wall.

Main trampoline elements modelled.

Close up of the detail put into the springs/eyelets and supports of the trampolines.

Update 22/09/2024:

I have created padded surrounds to cover the springs of the trampolines, a crash mat for the base of the sponge pit - for extra safety when landing. Padded walls behind the trampolines - for fun and safety, using the oriental design that matches with the railings on the balconies.
I used primitive shapes for the sponges in the pit, adding a minor chamfer for realistic edging, then used Mass-FX plug-in to fill the pit with them.
Lastly, I boolean'd holes in the above balconies for access to the fun room/gym below via free-fall, knotted rope and fireman's pole.
Just the climbing wall to model for this area now and the knotted rope/fireman's pole.

Padded surrounds modelled - left one off, so you can see the trampoline elements and how they cover them.

All padded surrounds in place, plus a crash mat modelled in the sponge pit.

Sponge pit filled with sponges.

Decorative Padded Walls Modelled.

Access holes from the balconies to the Fun Room/Gym below, with smooth, metallic edging.

Knotted Rope and Fireman's Pole Modelled.

Front View of the roof on the towers.

Update 23/09/2024:

I have started modelling extra struts/support joists on the main roof area, to support the uprights (well, slanted supports), as you can see modelled on top of the two towers.
I made the choice to model the upright joists and the waterproof cover as one whole piece, as this is how you would see them from both sides, and saves time (ironically did not in the end, modelling on an angle is extremely tricky).
I'm fine with this aesthetic for the towers, but for the main roofs I shall only show the joists above the waterproof cover, then I can use the plane base as a ceiling for the rooms of the attic.
I still have to model the tiles to go on top, but it is great seeing how the roof will be shaped, looks really cool, and just how I imagined it - which is a bonus!

Left View of the roof on the towers.

Perspective View of the roof on the towers.

Comparison of with/without the tile support in place.

Both tile supports on the towers.

Climbing Wall and Crash Mats Modelling Started.

Crash Mats Finished

Crash Mats Finished - Alternate View.

Today's update (24/09/2024):

I have made a start on the roof, finished modelling the windows and made a start with the tile supports - thankfully found a quick-ish way to model what I need, then copy/paste/edit to suit each section. Plus I can use the same method to create the rear tile supports, and top ones too.

It's looking really cool and it is great to finally have the windows modelled for the attic, and see the roof begin to take shape.

I moved the position of a few windows, from what I originally planned, to suit the position according to the room it is in - or according to the, already made, roof struts/joists.

These were minor movements, so not detrimental to my original vision.

Next I shall finish modelling the tile supports, then crack on with modelling the tiles also. It's finally coming together and it is looking even more amazing than I originally visioned. Can't wait to begin adding textures.

All attic windows are modelled, and have made a start on tile supports.

Alternate view.

This afternoon's update (25/09/2024):

I have added more tile supports over the main roof and modelled the tile supports for the attic windows - and they are looking amazing.

Really can't wait to see how it looks with tiles added also, as it is really taking shape now and looking like a proper, oriental style, mansion.

I am extremely proud with how this is turning out and it takes my breathe away already - can't imagine how overwhelmed I'll be once the project is finished and it looks like an actual, real life mansion.

This evening's update (25/09/2024): Have finished all of the tile supports for the roof - which was a huge task, but so worth it!

It looks so cool now it has an intact roof.

Just the front wall and porch to add tile supports, then I can begin creating the tiles!!

That will be a huge part of the project, and I expect to take the rest of the week sorting it, as the tiling itself is extremely detailed - mostly the decorations that sit upon it.

This evening's update (26/09/2024):

I have finished modelling the final tile supports over the front porch and above wall, so ready to begin modelling the tiles at last; so you shall soon see how the mansion looks complete - as a shell anyway.

Also, finally got around to modelling the main front gates/doors.

Just need to model the surround pillars - also the sculpted dragon pillars that are going to be holding up the balconies (that'll take a while though, and vastly increase the already high - 3M+ - poly count).

Hats off to my PC for handling this massive project, it's going to hate me by the time all furniture, assets, trees, shrubbery etc are modelled. Lol! (I'll have to hide the entire mansion as I create the surrounding area. Lol!)

Modelling The Tiles

This Weekend's update (30/09/2024):

I have modelled the four different types of tile necessary for the roofs, and have played around with the array modifier to get the best look for how they are placed upon the roof.
I tested this out with the small wall above the front porch, and with a bit of tweaking, it looks really cool.
I still need to model the elements that rest on the support beams, but otherwise it is coming along very nicely indeed.

Tiles Textured with Substance Painter

Final Look

Tiles Textured with Substance Painter

Final Look - Full View

Tonight's update:

I have been out all day, so had little time to make progress today.

Although, I have created final textures, in Substance Painter, for all of the tiles - and replaced the ones from the weekend.

So, the good news is, I now have tiles finished to populate the roofs - tomorrow! Lol!

It will be a huge task - you've seen the roofs! - but will look amazing when finished.

Gave it a quick render in Corona - needs a ton of tweaking etc, but just wanted to see the tile's textures in rendered form.

Base End Tile Texture detail Close Up

Round End Tile Texture detail Close Up

Main Tile Texture detail Close Up

Rendered in Corona with Detail Displaced.

Displacement of detail tweaked and lights warmed up and less intensity.

Showing UV Unwrap and beginning of textures.

Close up of door knocker/keyhole textures.

All textures finished.

This afternoon's update (01/10/24):

I have UV unwrapped the main front doors/hinges etc and added texture that I created within Substance Painter.

This afternoon, I shall add the wood texture I have created in Substance Designer to the beams and tile supports, then I can go about placing all the tiles on the roofs (rooves? Which is correct?!)

Shown, are test renders that I took to see how things were looking at each stage this morning/afternoon.

Very happy with how these are coming out, and they're looking amazing with proper textures.

This evening's update:

I have made good progress UV unwrapping the front porch tiles supports and front wall tile supports, creating textures for them all and replacing the originals.

Just need to add textures on the remaining front porch tile supports, then I can place tiles upon them.

I still need to model the tile decorations that sit upon the main exposed beams and at the ends of the partition beams, but shall create those once all beams are textured and tiles are in place.

Front porch roof tiled - test render, needed adjustments.

Adjustments made to porch roof, close-up render.

Full render of porch roof tiled.
Keeps bugging me about the window decoration hitting the floor above...

....solved it! Moved the windows down 20cm to give a little space above them, before the next floor.

Tonight's Update:

I have UV-unwrapped and textured the main front porch, including creating my own textures using photoshop and substance painter, plus an old photo I took a decade ago of stone cladding that I liked on a house, and thought it'd look good on my mansion.

I have also modelled the font porch surround and podiums either side for the Foo Dogs/Oriental Lions to sit (They ward off evil spirits when placed at the entrance to a building, according to Chinese folklore). I still need to model the Foo dogs, but will come to that when I model the dragon pillars and roof ornaments etc.

Very happy with today's progress - I will get around to UV-unwrapping/texturing the remaining roof tile supports, so I can place tiles, but just got distracted with the front porch today. Lol!

Door open so you can see the door jam texture - and that it's rigged!

07/10/2024:

Huge update overload - as I have not had time to post recently:

Still have not finished texturing the remaining tile supports on the roof, as I have got majorly distracted texturing the main building itself, experimenting with various looks and even designing my own stone cladding material/texture in Substance Designer.

Also have created most of the window textures, within Substance Painter.

It's so cool being able to see inside the building again.

I did make a start on the remaining tile supports, as you can see.

Next, I shall actually finish the remaining tile supports, so I can finally tile the rest of the rooves.

Plus I shall add texture to the final wall exterior and garage too.

Testing how the Exterior textures look when rendered.

Comparing the two different textures I created, to see which I prefer?!

Love having the window material in place and actually seeing into the mansion properly again.

Those feature windows really do the mansion justice!

Main window UV-unwrapped.

Main window final texture.

Main Central Window Textured.

The Stone Cladding Texture I created within Substance Designer.

Fairly complicated Node Tree.

Skirting Textured - well, on one floor so far.

Update 08/10/2024:

I have textured the garage, plus modelled the door/handle/lock.

I have textured a load of joists and tile supports, slowly getting there.
I also fixed issues with a few textures that brought up warnings pre-render (and gave that awful 'no material' red warning in the renders). So, very happy with getting that fixed finally.
I have made a lot of 'hidden' progress today - as in, things that won't actually be seen entirely, but essential to the look I am going for.
Next I shall texture the remaining roof joists and tile supports, then I can finally place tiles everywhere (especially now I have fixed that issue).
Really looking forward to seeing how it'll look with all tiles in place.

Garage walls textured.

Garage door modelled and textured, plus the tile supports on the roof.

Climbing rope, in the Fun room, textured.

Made a great start with texturing more tile supports.

Randomiser added to roof tile textures - close up.

Randomiser added to roof tile textures.

Grass random tiling test render.

Had issues adding the final texture on the top floor....

...thankfully fixed it!

Was just the tiling at a minus number, for some weird reason?!

Glorious perspective view.
Once the roof is tiled, it's going to look amazing!

Update 10/10/2024:

This evening's update:

I have created and added textures to the interior walls, for the attic and first floor, remodelled a few tile supports in the main area at the rear, as I felt the original ones just weren't matching up and would have been impossible to tile as they were.

So, I redesigned them to match in with the rest and be practical also.

This put me behind texturing the remaining tile supports, but was worth it for when I begin tiling.

It's nice to have some textures inside finished also and see painted walls. I have opted for a neutral beige paint for now, but will amend when I get around to interior design for each room.

Next I shall texture the remaining/new tile supports, then start tiling.

Very happy with today's progress.

1st Floor interior walls textured.

All main joists/beams textured.

Remodelled some tile supports (in green) and textured most of the others.

Snap shot showing the newly remodelled tile supports (green).

That's as far as I got with this massive project.
Unfortunately my C Drive crashed and I lost everything.
This was back in October 2024 - I have not gone back to any creative project since, just too devastated after pouring my heart and soul into this amazing project, only to lose it all; before getting to finish it.
Typing this May 2025 - trying to get myself back into the creative mind-frame, hoping one day to retry this project.

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