NEWS: LEGO® Icons 10350 Tudor Corner
by Lead Designer - François Zapf (right) and Graphic Designer - Ashwin Visser | LEGO Group
Jan. 10. 2025
Order at LEGO SHOP
Meet LEGO Designer: Video
Video Review by Tiago Catarino
Reviewed by David Vi Boi Huynh, BOI DESIGN STUDIO
Design and Build
Architectural Design:
Tudor Corner introduces a significant aesthetic shift by incorporating traditional British Tudor architecture into the modular building lineup. The half-timber construction and intricate angled wall designs lend authenticity and charm to the set, reflecting the craftsmanship of real-world Tudor buildings. The callbacks to the classic LEGO Castle 6067 Guarded Inn, like the printed signage and shield motifs, bridge the gap between nostalgia and innovation.
Tudor Corner introduces a significant aesthetic shift by incorporating traditional British Tudor architecture into the modular building lineup. The half-timber construction and intricate angled wall designs lend authenticity and charm to the set, reflecting the craftsmanship of real-world Tudor buildings. The callbacks to the classic LEGO Castle 6067 Guarded Inn, like the printed signage and shield motifs, bridge the gap between nostalgia and innovation.
Interior Details:
The set is packed with nuanced interior details, from the cozy pub's curved bar with its breakfast spread to the clockmaker’s workshop brimming with horological instruments. Each floor offers unique themes and cohesive storytelling, with small but meaningful callbacks to earlier LEGO modular sets.
The set is packed with nuanced interior details, from the cozy pub's curved bar with its breakfast spread to the clockmaker’s workshop brimming with horological instruments. Each floor offers unique themes and cohesive storytelling, with small but meaningful callbacks to earlier LEGO modular sets.
Engineering and Techniques:
The half-timber design, achieved through angled plates and parts-intensive layering, is an engineering triumph. Similarly, the sideways staircase construction showcases LEGO's focus on advancing building techniques. The roof's intricate angles, achieved via clip-and-bar assemblies, ensure stability without sacrificing design complexity.
The half-timber design, achieved through angled plates and parts-intensive layering, is an engineering triumph. Similarly, the sideways staircase construction showcases LEGO's focus on advancing building techniques. The roof's intricate angles, achieved via clip-and-bar assemblies, ensure stability without sacrificing design complexity.
Sustainability:
LEGO’s push for recyclable packaging is commendable, with nearly all bags being paper and the thoughtful addition of sleeves for instruction booklets and baseplates to prevent damage.
LEGO’s push for recyclable packaging is commendable, with nearly all bags being paper and the thoughtful addition of sleeves for instruction booklets and baseplates to prevent damage.
Display Value
The Tudor Corner exudes a timeless aesthetic that stands out in a modular street display. The black-and-white half-timber architecture contrasts beautifully with the pastel-blue haberdashery section, while the angled rooflines and dormer windows provide visual interest. The small exterior details, like the foliage and ornate signage, add depth and realism. Whether displayed alone or alongside other modular buildings, this set will undoubtedly become a centerpiece due to its distinctive style.
Build Experience
Engagement:
The set offers a deeply engaging build experience, with intricate techniques and a variety of sub-assemblies. From the angled walls to the sideways staircase and detailed roof design, every step introduces fresh challenges and keeps the builder invested.
The set offers a deeply engaging build experience, with intricate techniques and a variety of sub-assemblies. From the angled walls to the sideways staircase and detailed roof design, every step introduces fresh challenges and keeps the builder invested.
Storytelling:
LEGO’s inclusion of narrative notes (e.g., the pub’s historical ties to the Guarded Inn and the clockmaker’s link to previous modular sets) enriches the experience, though some may find the repeated callbacks a tad heavy-handed.
LEGO’s inclusion of narrative notes (e.g., the pub’s historical ties to the Guarded Inn and the clockmaker’s link to previous modular sets) enriches the experience, though some may find the repeated callbacks a tad heavy-handed.
Challenges:
The techniques used, such as off-grid construction for angled walls and densely packed interiors, provide a rewarding challenge for experienced builders. However, newer builders might find the intricacy overwhelming, making this set best suited for intermediate to advanced fans.
The techniques used, such as off-grid construction for angled walls and densely packed interiors, provide a rewarding challenge for experienced builders. However, newer builders might find the intricacy overwhelming, making this set best suited for intermediate to advanced fans.
Value and Pricing
Part Count and Price:
At $229.99 (US) for 3,266 pieces, the price-per-piece ratio is approximately $0.07, well within the standard range for modular buildings. With no new molds but several recolored elements and printed tiles, the set delivers excellent value through its design and build complexity rather than introducing groundbreaking new pieces.
At $229.99 (US) for 3,266 pieces, the price-per-piece ratio is approximately $0.07, well within the standard range for modular buildings. With no new molds but several recolored elements and printed tiles, the set delivers excellent value through its design and build complexity rather than introducing groundbreaking new pieces.
Longevity and Reusability:
The set’s versatile pieces (e.g., black-and-white elements for half-timber construction) and recolored parts (pearl-gold droid arms) will appeal to custom builders. The thoughtful inclusion of structural and decorative elements makes this a worthy investment for long-term use.
The set’s versatile pieces (e.g., black-and-white elements for half-timber construction) and recolored parts (pearl-gold droid arms) will appeal to custom builders. The thoughtful inclusion of structural and decorative elements makes this a worthy investment for long-term use.
Overall Impression
Tudor Corner is a celebration of LEGO’s evolution in modular building design, seamlessly blending nostalgia with innovation. The intricate architectural details, engaging build experience, and eco-friendly packaging make it a standout addition to the LEGO Icons series.
Final Rating Based on Formgiving
Design and Build: 9.5/10
Display Value: 9/10
Build Experience: 9/10
Value and Pricing: 8.5/10
Overall Impression: 9/10
Final Score: 9/10
Conclusion
Tudor Corner is a near-perfect set for LEGO enthusiasts who value architectural depth, challenging builds, and immersive storytelling. While minor details, like limited half-timber angles on higher floors, could have been improved, the set's overall impact is undeniably impressive. A must-have for modular fans!
