Parts info
725 Unique parts / 4,056 Total parts / 14 Minifigures / 11 Stickers
Description
Adventure in Transylvania is a project I’ve been planning for at least two years. Initially, it had nothing to do with BDP; I simply wanted to build a dark vampire castle.
A long time ago, I noticed that the greatest variety of interesting LEGO pieces is available in black and white. This especially applies to Technic elements, which I really enjoy using to recreate architectural details. And such a color choice leads towards a rather narrow range of themes—vampires being one of the more obvious.
The final decision was influenced by the release of two LEGO sets in 2023: Rivendell and the Orient Express. The first one is so perfect that it immediately discouraged me from attempting to compete in using white elements. The second one directed attention to Eastern Europe and the stories of the region’s most famous vampires. It was the right moment to seriously get to work. And when the LEGO Collectible Minifigures Series 25 introduced the Vampire Knight, there was no turning back!
In this construction, I could weave several visually striking elements, such as a raw medieval fortress, delicate Gothic architecture, and even some steampunk details. It’s also worth mentioning the complementary colors in the set. Of course, the dark red walls immediately catch the eye, adding… life, enhancing the sense of dread, and giving the structure a rather unique character. The dark blue of the roof not only serves as a color contrast but also references the Orient Express, which, as I mentioned, was one of the sources of inspiration here.”
Closed:
H: 45.2cm / W: 39.5cm / L: 37.2cm
Open:
H: 45.2cm / W: 26.8cm/ L: 57.4cm
Video about Project:
More pictures:
Designer bio:
You may have already heard of the designer of this set, known by the artistic pseudonym Sleepless Night. After the success of two previous BDP projects, he mostly abandoned his dull and uninteresting career in IT (at the last minute, still leaving on his own terms) and became a full-time LEGO addict. Now he spends not only sleepless nights but also all cloudy days assembling bricks. And he’s having quite a lot of fun doing it.
https://www.instagram.com/sleepless_night_bricks
https://www.youtube.com/@SleeplessNightBricks
Learn more about the designer
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How do you find inspiration for your designs? What inspired this BDP set in particular?
I’m fascinated by Gothic architecture. I love experimenting with LEGO techniques to create architectural details and discovered that some Technic pieces are surprisingly useful for this purpose. I also noticed that the greatest variety of interesting parts tends to come in black and white. When you start thinking about ways to use black or white Gothic elements, a vampire’s castle naturally comes to mind. In fact, I’d wanted to build a cool vampire’s castle even before the BDP was launched.
What was the first set you ever built? Which one is your favorite? What is one set you would love to see being made?
The first LEGO set I’ve ever got was 6378 Service Station from 1986 and I totally loved it, even if it had stickers across multiple pieces!
Currently my favorite set is definitely Rivendell, which inspired a few solutions that I used here.
How would you describe your building style? Do you usually design sets within a certain theme?
My focus is mostly on buildings. I pay attention to detail, but I try to stay within the realm of “legal” techniques.
My favorite themes are Castle, or broader medieval/fantasy, and Pirates. I also really like the design of most Ninjago and Monkey Kid buildings. I’m trying to keep pace with the Icons Modular Buildings as well. Adventure in Transylvania also pays a subtle homage to the Adventurers series.
How would you describe your role in the LEGO fan community?
I hope I can brighten someone’s day once in a while with my photos and instructions, and now with my BDP sets! Other folks’ works have surely put a smile on my face countless times.
Have you been to any LEGO community events or conventions? If so, what were they like?
Yes, I took part in a few exhibitions of my local LUG (namely WAWLUG) already. Of course, it was a great opportunity to personally meet a few people whose work I’d known and admired only through social media. Sharing thoughts and small talk are all cool but I think the best part of these exhibitions is when we can take part in a collab!
What do you think makes a BDP set successful?
First, I think it must tell a story—one that can be expanded upon. Second, it should simply look good—both at first glance, with the right proportions and a coherent color scheme, and on closer inspection, where the attention to detail really shines. Last but not least, I’d go for a familiar theme—something that resonates emotionally with the audience.
What advice would you give to the next set of hopeful BDP designers?
Arm yourself with lots of patience! First, read the guidelines carefully. Second, your set won’t be redesigned by professionals, so you must take care of the build quality yourself. It can’t be done in one day. But don’t be a perfectionist either—there will always be room for improvement, so remember that “finished is better than perfect.” When you’re done with the build, take your time to promote it. If you don’t win, try again. And if you do win… just imagine waiting 15 months for it to be released—that’s when your patience will really be put to the test!
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