Studio apartment build project

Normally starting in this hobby, you'd first get the figure and next create a diorama. I'm going to do things the other way around and started with a build of a small studio apartment first. I'll be posting progress over the next months.

First step is simply creating a base out of 5mm MDF and added a frame for added strength and to prevent warping.

r3500vdp wrote:I'm going to do things the other way around and started with a build of a small studio apartment first

That, actually, makes a lot of sense
Figures need some place to stay after all.

p.s. Welcome!

Very true! Thank you!

I'm looking forward to watching your progress.  I have a couple of 1/6 dioramas on the drawing board and most of the materials gathered up, but I haven't felt confident enough or had enough free time to start either one.

A 1/6 studio apartment is a great project and should be very versatile for several different characters!

Welcome aboard and keep us posted.

Looks like a solid beginning! The frame to limit warping is a very good idea.

Really looking forward to seeing this progress. I usually use plywood to build my dios, which helps stop warping. I have even starting using it for my stand alone walls. I do often glue foamboard to hardboard too, which works well.

I agree that the frame is a good idea, cardboard does warp pretty badly otherwise. Interested to see how it turns out.

Thanks so much for the welcome and feedback, much appreciated. Currently working on the backwall, trying to get a nice even paint cover.

Welcome aboard. You’re off to a good start. Will be interesting to see more progress, and ultimately who ends up in this environment.

Oh yay! Welcome and thank you for sharing your process! I'm looking forward to seeing this develop!.

Thanks again for the kind welcome and feedback! I have finished what will become the backwall. Took a while to get the painting nice and even (priming, painting, sanding, repeat painting, etc.).  Total size of the room will be 31 x 19 inches. The paint used is Behr spray can with color "Toasty Grey". It looks white currently but will show grey once assembled.

Solid work and choice of materials, I'm looking forward to see how it turns out.

Finally able to post an update. Finished the sides. Very lucky to have a friend who has a laser engraver / cutter and we used it to make the cut outs for the door and window. Not that easy to laser cut through 5mm MDF but managed to get it done.

Next step is back to painting and installing. May be some time as weather is not good and getting colder so takes a while to get a good coating.

That’s good progress, interested to see your creation emerge! Very handy to have access to the laser cutter

Thanks! Lot of fun to work on.

Woohoo, the first wall is painted and put into position. Put masking tape on to prevent glue getting into the paint. Using carpenter glue for a strong bond.

Yay, it's taking shape!

Nice, clean work.

Looking good so far!

Ooh! Exciting!! We've entered 3D!

You're putting that fitness equipment to good use, I see!

Ha ha! Yes that weight lifting thing has been very useful in a lot of projects It's incredibly heavy so great for gluing surfaces, etc.

It’s coming along nicely. The laser cutting is really clean — wish I had access to that, but I have to do it all by hand.

Well, all walls are up now. Corners have been filled in with putty, and just waiting for minor touch ups. The next update will either be success or end of project as I'm putting in the floor. It will be actual wood flooring (i.e. not printed paper), and is delivered on 4 sheets to fit the room. Thing is from what I recall the adhesive is so strong that it fitting is a one-chance deal, either ok or disaster. So fingers crossed. Wood floor sheets are in the mail currently coming from the US.

Perhaps you can set the wood floor panels in place using a different, less instantly permanent, adhesive rather than peeling the paper backing off the sticky side of the panels.