Hobbit holes are a tricky proposition for LEGO builders, as being dug into the ground, they’re a test of landscaping as much as architecture. We’ve had two official versions of Bilbo’s hole, but it’s up to fan builds to fill in the rest of the Shire. Kamiel (bricks_4_all) offers up a peaceful hole for an unnamed hobbit that oozes charm. While not as large as last year’s The Shire, I much prefer Kamiel’s approach to terrain. The stepped plates allow for subtle gradation with a geometric cleanness that doesn’t shy away from LEGO’s block roots and evokes a cozy video game. The pair of trees add color and textural variation that turns a house into a homey scene.
Up close, we can appreciate the iconic round Hobbit door, not green like the one at Bag End, but a cheerful golden yellow. A ring of plates around the door creates a perfect circle without any curved bricks. The halfling resident is accompanied by a brace of coneys. Furry friends or a second breakfast?
