Cecil Lee

Tampines Greenridges type of estate design is considered as "the next best thing" to a condo development design. "Where to two large 2 storey car-parks with "roof" greenery is considered as the next best alternative of having "clear water". Here, as this is a HDB estate, it is not allowed to have swimming pools or water falls or water features in it's estate. However, just imagine; if we replace the two large 2 storey car-parks with water positions; ain't this similar to many other condo developments where many of the stacks/units face in-wards "into the pool" area? In many older estates, one can usually find very long blocks with most of their common corridors and living rooms facing towards the road vs this type of development. I believe, the project architect might have got his inspiration for HDB Tampines Greendriges from perhaps the condo he/she is staying or had worked on a similar plot with condo layout such as Luxury in Sengkang or La Fiesta type and many more with such similarities..

The newly launched site: HDB Tampines Greenridges In this development, although the pavilion precinct is located exactly at the centre of the development; fortunately only one stack: Block 605D stack 360's low storeys can clearly see into the precinct pavilion. Actually, based on Shapes and Forms Feng Shui; block 605d stack 360's HIGH floors are suppose to have one of the better location/position in this entire development.

One good thing about the block layout of HDB Buangkok Square is that as the blocks/stacks/units are North-South & vice versa facing; Many blocks/stacks are spared from the direct rays of the afternoon sun. Thus only a handful that have "bare-walls" towards unblocked afternoon sun would get the greatest exposure on their walls -- soaking up heat in the day and oozeing heat in the evening. There are many cases of potential buyers of re-sale flats went to view these "afternoon sun" flats. The existing owners and/or agents would cleverly turn on the air-con especially in the affected rooms usually is the master-bed room; And the potential buyers never know wiser - until they actually bought these flats and found that in the evening the sun soaked walls started to slowly ooze out heat retained in the walls. Thus, turning on a fan will only circulate hot-air. And often, such hot rooms may make one more irritant and quarrelsome - because of the comfort level However, do take note that because of the tilt of the earth axis; every six months the sun rays may tilt a little. And as a result if one see an illustration of the 2nd attachment; one can see that there is some sun rays that may filter slightly into the living room / bedrooms facing the side of the sun rays. This is not as bad since it is not direct afternoon sun.

HDB Buangkok Square precinct pavilion In some of the newer estates that T.O.P. one or two years ago had the precinct pavilion closer to the centre of the estate. The plus point is that it is more convenient to most residents. But the trade-off is that many stacks/units are in full view of the pavilion. And if there are wakes/funerals this may be a frequent "eye-sore" for majority of these residents. Thus for HDB Buangkok Square, I am sure the project architect must have given it some thought and placed it at the "base" of the esate. Furthermore, this precinct pavilion is highly visible to (not so familiar visitors to a funeral/wake there) as it is directly at the vicinity of one of the two car park entrances - Buangkok Link side. Because of the location of the precinct pavilion: best to avoid purchasing Blk 992A stacks 159 and 157 (especially the lower storeys which may have a direct /close-up view of the interior of the pavilion.

Another minor consideration is the drop-off porch: 1. It's height and design. 1.1. Since it has not been constructed, yet best to take extra care especially when considering buying low floors. Especially if it is Block 998B stacks 733 or 731 and Block 999B stack 749. As in the illustration; the drop-off porch is angled 45 degrees to these stacks in the blocks.

HDB Buangkok Parkvista is also a newly launched BTO site. In my opinion, I feel that the project architect for this development has made an effort to plan this site. Firstly, similar to HDB Anchorvale Fields; Buangkok Parkvista's precinct pavilion is also "tucked" away between the MSCP and the other amenities building. In addition, did you notice that there is a proposed future road = a semi-expressway? The project architect had given much thought by placing especially the MSCP (multi-storey car park); the precinct pavilion and other amenities to this side of the future "noisy" expressway. And keeping all the blocks far away from this future semi-expressway. In addition, the project architect for this development went back to the past design where the common rubbish bins are opposite side of the lift lobby. This is and was the most popular / functional design without affecting as many flats main entrance (as possible) facing the common bins. In addition, within constrains of the semi-expressway and the site; I believe this development could even try to "squeeze" as many of the stacks/units to a traditionally more acceptable "North-south" facing - before the advent of the understanding of the Flying stars. While only 9 stacks facing SE.

The newly launched site: HDB Anchorvale Fields estate is a fresh depature over many of the projects launched last year in various areas. Here, HDB Anchorvale Fields architects have placed the Precinct Pavilion at "one corner" and found space for it within block 351 comprising the MSCP, supermarket and shops. This is because in past developments the precinct pavilion was centrally located. And (unfortunately) often wakes are conducted in them. And many stacks/units up to as high as 6 storeys could be in full view of them. This especially so as we cannot blame the residents if tomorrow is one of their major holidays e.g. Chinese New Year lasting 15 days and a wake is carried out with "noise - prayers , instruments" in full view of their living room and bedrooms 1 and master bedroom(s). Thus, this development's project architects most likely are aware of this concern and placed the pavilion tucked away to a corner of the MSCP carpark complex. In addition, although the location of the common rubbish bins in each of HDB Anchorvale Field's is not perfect; at least, in my opinion a much better design/layout vs that of block 150A Yung Ho Spring similar new development. (The article is a few clicks away from this one).

HDB Yung Ho Spring I and Spring II I hate it when architects lost touch of the 'real life' situation. Here, I can draw a parallel to the concept of "We stay, here you don't" applies. Many times; and still today, I hear of geomancers who visit the homes/office of their clients and give ridiculous advice like: stop using the "master toilet totally". Such persons come to our home for only an hour or two. And after they left; the poor "victim" has to bear with the consequence of the geomancer's word. Same here. The architect who especially designed block 150A most probably get paid his/her salary and afterwards, wash their hands off the design. Once the block is built; it would be "UP" for most likely at least another 40 or 50 years or even up to it's 99 life-span. And the poor people living in block 150A have to live the rest of their 365 days x no. of years in their unit in that block 150A. Like Minister Khaw had proudly announced something like around 60 percent (correct me if I am wrong) still stay in their first unit. Imagine if one gets older; and having to bring their daily rubbish a distance away to the common chute. I suspect that many had to stay in their first flat not because all may like to stay in it; but many cannot afford to move to a newer flat as new ones are getting smaller and costlier. Thus, I believe, this '60 percent' thing is contrary to his thinking; not a complimentary but rather the plight of high costs of homes, today. For Block 150A, the architect has placed the central rubbish chute at one corner of the block. Overall, this is less than ideal especially for nearly every stack/unit in that block. Here, stacks/units 11 and 13's main door is in full view of the central rubbish chute. And stacks/units furthest to the chute: especially 23, 25, 27 and 29 would find that it may be a chore to bring especially "accidentally spilling liquid" waste quite a far distance away... and may dirty the corridor in the process. Another poor design or location of the central rubbish chute. In fact, for Block 150A, it should revert to just "common rubbish chute" at an uncommon location! I suspect, the architect who planned and approved this development certainly either does not stay in a HDB estate or has no common sense in planning this development. I truly pity those who intend to and will live in this estate in a few years time. Contrast this with HDB Macpherson Spring layout of their common bin in each of their blocks. HDB Macpherson Spring's common bins, are very central especially for blocks 82A and 82B are in my opinion, one of the best designs as the bins never facing the main entrance doors of any stacks and also they are away at a corner beside the lift.

Buangkok Square Sales Brochure: Sales Brochure: Site Plan & Floor Plans buangkok-square.pdf Completed in Year 2018 It is good that some HDB site maps have outlines blocks belonging to existing neighbouring plot of land. Another major consideration when choosing a flat is: "Are there any potential sharp corners of neigbouring buildings aimed towards our potential flat?" For example in the attachment; we see that there is an existing public housing. And block 154 has a sharp corner aimed towards Block 150A stack 35. In addition, watch out for multi storey car park sharp corners. For example, Block 150 is a 3/4 storey multi storey car park. And it has a sharp corner aimed towards Block 150A stack 29 lower floors of around 2nd to 4th storey. In addition, the neighbour Lake vista's multi-storey car park at block 138 is also aimed towards lower floors / storeys of blk 140B stack 46. And Lake Vista's Blk 138A does seem to be angled and most likely a corner of the building is aimed towards block 140B stack 46. "Pity those who bought Block 140B stack 46!

One of the main considerations of purchasing a HDB flat is: "Where is the central rubbish chute located?" For Block 140C, it seems to be at the "central" to stacks 68, 70, 72. Akin to these stacks/units thus seem to be revolving around a central rubbish bin. Rather than the rubbish bin to one side as found in most other HDB blocks. Again, for Block 140B stacks 44, 46 & 48 seems to revolve around the central rubbish chute. And in close proximity. In my opinion, the block design of HDB Yung Ho Spring I and Spring II blocks 140B and 140C are "bad" designs resulting in poor "Shapes and Forms" Feng Shui for these two blocks in the estate. These two are the worst examples found in this development that affects the most stacks at a time...

Please note that the 10 Yearly Luck Pillars shows on average each 10 yearly luck of a person. It is based on an OVERALL AVERAGE luck for that 10 years. In any ba zi report, it will have the Yearly and even 6th monthly luck. For example even in any 10 year period; there are always "ups and downs" even for any year and even every 6 months.

HDB Buangkok Square (new recently launched BTO Flats) In this batch of recent release of Built to Order or BTO flats; I like the effort the architect took to "boldly" align all blocks and stacks in a true North and true South orientation. As the architect of this plot of "Square" did not go for the "lazy" method of orienting the blocks parallel to the "square" but rather, consider the orientation North-South FIRST to design the development to a consumer or future re-sale friendly: "The unit is in a North-South facing and vice versa". Thus, I give the architect... a pat on the back for going "traditional"... If one looks at the site-map closely only the Multi-storey car park Is oriented parallel with the plot of land.

As mentioned earlier; Three coins can either be symbolically hung or even placed "into the floor". This has more to do with symbolism. As three coins represents metal destroy wood to? create wealth. Thus, if one steps on the three coins; one is symbolically stepping on wealth. Three coins are meant or symbolic of "enhancement" vs 6 coins or 7 coins used traditionally as a cure. The difference between them and modern commercial products are:- 1.1. One characteristic of a modern commercial product is usually a geomancer or a seller would or might say: You have to buy this. Where? Buy from me or can only work if bought from me. And often, these are highly marked up and costs "an arm or a leg". 1.2. While traditional cures - usually, the geomancer does not sell them. And may ask you to go buy it yourself. And such cures? These are fake coins and does not costs "an arm or a leg".

Gong Xi Fa Cai! 1. These are some considerations: 2. The lowest common denominator other than the Yin/Yang is that of "The Five Elements" concept. 3. Thus even in cures and enhancements; this concept is used. 4. In short: the number Three (3) represents the wood element. 5. And based on destructive or exhaustive sequence of the Five Elements concept: 5.1. Metal = can be presented by coins 5.2. Three or 3 of something like three coins represent the wood element. 6. Why three coins? Metal "destroys" wood to create wealth. 7. And what better than having the number Three (3) = wood. 8. Thus, some geomancers may symbolically ask one to keep a set of three coins in one's purse or three coins in the accounting ledger. As this is based on symbolism. 9. Often we hear of hanging a set of six coins tied with red string? This is because Six (6) represents big metal and coins = metal are used to help to neutralise some imbalances that require a "metal" cure. 10. Traditionally, these are common:- 10.1. three coins = wealth. And three coins are also buried in areas of the home.. and when one steps on three coins one is said to symbolically stepping on wealth 10.2. For cures, this includes six coins representing big metal cures. While seven (7) represent small metal and often used in such things as placing 7 gold fishes + 1 black (representing water element) in a fish tank. 10.3. In modern times; these are accepted but are not based on traditional cures:- 10.3.1 Some feel that 8 or the sound of 8 represents wealth and 9 represents longevity. And today, some have also used 8 or 8 coins etc... but these are more modern .. and not that traditional...

Case Study: Small talk via whatsApp on Feng Shui products. 1. One cannot stop a client who is considering placing a commercial product. 2. Under Symbolism in Feng Shui: Even if one wants to display an item in a home for whatever reason, it should not be fierce looking or "has a hungry look especially with wide open mouths." 3. As I had previously spoken to clients that even if they want to place "figurines" on their main gate pillars; these are not so much for Feng Shui but their choice of decorations. 4. Even if it is a decoration; symbolically, it should not have a fierce look. It should instead have a smiling face and well endowed.. body not thin and skinny kind.

A pair of elephants on top of this main gate pillars

In the past; some Chinese do pray to the Jade Emperor. And on that altar; and on each side of the two front legs of the altar table; they would tie a tall sugar-cane plant on each side of the leg - for luck. Similarly, this Katong Antique house follows another tradition of placing a sugar-cane plant on each side of their main entrance door. Please see photo. Again, this is for "luck".

Another boutique development in district 15 also using "Rich Link" Construction.... The name "Rich" alone sounds....

For the attached, type of layout, there are three possible kitchen entrances. One client after seeing all three options decided to opt for Option 3.

1. Nowadays, majority of the four and five bedroom HDB flats have layout flats have a kitchen opening immediately after entering the unit. 2. Many of the Feng Shui concepts have it's origins based on common sense. And this is one of them. 3. Should I change the entrance of the kitchen from marking in red "A" to "B"? 3.1. Some of the questions you should ask yourself, first:- 3.1.1. Are you "lactose tolerant"? Huh? Sorry, I mean is that are you thick skin enough that whenever your visitors (be it relatives, close friends etc..) come to your house and comment that they had read somewhere that this is inauspicious? Although I did mentioned it has every bit to do with Para 2. above? 3.1.2. If you and your partner has relatively "thick skin" no issue sticking with original entrance at marking "A". 3.1.3. But if you are one of those that has "thin" skin and can easily feel uneasy with so many of such negative comments; then seriously consider positioning the kitchen entrance at marking "B". 3.1.4. Next question: Are you and your partner : the reasonable "neat and tidy" guys or one of those that is the "messy" type. Don't know? Go look at your current study/work desk. If you have piles and piles of items all over your study/work table... then you belong to the "messy" type. 3.1.5. If you and/or your partner are the "messy" type and most probably may have a messy kitchen service yard.. then may consider changing the kitchen entrance to location marked "B". To be continued....

HDB Waterway Brooks. This HDB development was designed by anarchitect that uses more of theirRIGHT BRAIN.As such better suits the naturalenvironment and the good flow of qi

We at Sengkang instead of enjoying the North-east wind; are equally affected by the massive built up of our NE neighbour at Punggol.

Hey future residents of HDB Waterway Brooks, Woodcress and all you guys going to live closer to the North-east coast! Do you know that once upon a time, we (staying close to the noisy TPE) = see attachment; no longer enjoy the cool breeze coming from the NE. And we also have to turn on our air-con more often. We know you are not to be blamed... but someone who had the idea of the 6.9M thing should be?

HDB Waterway Brooks Premium flats Please see attachment. Based on Shapes and Forms and to some laypersons pretty much common sense; These stacks have an overall commanding view of Mywaterway @ Punggol:- Blk 679C Stacks 858 & 860Blk 678C Stacks 836 838 & 840Blk 677D Stacks 748 750 752Blk 676D Stack 738 What is best is that all the above blocks have a gentle curve that "flows" with the "convex" like shape of the outline of the waterway - at where these blocks are sited. If you don't mind(slight) afternoon sun with the sun soaking into the master bedroom wall (unseen) then these blocks and stacks are acceptable:- Blk 678C 834Blk 677D 746Blk 676D 736

Captured WhatsApp conversation