Cecil Lee

Feng Shui friendly PODs These cocoon shaped pods are Feng Shui friendly as they pose no "threat" or poison arrow(s)

1. Numerous swimming pools in Singapore are adorned with blueish mosaic tiles. 1.1 Regardless of whether the shades are light or dark blue, this remains the predominant color when observing a swimming pool, whether it is public or private. 2. I was taken aback the first time I saw greenish pools at The Topiary. Just last week, I encountered the same at its sister development, Ecopolitan EC. 3. The artistic rendering of Stratum Condo also depicts what appears to be a greenish pool. Nevertheless, as Stratum has recently achieved its Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP), I will examine it more closely soon. 4. What is your concern regarding pools that are greenish in color? This is grounded in common sense: 4.1. According to the licensing agreement for swimming pools, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has established regulations that include regular water testing and mandatory weekly cleaning of the pool. 4.2. It is widely recognized that algae growth manifests as a greenish hue. In a blueish pool, any greenish substances adhering to the walls and floor are easily noticeable. 4.3. However, if the pool itself is greenish, it becomes quite challenging to identify any issues, even for someone swimming in it. Therefore, as a precautionary measure, pools should not exhibit a greenish color. 4.4. I acknowledge that at night, the pool at The Topiary appears blueish. However, based on previous experiences, pool maintenance is typically conducted during the day rather than at night, unless it is stipulated in a special agreement with the cleaning service provider. This accompanying illustration depicts a greenish pool...

Uncommon or rather unique for Ecopolitan.. My initial reaction was a baby crib and/or a old western movie when a horse is pulling a wagon with a canopy... similar to the above "crown" design Apended by Cecil Lee, today! P.S. Nowadays in 2022, can see this feature in several other condos / EC. Thus no longer considered a novelty! Will most certainly also affect Re-sale value

Case Study 2A: Beyond the buyers control as nowadays more and more ECs/condos build some or all dry/partition (DP) walls within the interior of the unit. Notice: Nowadays, this is just for information. As it has now become a new norm, today for most new ECs/condos. 1. A few years ago, with certainty most CDL projects have dry/partition walls (DP). 2. Nowadays, the majority of new ECs/condos and HDB flats most certainly have DPs. 3. How to identify from outside of the block? 3.1 Even without going into the development; one could more or less take the cue by standing a far and staring "between" walls. 3.2 For example: the red arrow most certainly points to the inner wall will most likely use dry-ways. 3.3. Where the yellow arrow; there is a question mark. As in some cases the outer casing may be solid or load-bearing; but subsequently part of it may be a dry wall. In one of the illustrations where there are green letterings : 1 and 2 : these are often a shared wall between say bedrooms 1 and 2. Thus for sure most likely a dry wall between them. Case Study 2B: Cons of living with dry wall partition 1. For re-sale homes; before signing on the dotted line; go around knocking on most walls in that potential unit that you and your family like. 2. In 2011 @ Livia Condo (the developer was CDL properties); not sure why, but out of curiosity I knocked on several walls: living room/bedroom 3 ; bedroom 2 shared with bedroom 2 ; master bedroom shared with bedroom 2. 2.1. I got a rude shock when I found these to be dry-walls. 2.2. A further shock awaited me; when I went into the master bedroom toilet. I also knocked on the external wall.. and also realised that these are some pre-fab walls or those seen in a few HDB flats in Sengkang where the toilet comes in modules or installed in modules. 2.2. In recent years: I also found HDB flats starting to use dry-partitions for certain walls. One development was Compassvale Mast @ Sengkang. 2.3. Just a few weeks ago; I realised that in Yishun: HDB Angsana Green also has some walls in dry-wall partitions. 3. Why might I ask.. are you so concerned with "solid" (concrete / precast concrete or red bricks / hollow brick walls VS dry-walls. 3.1. Let me put it this way.. especially for condos and ECs where one pays close to a "premium" for such flats; one would expect the traditional "Brick and mortar" type of house. 3.2. A few years ago, a client in-fact sold his unit at Livia and bought an older condo unit further up-stream as he; like me don't really fancy dry walls for a home. Oh, it is just me.. or my preference. 4. What are some of the disadvantages of using dry-walls vs pre-cast / solid walls? 4.1. During renovation stage: these walls must either be additionally re-enforced internally with more support (if not practical/more expensive) then wooden framework has to be added each time one wants to mount top-hung cabinets say in the bedroom etc.. 4.2. If the wall is shared wall. For example: on one side is the master bedroom TV wall; the other side is a family member's bed and/or bed-head. Unlike mounting a TV on a "solid" wall; even mounting the TV on a piece of wood and onto this dry-wall may if TV set placed at specific levels; majority of TV sets have a high EMF radiation at certain areas of the TV set. And this depends on both the brand and a specific model. 4.2.1. Don't want a family member's head to be next to such a device (if or should there be EMF radiation) behind one's bed-head. 5. Moisture: This may not be that common if the dry wall is shared between two bedrooms. But if the dry wall is not properly protected from moisture; and if it is sharing the same wall as a shared toilet. For example; do take a look at the attachment with the Amore EC to have an idea ... 6. Sound proofing. Most solid walls be it red-bricks / hollow bricks or pre-cast walls often have minimal noise transmission. 7. I know of homes built in the 1990's which uses dry-walls for the toilet ceilings / hiding concealed air-con piping and I can feel the difference between that era's dry-walls vs today's. 7.1. 1990 era's local dry walls are simply very solid and heavy. While today's dry walls are so much different. I have even seen homes of the Livia era e.g. 2011 and later where some of the dry walls were punched in or kicked in by someone. During my rounds under the Can or cannot buy. Where a client asked for a review of such homes before they sign the dotted line. 8. From the Sales brochure's layout; although it is easy to determine which are solid thick walls = thus brick / pre-cast concrete walls. 8.1 Often, I would take the cue from past projects that the same developer had worked on. Thus, since I know what are the standards of Livia condo; one could more or less guess where are the dry walls. 8.2 Except that perhaps; the difference is that nowadays; most walls surrounding toilets even projects by CDL are often solid walls not hollow... (dry-walls?). 8.3 Thus, even for yet to TOP developments like Coco Palms again also by CDL; more or less one would easily second guess which are the dry walls. 9. Attached is a floor plan from the soon to TOP Amore EC. P.S. OK, this for information only. As this resource was first posted in the year 2016. Where at that time, majority of the developments use solid (reinforced concrete walls). At that time also, HDB flats then use solid walls until the likes of HDB Compassvale Mast BTO.. onwards.

HDB Dew Spring Some buildings have unique exterior features. Strangely, what may catch one's eyes are the stylish benches.. There are several of these.. Are they as comfortable as they looks... Oops did not test them out....

Galaxy S7 edge / S7 "Rethink what a phone can do"

Hope you understand

Junction Nine @ Yishun recently T.O.P.

Sha Qi from a sharp corner of a block? It also depends on distance. For example, in this illustration: those Blocks / stacks circled in BLUE are considered as too far even if there are poison arrow(s) if any aimed towards Commonwealth Towers. However, if these blocks are large buildings like those of large skyscrapers like those we find in Shenton Way like UOB Plaza or The Twin towers Takashimaya in Orchard Road clad in marble... For these buildings; the poison arrow(s) throwing distance can be much more significant than ordinary condo stacks or even HDB stacks like that of stack 318 as mentioned, above.

Is Sha Qi located at a sharp corner of a block? The answer also varies based on distance. For instance, in this illustration: the blocks or stacks highlighted in BLUE are deemed too distant, even if there are poison arrows, if any, directed towards Commonwealth Towers.

These are several considerations: 1. Generally, I have identified some POTENTIAL threats (IF ANY). 2. I have not overlaid the Commonwealth Towers site plan onto this HDB site plan. 3. If one has the time, they may do so. 3.1. Additionally, one should be vigilant for potential threats, particularly marking in RED "B" which refers to the sharp corner of Blk 43A sack 318. This becomes a significant threat if it is directed towards an opening at Commonwealth Towers, such as a window, balcony, or similar openings. 3.2. The marking in purple "B" for the precinct pavilion may not pose a concern, as the apartments at Commonwealth Towers are not situated at a low elevation. 3.3. The marking in green "D" does not appear to be a threat, as it should not be directed towards any apartment openings (if they exist). 4. Another seemingly innocuous poison arrow(s) are those created by the "C" curve. Once more, if one cannot observe a horizontal roofline directed towards a unit at Commonwealth Towers, then this is also not a threat.

These are some considerations: 1. In general I have marked out some POTENTIAL threats (IF ANY). 2. I have not super-imposed the Commonwealth Towers site-plan onto this HDB site-plan. 3. If one has the time can do so. 3.1. And look out for potential threats especially marking in RED "B" ie the sharp corner of Blk 43A sack 318. It becomes a real threat if it is aimed towards an opening at Commonwealth Towers such as a window or a balcony or similar openings. 3.2. Marking in purple "B": that of the precinct pavilion may not be a concern since the apartments at Commonwealth Towers are not that low. 3.3. Marking in green "D" seems not a threat since it should not be aimed towards an apartment's opening (if any). 4. Another seemingly innocent poison arrow(s) are those formed by the "C" curve. Again, if one cannot see a horizontal roof-line aimed towards a unit at Commonwealth Towers; then this is again not a threat.

Under Flying Star Feng Shui; each sector e.g. NE is divided into Three (3) compass ranges:- NE1 (22.5-37.4) , NE2 (37.5-52.4) , NE3 (52.5-67.4) Refer to the attachment for the rest of other sectors:-

Poison arrow from lamp post aimed towards a balcony opening and/or an opening such as a window. In this illustration, the lamp post is aimed towards the 2nd storey unit' window

A panoramic image showcasing Signature at Yishun and The Criterion. On the left side of the image is The Criterion. To the far right is Signature at Yishun.

In Malaysia, devotes even allow these deities to possess their bodies. And many of these willing devout devotees actually after possession; literally try to mutilate their bodies / tongue etc.. A temple Master would often keep an eye on those possessed for fear of not the devotees; but that these devotees may even unwittingly harm near-by on-lookers. Quite scary...

Scenic Sky garden which looks more like a toy set for a child.

Where is the location of my level's central rubbish bin? A consultation is that there are not two bins: an additional bin for recycling..

Case Study 1A: Not ideal if a common bin is beside the main door of an EC/condo or facing it's main door. 1. What is the tell tale sign that the unit does not have an internal rubbish bin? 1.1. Try to locate something similar to this in the service yard or kitchen of the unit: 2. If the above is not present in the unit. Most likely, there is a central rubbish bin at the common lobby of this block. 3. Else, the tell tale sign is shown in yellow:- 3.1. Yes, this unit does have a rubbish bin within it's own unit. 3.2. Many ECs and condos today do not have an internal rubbish bin in their unit. 3.2. If so, do find out. As most ECs/condos do not show their exact location in their Sales Brochure. 4.1 Even if the rubbish bin has a door, it is still not ideal under Shapes and Forms Feng Shui. Location of photos (above): Ecopolitan EC 4.2 May affect re-sale value. This is true if in the future, a potential buyer may themselves and/or bring along a geomancer to view the unit:- 5. Inconsiderate Neighbours? 5.1 For example, Neighbours continues to leave rubbish outside the bin area. 5.2 one cannot just stand around the bin area to "confront a neighbour doing so". Which may result in bad relations. 5.3. In Bellewaters EC, the central rubbish bins are less obvious. 5.3.1. As the developer placed a small bin icon discretely on the TOP-right corner of the bin door. 5.3.2. Harder to notice if one is not actively looking out for the location of a bin. Nevertheless, in a resale; most geomancers may actively take this into consideration. 5.3.3. In this new development, my client asked for a proper block layout plan: 5.3.4. In the above block layout, are you able to see the common rubbish bin next to stack #13’s main door? 5.3.5. Some Condos/ECs Plan their central rubbish bins at a corner of the block. For example, in the Westwood Residences EC, this can be found next to the emergency staircase. 5.3.6. However, no matter how; The Central rubbish bin may still be close-to a unit:- 5.3.7. Shown Block 184, stack 11-11 5.3.7.1. d’nest condo by CDL chose to concentrate two central rubbish bins tuck at a niche solely meant just for rubbish bin disposal. 5.3.8. Thus even if it has a recycle bin plus a common bin; this design is similar to many HDB developments. 5.3.9. In fact, my first encounter was The Sail at Marina by CDL; which also has two bins tucked at a niche way back when it first T.O.P. 6. The Hillion at Bukit Panjang’s central rubbish bin is at the lift lobby and next to a lift:- 6.1. The developer Sim Lian went one step further and took a leaf out of HDB’s central rubbish bin centre and placed one identical to each and every HDB with a foot assisted bin opening. 6.2. In addition, there is a small recess area + a drain for the Cleaners to wash these bins. 6.3. Practical refinement:- 6.4. This illustration shows the rubbish bin can be seen at the main entrance of stack #14 of The Criterion: 6.5. Here, some consider this also less than ideal. As it can be considered equally bad to have a main entrance facing a rubbish chute. An overzealous geomancer may also advice their clients to avoid purchasing such a resale unit in the near future. 6.6. Is there a difference between The Central rubbish bins at a condo vs that of a modern HDB flat? 6.7. HDB is generous to provide a special lobby for their rubbish bins as shown below. Each rubbish bin lobby also has a water pipe for the Cleaners to occasionally wash the entire area. 6.8. Lower floor area to make sure that water does not flow or flood the surrounding walkway. Case Study 1B: I have inconsiderate neighbours who frequently spill "liquid waste" (unintentionally or intentionally = not sure?) along the corridor right to the front of the common bin. 1. What happens if one has inconsiderate neighbours that not only stains the flooring with "liquid" waste? 2. Hopefully, this should not be a common occurrence..spilled waste... 3. If one has inconsiderate neigbhours and the bin is next to one's main door. 3.1. Cannot possible stand there the whole day to see who is the culprit. Plus.. may result in bad-blood. 3.2. Similarly, what happens if a neighbour simply places their rubbish on the floor? 3.2.1. An obstruction as well as an eye-sore. 4. Often, such events may lead to bad-blood between neighbours. 5. In conclusion, if the common bin is at the lobby, do this:-

My first visit, today... lots more next few days and weeks... Pool tiles.... Colour... hmmm... Hard to see if there are algae growth in any with such coloured tiles . Cannot tell if there are algae growth on these tiles -:( Unfortunately, pay me also I won't want to swim in such a pool ... LOL More... Swamp....

Another hard hat plus steel toe-cap event, today

Here are some things to consider: 1. In Singapore, there are only a few thousand class A bungalows and class B semi-detached homes. 2. A class A bungalow in Singapore is usually at least 30,000 square feet. A class C semi-detached home is usually about 6,000 square feet or more. 3. In Thailand, if your semi-detached home is at least 6,000 square feet, this is quite good. Why mention this? 3.1. Today in Singapore, many semi-detached homes are less than 3,000 square feet. Developers try to make up for this by building up to four stories, including a basement, upper floors, and an attic. 4. Having a large piece of land is a big advantage, especially if your home is far from a temple. 5. Many temples are built on land with good Feng Shui, but some may be on less ideal land just for profit. 6. Since I have not seen your property or the area around it, I cannot give a full opinion. 7. I do think your home is on land with good Feng Shui. 8. Common sense: 8.1. If you cannot compare your current home to another, you will not know if the next one is better or worse. 8.2. For example, even if a temple is nearby, if your current home has good or excellent Feng Shui, it is better to stay. 8.2.1. If the next home has Feng Shui that is as good as or better than your current home, moving could be a good idea. 8.2.2. But if the next home has worse or very bad Feng Shui, you should think carefully before moving. 9. Usually, any effects from a new temple can be noticed within six months after it is finished. You should watch what happens during this time. 10. Without more information, it is hard to give a full assessment.

Frankly, without a photo; it is difficult to understand, better. This is because things like how far is the storm drain. Or that even there is a fish logo on e.g. the cover? of the drain? This fish logo if not visible from your home may not be an issue etc...

Want a free cup of coffee? Even Starbucks maybe? Get this pattern for your car number plate!