Cecil Lee

Case Study: Car Park and service road design of HDB Waterway Sunrise II , Punggol Drive Another BTO which was also launched in February 2017 was HDB Waterway Sunrise II. This development has a total of 1014 units. 200 plus units more than HDB Northshore cove. Please take a look at the way the carpark entrances are organized:- There are two separate entry/exits and they are close to the entrance. Systematic and seems well organised. Even the DOP is well designed much like those found in a Shopping Centre: along the main road on Punggol Drive. Instead of having to deeply into the development and having to compete in a chaotic criss-crossing of I give-way, you yield type of situation found at HDB Northshore cove haphazard service road design.

Tampines GreenBloom Sales Brochure: Site Plan and Floor Plans tampines-greenbloom.pdf Case Study: Tampines GreenBloom BTO and the maxim: "Shapes and Forms prevail over the Stars (Flying Stars)" What this means is that Location, location, location prevails over the use of Compass School Feng Shui which includes both Flying Stars and Personal Eight House concept. Best stacks/units generally are those facing neighbourhood park such as stacks: 107, 109, 111, 209, 211 and 213 Of course there is the concern of indirect afternoon sun all year round at the frontage of these stacks depending on the floor level. Frankly, there is no issue or concern of the proposed nearby church close-by to stack 111. The next best stacks for 5 bedders are 217 and 219. For 4 bedders they are 201, 103 and 105. Preferred high floors as low floors may over look the Precinct Pavillion (PP) and the noise when a wake occurs at the PP. Alternative HDB BTO Tampines GreenBloom Sales Brochure ebrochure: TAMPINES_GREENBLOOM.pdf

Tampines Greenflora Sales Brochure: Site Plan and Floor Plans tampines-greenflora.pdf Case Study: Location of Central rubbish bins (recycle + common) for Blocks 874B and 874D 1. Block 874C's central rubbish bins are located in the most common location: centrally located facing the twin lifts at the lift lobby. 1.1. This block layout design or trend started in the mid 1980's and continue till today. Thus, many flats constructed in 1990s and even 2000's are similar to that of block 874C design. 1.2. A good thing about this block design is that no main door of a unit has to face an extremely long straight path of a common corridor. 1.3. The difference is that in the last 3 years, many HDB BTOs began to have two bin chutes: Recyle and another for common waste that's all. 2. Block 874D's central rubbsh bin location means that the leasees of stacks 32, 34 and 36 ; plus future tenants would have to live with such a configuration for the rest of their lifes if they chose to stay in the same unit:- 2.1. Please take a look above illustration. 2.2. The main entrance door of unit #32 would be facing the exposed two central rubbish bins on a daily basis. 2.3. Stack #34 also don't fare too well. As the central rubbish bins are also in full view if their door is ajar or leaving the unit. 2.4. Stack 36: Need to pass this central rubbish bin to get to their main door. And just when one stands in front of the main door; to the right is the open area where one of the bins can be seen. 3. For Block 874B (see below): 3.1. The worst stack has to be stack #14. Where the main entrance door opens to one of unconcealed rubbish bins. 3.2. Stack 12 is also not that ideal. But is much better off than stack #14. Since the central bin area is enclosed by a solid wall. Thank God, it could have been worse. If we follow the earlier Block 874D's design.

1. What makes you think that these Two homes belongs to the Roman Emperor and his sons? 2. Your home's main door better steer clear of these two roman Guards wielding their swords.. 3. It is the equivalent of your neighbour pointing two cannons at you (your home)! Bad luck! 4. Equally bad karmas for the owners of these two homes. 5. It is like the devil patting itself on the shoulder...

Case Study 6: Before signing on the dotted line.. check where the central rubbish bin is! Under Shapes and Forms : "OOPS!" Why did I fail to see this when I booked my unit at stack #74! In addition, my resale value is a question mark, also...

Case Study 5: Is it inauspicous to live near to an Eating House? Frankly, this has more to do with common sense... 1. If one often visits an Eating House close to a HDB estate, one may see signages similar to this one:- 2. There is even such a sign at a basketball court which is next to a HDB stack/unit. 3. Besides noise pollution, there is also the smell of cooked / frying coming from these Eating Houses. 4. Several years ago, I have a new client. She told me that she regretted buying her HDB flat directly above an Eating House. 4.1 This was because in the day-time; all the pests such as cockroaches ran-up to her unit. 4.2 And often when she opened her rubbish chute, sometimes cockroaches would crawl or even fly out of it...

Case Study 4: What happens if the Block and stacks are parallel to the MSCP? How do I determine whether my unit is affected by Poison Arrow from a lamp post? 1. In this sample illustration, assume that stacks 48 and 50 is parallel with the outline of Block 463 MSCP. 1.1 Again stand inside an opening in the unit looking directly outwards. 2. If a lamp post is level to the unit plus at marking "X" and if it is aimed towards an opening such as the living room window; then this is considered a poison arrow aimed towards stack 48. Note: The above has been altered and not the actual block / stack facing direction.

Case Study 3: Buying a unit and it's surrounding External Environment 1. Rivers / Canals / Open Storm Drains and Water Classics 1.1. If in doubt or unsure, avoid buying a low floor unit such as in stack #42 facing an open drain or storm. 1.2. Even a seemingly innocent stack like #44 with it's side towards such an open storm drain is a suspect. (To side-track: It is also understood that if one is concerned with a number such as 4 or #44; others may equally be concerned. This has more to do with the future resale value of a unit. More of a concern if the unit is #04-44.) 1.3. Both stack #42 and #72 (see below) frontage faces the entrance/exit of the service road. 1.3.1 Between these two #72 is considered much worse than that of #42. 1.4. If in doubt and not able to seek professional advice; then best to skip low floors of stacks #72 and even #74. Plus also try to skip low floors of #42. 2. What determine a sha qi? 2.1. It depends on whether one is in a Right or Left hand drive country. 2.2 As this will determine how vehicles enter and exit the car-park. 2.3 Because of this, whether it affects a certain stack/unit. 2.4 Most importantly, in doubt, either seek professional advice OR be safe and Kiasu and purchase a higher level unit.

Case Study 2: Do I need to be concerned if I purchase a unit facing a Multi-storey Car Park (MSCP)? Unblocked Views and Sha Qi / Poison Arrow(s) from Roof lamps at MSCP 1. Common sense says that where possible always purchase a unit that is much higher than the roof-top of an MSCP for an unblocked view. In the past, the first blocks e.g 1xx plus in Punggol e.g. at Edgedale Plains have nice roof-top garden on their MSCPs. 1.1. Where possible who wants to if given the choice face the parking lots? 1.2. Here, sometimes car alarms go off or for certain cars; the remote control would sound a short-burst of an alarm be it for opening or closing the doors. 1.3. Some car owners have a bad habbit of leaving their engine on or warming it up. 1.4. On other occassions, some cars have a feature where the head-lights turn-on for a short-while to see the "owners home" etc.. 2. Sha Qi or Poison arrows from lamp posts onto of MSCP car parks. 2.1. Please look at this sample illustration:- 2.2. For example if there is a lamp post at the 7th storey MSCP. The lamp post is marked in red "X". 2.3. Should there be a lamp post at X and if a unit at Block 464B stack 48; and if a living room window faces this lamp post; then this is considered as a poison arrow aimed towards the living room of that unit in stack 48. 2.4. To be on the safe side, perhaps, if one is selecting a unit at stack 48; should try to select a unit that may be 9th storey or higher. We cannot be 100% certain that this MSCP's 7th storey is equal to unit #07-48. The "lamp post" (if any) could very well end up at #08-48. 3. In this second example; if there is a lamp post marked as "X". It could also be another potential poison arrow aimed towards stack 62. And depending on unit which may be at the same LEVEL as this lamp post:- In national service days this may sound familar : " WATCH YOUR FRONT" during range days... Same here: "Watch your unit's FRONT"

Clementi Peaks Sales Brochure: Site Plan and Floor Plans clementi-peaks.pdf Lease Commencement Period: Year 2022 Case Study 1: HDB Clementi Peaks BTO and it's Precinct Pavillion (PP) One glance at the way this development's placement of it's precinct pavillions imply that the planners of this estate must be "old-hands" and must have planned many previous HDB BTO estates. The hallmark of an "old-hand" are:- 1. Usually the Precinct Pavillions (PP) are "tucked" with consideration at corners of an estate. 1.1. For example: the larger Precinct Pavillion is located at the tip or junction between Clementi Avenue 1 and Commonwealth Avenue West. Below: In RED the location of the two PPs:- 1.2. Due to the plot, if the planners could, I am sure that they would have placed the entire Multi-storey car park MSCP along the stretch parallel to the MRT tracks. 1.3. Since the above may not be possible; instead, part of the MSCP car park plus the larger PP is closest to this MRT track. Leaving only four stacks in block 464A 4 bedders: 34 and 36 closest to the MRT track while 30 and 32 are further away. 1.4. The 2nd PP is located exactly diagonally opposite the first PP. This 2nd PP is located at Block 466 beside the "thin and narrow Electrical Sub-station or ESS". This placement of ESS is already another clue that the planner must be an old-hand at HDB BTO planning.

Case Study: A well designed car park entry and exit layout at HDB Clementi Northarc (Launched in the same month as Northshore Cove) 1. The HDB Clementi Northarc has a total of 1,179 units. This is around 279 more units. 2. Yet, the Entry / Exit from Clementi Avenue 6 is straighforward and orderly: straight turns; the entrance / exit for this estate is close to the main road. No "S-curves" to test drivers.. 3. If one looks carefully, there are many entry and exit points in this development to a similar one storey car park. 4. For example there is an entry / exit beside Block 209A Stack 223. 5. There is also an entry exit close-by to Block 210 stack 273; another entry close to stack 239. 6. Another exit is close-by to stack 205. While stack 219 is facing another entry into this one storey car park. 7. The planner(s) of this CLementi Northarc estate most likely is a LEFT-Brain type of person who is methodical and systematic. 8. This is why the blocks are laid out in a non-creative North-South direction. Even when this plot is not rectangular in-shape. 9. This type of planner(s) should be the ones who take over the planning of HDB Northshore cove's entire car-park flow/design.

Case Study: External Feng Shui - Existing Public Housing and their existing Electical Sub-staton [ESS] + combined Dustbin Compound / Sha Qi or Poison arrows from neighbouring block's corner / living room view of someone else's service yard 1. Many HDB estates built before the year 2000 almost always have an electical sub-station [ESS] with a combined dustbin compound. 1.1 Below: Existing ESS +combined dustbin compound in RED:- 2. It is good that HDB always include the outlines of neighbouring blocks and their ancillarys in all new HDB BTO sales brochures. 3. Under Shapes and Forms Feng Shui, it is a No-No to purchase a unit especially at Block 210A stack 213 especially low floors. As this stack is directly facing this combined ESS/Dustbin compound. 4. In addition, it is less than ideal to get a low storey unit at 211 or even 209 or even 207. More to do with common sense. 5. Not covered in this example is also to look at the corner of existing block of flats: 5.1. SHA QI OR POISON ARROWS 5.1.1 Is the corner a poison arrow? aimed towards one's potential unit's opening such as a bedroom window (easier to cure) or towards a living room window (hardest to cure). 5.2. LIVING ROOM VIEW OF NEIGHBOURS CLOTHINGS / BROOMS 5.2.1 Does my unit look at the service yard/ toilet of the existing HDB flats? 5.2.2 On many occasions, one's living room view may end up looking at such neighbour's under clothings: bras, underwears, brooms that are hung by such neighbours. And there is nothing one can do anything about it. 5.2.3 Just imagine eating a snack and looking out of the window and seeing someone's underwear waving around the wind. Or worse, one's nose is so sensitive that one can even smell the type of washing detergent used..

Case Study: Fire at Heaven's Gate and Units with True South (180 degrees) facing directions. 1. Whenever we encounter a stack/unit that is aligned from North to South: In this case stacks/units with the living room looking southwards. 2. Take for example: Block 210C with Stack 255:- 2.1 If one is familar with the layout of a typical 5 bedder flat; one will realised that for stack 255, the location marked as "X" is where the kitchen is. 2.2 And this X is located at NW sector. 2.3 If one is not sure what "Fire at Heaven's gate" is; do a search in this forum for this term. 3. I don't intend to mark all stacks in this development affected by Fire at Heaven's Gate. One can with some imagination, do so. 3.1 For example, these sample stacks are also affected by "Fire at Heaven's Gate":- A. Block 210 Stack 207:- B. Block 201A Stack 219:- C. And Block 209A Stack 211 etc... there are others in this estate.... 4. This applies to any HDB flats and even ECs and Condos if the kitchen is located at NW. 5. I always condition myself to look out for such a senario for a South or Flying Stars S2 facing unit ... Of course, this is not automatic. But majority of the time it MAY apply..

Case Study: HDB Clementi Northarc's Precinct Pavillion that has a commanding view of Sungei Ulu Pandan 1. Let me share this with you: 1.1 Around 1977, former PM of Singapore: LKY visited the one of the first HUDC developments. 1.2 Below: Privatized Laguna Park (IN BRIGHT YELLOW) on the left. And Laguna View (Public Housing) is to the right of this map:- 1.3 He visited Laguna Park on the reclaimed land. And when he was told that this half of 500 units were to be sold to "private" owners.. he exclaimed that such a site should not have been provided to civil servants similar to it's other half called Laguna View. 1.4 (Later on around 2001 Laguna Park was privatized while Laguna View is still considered as public housing). 2. The above reminds me of today's HDB Clementi Northarc... Precinct Pavillion (PP). 2.1 Below: HDB Clementi Northarc's Precinct Pavillion in red and has a commanding view of Sungel (river) Ulu Pandan... 2.2 On the plus side, hopefully this PP and observation deck would be fully utilized.. to squeeze the best value out of it.. and not left vacant most of the time.. 2.3 Most of the time, whenever one pass-by any HDB development(s) majority of the time their PP's are often under-utlized. 2.4 And ain't it truly a pity that otherwise, several stacks of flats could have been at this location. And instead of letting these leasees enjoy the wonderful view(s).. hmm... 2.5 The planners should have tucked this development's PP at a corner that is more accessible to the road/visitors. 2.6 The for this is because this location means extra effort to bring a coffin and other ancillarys .. in the event that there is a funeral. 2.7 Below: The second Precint Pavillionis also at the Sungei Ulu Pandanside. Okay, this PP, can be excused. Given that it is sandwiched between Sungei Ulu Pandan and the site reserved for a church:-

Case Study: RAFFLES HOSPITAL CAR PARK: A Right-hand drive car on a tight car-park designed for Left-hand drive direction = Dangerous BLIND SPOT(S) especially when a vehicle negotiates a 90 degree turn. 1. This is off-track. 2. Another car-park needs to be re-looked is that of the present Raffles Hotel.. Oops! Sorry it is Raffles HOSPITAL exiting wing. 3. The entry exit at the ground level is pretty normal until one reaches the 1st upper level... 4. It is evident that the way it was designed is meant for "LEFT-hand" drive cars! 5. If one wants to be familiar with driving on left-hand drive country minus the driver's seat.. this has to be it! 6. Most likely, the planner of this car park was from US or countries like France, Germany that drives on the left. 7. With our Commonwealth type of RIGHT-hand drive cars, turning 90 degrees to the next level on a "left-hand" drive road means.. blind spots, here, blind spots there. 8. There is always a reason why Left-hand drive roads means LEFT-hand drive cars and not a rojak of LEFT-hand roads with RIGHT-hand drive and vice-versa! 9. When the new wing at Raffles Hospital is readly .. hopefully.. this has been corrected!

Case Study: HDB Clementi Northarc BTO and Central Common Rubbish bins 1. Nowadays all new HDB BTOs come with two central rubbish bins: Recycle and Common. 2. In particular; this is the most "inauspicous" where it comes to the location of the central rubbish chutes.... 2.1. Although not directly at the main entrance of Block 209A stack 223.. but because the bin(s) are not centrally located; one has to pass by the main door of stack 223 to throw rubbish on a daily basis. 2.2. In addition it is beside stack 223 and when walking towards this unit's main door, one can see one of the bins very clearly... 3. Block 210A Stack 203 and block 210C stack 271 are also not my cup of tea:- 4. For block 211A stack 279 where the bin is just beside the main door.. Hmm.. equally not my favourite stack also...

Clementi Northarc Sales Brochure: Site Plan and Floor Plans clementi-northarc.pdf Lease Commencement in Year 2022 HDB Clementi Northarc BTO launched February 2017 and The water classics: Overall plot is considered auspicious especially stacks/units along the Sungei Ulu Pandan cure or at the "north-arc" Generally, other than the Clementi Fire Station, Chinese Temple and church; this plot: sits at the curve of Sungei Ulu is considered auspicious. Below: Auspicious when river curves away the plot:- This is because under the water classics; the river curves away from the plot. And thus is preferred under this water classics. The full picture:-

Hi Cecil. Do u provide Chinese naming for newborn as my second child is due for delivery end Aug. I will be also engaging your again to see my house fengshui for the remaining year and next year and so wondering if you have any package for both and what will be the cost? I'm [hidden] and you have came for my house fengshui twice previously and we are very happy with your consultation and advice. Living At [hidden condo name] Thanks P.S. Our baby name service: https://www.geomancy.net/content/products-services/name-analysis/chinese-name-analysis

Especially in these two blocks 425A and 425B; not only are the lifts centrally located; each floor's central rubbish bin is equally at the centre-point of the development. Thus the advantage is that this bin is not close to any stacks/units. Of course, the slight draw-back is that it is in full view of those coming in and out of the lifts. Frankly, this is quite common in many of the past HDB block designs all over Singapore.

The review

Under Shapes and Forms Feng Shui and the Water classics; it is certainly a no-brainer if one does not select either of these stacks/units 149 (4 bedders); the rest are 5 bedders:- 151, 153, 155, 157, 159, 161 and higher floors of stack 163. For stack 163, higher floors are preferred to ensure the unit clears the trees in the park. Even 159 should consider higher floors since the living room would be overlooking the park. If you have selected any of the above.. Congratulations! For getting a million dollar view and no afternoon sun!

1. This is a variant of my earlier redesign of the entrance towards the underground car-park of Northshore cove. 2. This redesign is to reduce the potential for cars turning into the car-park getting rear-ended at marking in red X. As the earlier entrance is close to the slip road from Northshore drive. 3. One consideration is that the entrance/exit to this development may be at location marked as "A". 3.1 As this is a straight road and less blind spot(s). 4. Alternatively, the entrance could have been at marking A. And the exit at marking B. 4.1 And even in the future may allow for two entry/exit gantries (if necessary). (As this development has 801 units.. fairly large sized estate. close to the 1,000k resident level developments). 4.2 Unless this is one way to deter car-ownership.. hmmm.. 5. In fact, many condos have this arrangement where entry is at one side and exit is at the other. Again, to minimize accidents.. P.S. The above are just wishful thinking.. in that if the original layout had been properly drawn or planned.. I would not have to come-up with such an imaginative redrawing of the service road of Northshore cove development.

1. Please note that this is a rough sketch. 2. I have redesigned the car-park entrance and exit / DOP entrance and exit and the rubbish bin collection for block 423C. 3. In my opinion, this is not perfect. But, at least, would minimize and accidents totally. 4. The flaw of this sketch is that I placed the entrance leading into the basement car park to close to the slip road turning in from Northshore Drive. This is not a good idea as some cars may be rear-ended if it turns suddenly even if it signals left. 5. Thus, I have re-designed this area in the next thread. Just to show that the entrance could be better improved. 6. The good thing about this simple sketch is that the entrance and exit are now no longer sharing the same piece of service road with each other and the DOP. Can still have an open space between the DOP and exit so that cars can still turn towards the DOP to pick up passengers. 7. While cars entering the development to park should normally not drop someone at the DOP. 8. The planners could have also considered the entrance along Northshore Drive as it is a straight road vs a more dangerous entry /exit along a curve i.e. Northshore Crescent (road).

1. Bad news is that most likely the planners of the estate most likely are non-drivers. 2. Most condos and even past HDB developments have more than two exits. 2.1 This is a safety feature where if a vehicle happens to breakdown or stuck at that gantry; there is an alternative exit point. 3. In addition, it is safer to have a carpark entry/exit along a straight road such as Northshore Drive instead of the road at a curve along Northshore Crescent. 4. The entry / exit towards (the road) Northshore crescent should not have so many "twists" and turns and criss-crossing towards the Drop-off-point (DOP). 5. "S" curse oops.. I mean "S" curve can slow down vehicles.. but not many are that accurate or you are trying to say.. there are large sized vehicles such as S-class Mercedes Benz or BMW 7 series leasees or their family members visiting this development? Or what about other 7 or 8 seater vehicles? 5.1 For example at marking in purple A, many drivers often eat-into the other lane when entering or exiting the car-park. 5.2 As a result, most likely, the estate may place bolder blocks. And one can see the poor tires/wheels rubbing against this in the future. 6. Often cars turning into Northshore Crescent may want to go directly towards the DOP. While cars exiting the car park will criss-cross this "junction" at marking in pink "B". 6.1 One can just imagine.. there may be prone to kissing by vehicles/motorcycles etc.. 7. HDB, if you are hearing this.. yeah! YOU! the planner.. Yes, You! This is not a test track for learners to learn how to pass "S" curves. It is your responsibility to make it safe! 8. Take for example how Causeway point's car park entrance /exits were redesigned many years ago to be .. SAFE and minimize accidents! 9. Take for example also how Ang Mo Kio Hub's car park were redesigned to make it safe! After so many accidents due to the huge pillars that had created blind spots .. when it was first opened... P.S. It is not too late to re-design the car-park, lah! Luckily you are not in North Korea.. or you would not be seen or heard after this...shhhhh....

Although it is now proven by scientists that the literal Left and Right brain concept is not true. Neverthless this is still a useful concept to define the two different styles. Thus, we still associate the "Right-brain" with intuition, artistic and the arts. Looking at the block and stack layout.. it is unlike the methodical "Left-brain" type of layout. Here, most likely the planners are more inclined to be "Right-brainers". For example block 425A and 425B both blocks share a similar tri-branch-out layout. Otherwise, they have stacks that are totally not even similar facing at all. This is what is so unique in this development. While 423A takes a little from the facing directions of block 425A and 423C takes to 425B. Although on first look the Precinct Pavillion or PP seems to be exactly at the middle of Northshore cove development; After analysing closely.. surprisingly, only one 5 bedder is even close to "looking" at this PP. Even so, you really need to strain the neck to be able to look towards the PP. The most affected would be stack 171 (even so, at an acute angle view). And the rest are the smaller bedders stacks 109, 111 and also low floors of 113, 115, 137 and 139. Good news is that these stacks are considered quite a large distance away. Unless one has inplanted bionic eyes... thank god.. this is still a few decades away...