The Island of El Harraz: Build Log

See inside the build process for my Island of El Harraz model in this build log.

As with most of my builds, I started out with the base. The front part of the island was mostly sand, while the back corner transitioned to rockwork.  To make it easier to transport the model to Brickworld Chicago, I divided the base into 3 separate sections that connected via technic axles and 1×2 technic bricks with cross.

With 2 plate layers of dark tan sand down, I transitioned to regular tan, to represent the dry sand. I enjoyed incorporating some 1×1 quarter circle tiles in tan here, as we had gotten quite a few in last year’s LUG bulk order.

With the base well underway, I started work on a few buildings. I had a lot of fun experimenting with different colors for these, and even managed to utilize some sand blue that we acquired a while ago. With one of the main features of this display being the market on the island, I added a small awning with some goods onto the side of one of the houses.

Several of the buildings are placed now, and I added some palm trees.

A closer look at the dark tan tower. The white doorway that sticks out half a stud and the cheese mosaics on the sides were a few of my favorite details here.

It’s starting to come together! The tower is finished and placed, I added a fountain to the courtyard, and I started on the palace in the back of the build. Once the first couple houses and tower were in place, it was pretty easy to establish the size of the main building.

The cobblestone is completed, as is the market. I tried to include a large variety of goods to really set a bustling marketplace vibe for the scene. If you would like to see how to make all the market stands that I used here, check out our Market Stalls Tutorial.

Lots more progress on the building complex in the back corner. Each of the smaller buildings and sections of the large complex were built separately, and easily removed for transport. A couple trellises added a nice touch of green to the buildings, and I also felt they fit the middle eastern setting well.

And here is the completed build, except for some bright green plants which were added to finish the landscape.

I hope you enjoyed this build log, if you have any questions or comments, let us know!