Aquatic Accommodations

Courtesy Fountain Castle by RedCoKid

Chantilly, France - (BTT) There's vacationing in style, and then there's this. The aptly named Fountain Castle - not just because of the brilliant blue hues on its facade but also because of the actual fountains on the garden side - is truly a grand hotel. Once you are done admiring the exquisite exterior details, from the wide variety of windows to the wonderful patina on the copper roof, feel free to step inside to find your bed and enjoy a night in true landmark.

The Maltese Barber

Courtesy 1228 Destinity Road by valgarise

1228 Destinity Road - (BTT) Always a fan of odd pairings, this dark green building is certainly as eclectic as it is beautiful. One the ground floor is a barber - perfect for those who have too much hair get some much needed relief. Upstairs is a detective's office, with the P.I. currently talking to a mysterious blonde straight out of a film noir classic. Finally, in the attic, a world-trekking explorer enjoys being surrounded by the spoils of his adventures. 

Scandinavian Habitations

Courtesy Swedish Sand Blue Villa by Thomas Selander

Sweden - (BTT) While the dream of home ownership might be as rosy as it has been in the past, at least in some parts of the world, there are few things more universally appealing than 4 walls all your own with a roof over them. Even better when those walls are painted such a beautiful shade of blue and trimmed elegantly in white such as this quaint Swedish home. If blue isn't your color, fear not - equally charming houses are available in both green and white, plus there is a lovely little brick number should masonry be your pleasure.

Streets Ahead

Courtesy City Module 1 by Tavernellos

Courtesy City Module 2 by Tavernellos

Rainbow Road - (BTT) While this site has occasionally featured multiple buildings at once, I do believe this is a new record. Fifteen buildings make up two sides of a street, each one different from the next in terms of color, style, and detailing. Like all urban planning success stories, it is the mix of uses that really brings life to the area. Traffic is looking a little slow, though, so perhaps you better opt for the tram instead if you're planning a trip. 

Being a Jerk

Courtesy Soda Shop by Hoexbroe

Cunningham Circle - (BTT) Nostalgia is a funny thing. While it's easy to say you miss the good ol' days of a simpler time (even if you were born decades too late to have actual memories of said time), you might be singing a different song once you realize there were only three TV channels and all phones were attached to the wall and could only be used to talk to people. Thankfully you can have the best of both worlds by using the GPS in your hybrid to visit this throwback Soda Shop, complete with an interior straight out of the 1950s. 

Seeing Red (and Orange and Yellow)

Courtesy Autumn House by jpmacmillan

Deciduous Drive - (BTT) It appears summer is finally over, and good riddance as far as this author is concerned. One of the major perks that comes with the change of seasons, besides not sweating to death the moment you step outside, is enjoying the beautiful fall foliage. Perhaps there's no where better to admire nature's paintbrush than through the ample windows of this modern yet homey vacation home. Why not curl up next to the fireplace with your hot beverage of choice and take a moment to appreciate the falling leaves - you can worry about raking them later.

Back From The Dead

Apology Avenue - (BTT) It's been a looong time. Far from being abducted by aliens or going on a secret government assignment to save the world from some genetic experiment gone wrong, alas these two months off are for a far less worthy reason - I've been busy playing with plastic bricks. I'm guessing I'm not alone, though. What started as one week off turned to two turned to many more, and I do humbly apologize for the complete lack of updates. I know many of you have been checking in regularly only to leave without your Lego architecture fix, and to that I say sorry and thank you for your patience.

As a small consolation, I submit below a peek at my own latest creations - two cast iron inspired modulars that those who live in or around the NYC area can currently see in the flesh by visiting the Lego Store at Rockefeller Center - they should remain there through November. These were originally done as part of ILUGNY's stunning display at the recent New York Comic Con, but sadly only the grey one was ready in time.

Courtesy Cast Iron District by sonicstarlight

If you created a stunning project that you feel was unfairly ignored in the BTT hiatus, or if you want to nominate someone else's work for consideration, please email me, send me a flickr mail, or just respond to this topic. Again, thank you all for your continued support - it really is appreciated.

Higher Education

Courtesy Apple Square University by RedCoKid

Graduation Boulevard - (BTT) Not all universities need their buildings to be placed along quadrangles and covered in ivy - such space (and flora) is a luxury many urban campuses just don't have access to. Located in the heart of downtown and occupying a block appropriate for their name, the Apple Square University provides those academically minded a brilliant home for their brilliant ideas. Each floor is dedicated to a different discipline and all are flooded with natural light thanks to a central atrium with an ample skylight above. Quite the payoff for all that fancy book learnin'.

Going for Gold

Courtesy Sherlock Holmes Pub by p e d

London, England - (BTT) The Olympics have come and gone, so Londoners once again can return to their local pubs without being outnumbered by a flock of tourists. Occupying the ground floor of this gorgeous Georgian townhouse is the Sherlock Holmes Pub, named for a character that has seen quite a spike in popularity as of late. The gold trim along the entry facade as well as the golden accents on the floors above give this place a certain touch of class lacking in most buildings - not to mention the fact it compliments so many of the medals handed out to the great people of Britain these past weeks. 

Gaming Goodness

Courtesy Brickin' Games by DarthNick

D-Pad Drive - (BTT) The gaming industry is certainly at a bit of a crossroads lately. Physical copies or digital distribution? $60 epics or 99¢ time wasters? Analog sticks and buttons or motion controls and touch screens? Whether this is exciting or frightening is a matter of opinion, but the fine folks at Brickin' Games have done their finger exercises and are ready to code the next great blockbuster. Working in their Mies van der Rohe-esque modernist headquarters - the dark steel exterior contrasting brilliantly with the bright and cheery interior - this company truly has an office as slick as their products.