FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Escher aint got NUTTIN’ on me!!

McDesign | Posted in Photo Gallery on September 2, 2007 04:34am

Okay – I’ve been playing with Monster House design for days – on a complicated one like this, I’ll actually draw it in 2D isometric to see where I’ve missed stuff.  Also helps to get the stairs worked out, and show the client what they’re getting.

Still have stuff to do here, upper stairs and roof form and all, but it’s mostly knocked.

This is all drawn from the design, not a 3D model.  It also is within 1/16″ true size (that is, on a 1/48 scale print, any errors are on the order of .001-.002″).

Had to share.

Basement level
View Image

Main level –
View Image

Mezzanine level –
View Image

Attic level –
View Image

Forrest – wrists are sore!


Edited 9/1/2007 9:38 pm by McDesign

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    Sphere | Sep 02, 2007 04:43am | #1

    Hmmm

    M.C. Escher IS McEscher!

    I never made the connection. Neat work..just add the water flowing up hill and ya got it licked.

     EDit:Damm, they bleeped me for a typo.

    Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

    "If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"



    Edited 9/1/2007 9:44 pm ET by Sphere

    1. highfigh | Sep 04, 2007 02:46am | #14

      "just add the water flowing up hill and ya got it licked"Dammit! ya beat me to it! What about people, walking upside-down, up the stairs?
      "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

  2. User avater
    McDesign | Sep 02, 2007 04:45am | #2

    Man!  Why is it, you put something up in lights, and the holidays just jump out at ya'?

    Milk bones to anyone who can find the three mis-hatched parts on the basement level.

    Forrest - humbled

    1. User avater
      Luka | Sep 02, 2007 05:07am | #3

      View Image

      Yeh... That'll work.

      1. User avater
        McDesign | Sep 02, 2007 06:08am | #4

        Wow!

        Okay - You got the left hand circle - it's the one that jumped out at me, but I'm amazed you saw it!  The floor hatch slipped up that wall, from the unconnected vertical line of the right-hand door jamb. 

        The other two circled areas do show the right thing - I was trying to show that the closet floors continue under the stair carriages.

        But - just under your middle circle are two short transverse lines that indicate the opening of the mirror-matching doorway in the right-hand circle.  It should be dark above the top tiny line, and dark below the bottom one.

        Forrest - is this a great forum, or what?

        1. User avater
          SamT | Sep 02, 2007 06:19am | #5

          I think the middle area basement stairs are running the wrong way.SamT

          1. User avater
            McDesign | Sep 02, 2007 06:23am | #6

            < basement stairs are running the wrong way>

            Ah!  Actually, do you remember in the intro of The Munsters TV show, where the stairway hinges up and you see the dragon?  Client found a place on the 'net where he could buy one!

            View Image

            Forrest

            Edited 9/1/2007 11:23 pm by McDesign

          2. User avater
            SamT | Sep 02, 2007 03:05pm | #8

            Munster house, indeed.SamT

          3. User avater
            Bluemoose | Sep 03, 2007 11:04pm | #11

            We just did a stair like that. We saw a kit online and called about purchasing it, but ended up just fabricating it ourselves. My boss came up with hinging the stairs and just using a winch that retracts from the ceiling to lift them. It ended up being pretty cost-effective and exactly what the customer wanted. On this house, from the garage, you would go up about 6 steps (the movable steps) to the prep room. If you raised the steps, you would go directly to a large unfinished area in the basement.Adam

          4. User avater
            McDesign | Sep 03, 2007 11:41pm | #12

            Man, that's so cool that somebody here's done that!

            Is this a great forum, or what?

            I think this 60" wide main stair will have a 38" wide  (by 7 steps) center section that swings up out of the center (so no worry about the balustrades along the sides).  Probably use those electric linear actuators that look like long skinny hydraulic cylinders to raise and lower it; one on either side.  They're safe because they have to be powered up AND down.

            I'll bet I wind up fabricating these, too.

            Forrest

          5. ronbudgell | Sep 04, 2007 01:55am | #13

            That would be fun to lay out on the ground. I would really like to do that.

            Ron

          6. caseyr | Sep 04, 2007 06:35am | #15

            "...the stairway hinges up and you see the dragon? Client found a place on the 'net where he could buy one!"So just how much does a dragon go for these days?...
            (and what do they do to your fire insurance premiums???)

          7. User avater
            McDesign | Sep 04, 2007 12:31pm | #16

            Ha! 

            Ba-dump-bump

            It's why we're using concrete for the walls!

            Forrest

          8. JohnT8 | Sep 04, 2007 07:19pm | #18

            stairway hinges up and you see the dragon?  Client found a place on the 'net where he could buy one!

            Like this (from the web)

            View Image

            Wonder if that thing would fling a mother in law?jt8

            "I was gratified to be able to answer promptly.

            I said 'I don't know.'"

             -- Mark Twain

          9. User avater
            McDesign | Sep 03, 2007 09:26pm | #10

            Whoops!

            Actually, you were right - on the other stair!  Here's the mezzanine level - I had gone back and forth on the "handedness" of that 3-floor stair, and the top flight visible here (red circle) should be over where the knee wall is, and vice-versa.

            View Image

            Thanks for keeping me honest  -

            Forrest

             

            Edited 9/3/2007 2:27 pm by McDesign

        2. User avater
          dieselpig | Sep 02, 2007 06:54am | #7

          Dude.... as a framer.... all I can say is DAMM that's a lot of corners!   LOL.... nice work bro... keep it up.View Image

          1. User avater
            McDesign | Sep 02, 2007 05:27pm | #9

            <that's a lot of corners!>

            Man, you know it!  Gonna' be lots of checking and triple checking.

            At least all the structural corners are just foam blocks Great-Stuffed together - it'll be like building a Lego castle.  The layout is optimized to use the maximum number of uncut, preformed PolySteel 90s and 45s.  The vast majority of the cut pieces will be at openings, where the ICFs slide into their preformed window and door bucks.

            Also, with the tall walls, my goal was to minimize the straight stretches of concrete, and gain as much 'section modulus" as possible.  Additionally, they say I can get by safely with less bracing during the pumping.

            Forrest

          2. MisterT | Sep 04, 2007 07:59pm | #20

            Brian as an exframer see previous post .
            .
            .
            .
            .
            .
            I have Transcended the need for Pants....oooohhhhmmmmmm......

            Edited 9/4/2007 1:00 pm ET by MisterT

  3. JohnT8 | Sep 04, 2007 07:16pm | #17

    Wheew!  Glad I'm not paying for the foundation on that one.  Lots o' corners.

    jt8

    "I was gratified to be able to answer promptly.

    I said 'I don't know.'"

     -- Mark Twain

  4. MisterT | Sep 04, 2007 07:57pm | #19

    Needs more jogs...
    Too many long (4') walls...

    :)

    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    I have Transcended the need for Pants....

    oooohhhhmmmmmm......

  5. User avater
    FatRoman | Sep 05, 2007 05:56am | #21

    Forrest,

    Speaking of Escher, when can we expect the Lego mockup of the Monster house? :)

    More construction models here -- http://www.andrewlipson.com/escher/relativity.html

    View Image

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Picture-Perfect Pergola

Built from locally sawn hemlock, this functional outdoor feature uses structural screws and metal connectors for fast, sturdy construction.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • Design and Build a Pergola
  • Podcast Episode 689: Basement Garages, Compact ERVs, and Safer Paint Stripper
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Are Single-Room ERVs the Answer?
  • Fire-Resistant Landscaping and Home Design Details

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data