Essence: Design Follows Feng-shui
31 Jul 2024
Article
'Essence' is an article series by Urban Delineation™, an interior and architecture design studio based in Singapore. The series showcases their completed design projects and profiles. The #02 Issue features 树 (Shù) House.

"A sensorial journey through the whispers of feng-shui." - Design Principal of Urban Delineation, Bryan Chng
Nestled in Parc Clematis at Clementi for a young family of four, 树 (Shù) House draws inspiration from the Eastern and Japanese heritage of 树 (Trees). 树 emerges as profound symbols of enduring life, the embrace of fortune, and unwavering strength. They intertwine harmoniously with the essence of brightness and the longevity of existence.

FENG-SHUI ELEMENTS DISTRIBUTION: Within the embrace of 树 (Shù) House, profound feng-shui beliefs eventuate into an original bespoke design approach with the guidance of a renowned feng-shui consultant in Singapore. The design outcome is a harmonious sensory journey through the five elements; Water (水), Clouds (云), Trees (树), Mountain (山) & light (光):

WATER (水): As you approach the main entrance of 树 (Shù) House, the soothing sound of flowing water from the waterfall greets you at the main door. This meditative sound, which gently calms the soul, embodies several important concepts:
Wealth and Prosperity: Water is often associated with the flow of wealth and abundance. In Feng Shui, a well-placed water feature, like a fountain or aquarium, can attract positive financial energy and enhance prosperity.
Flow and Movement: Water represents the idea of movement and change. It symbolizes the smooth flow of energy (Qi) through a space, encouraging harmony and balance.
Emotion and Serenity: Water is linked to calmness and emotional balance. It can help create a tranquil environment and support mental and emotional well-being.
Openness and Adaptability: The fluid nature of water embodies adaptability and openness. It encourages flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing circumstances.
Health and Longevity: Clean, flowing water is seen as essential for good health and vitality. It symbolizes the nourishment and refreshment necessary for a long life.

CLOUDS (云): The grandeur of the living hall beckons with its expansive space, achieved by removing the kitchen wall and installing a striking feature island table. This area is beautifully illuminated by a carefully chosen pendant light that highlights several brilliance:
Good Fortune and Prosperity: Clouds are often seen as harbingers of good luck and wealth. They symbolize the arrival of positive energy and opportunities, similar to how clouds bring rain that nurtures the earth.
Transformation and Change: Clouds represent the ever-changing nature of life. They remind us that change is constant and that we should be adaptable and open to new possibilities.
Spirituality and Higher Realms: In Chinese culture, clouds are associated with the divine or spiritual realms. They symbolize a connection between the earthly and the heavenly and are often seen as a bridge between the physical world and higher spiritual dimensions.
Protection and Harmony: Clouds can also be seen as a protective shield that brings balance and harmony. They are thought to create a gentle and nurturing environment.
Creativity and Imagination: The mutable and ethereal nature of clouds encourages creativity and the power of imagination. They inspire artistic expression and innovation.
View Island counter-top from Cosentino, View Pendant light from Glow Lights

TREE (树): The harmonious living hall is adorned with natural finishes, with a special emphasis on trees. To achieve this, the carpentry surfaces are meticulously finished with premium laminate from the esteemed supplier, Panaplast.
Growth and Vitality: Trees symbolize growth, vitality, and renewal. Their continuous growth and development reflect personal and professional advancement.
Stability and Strength: With their deep roots and strong trunks, trees represent stability, endurance, and resilience. They are seen as symbols of solid grounding and strength in one’s life.
Health and Well-being: Trees are associated with health and well-being. Their lush foliage and natural beauty contribute to a sense of vitality and harmony in the environment.
Prosperity and Abundance: Trees, especially those with abundant fruit or leaves, are symbols of prosperity and abundance. They are thought to attract wealth and success.
Family and Relationships: Trees also symbolize family and lineage, reflecting the idea of roots and connections within a family or community. They represent the nurturing and supportive aspects of relationships.
Balance and Harmony: The balanced structure of a tree—its trunk, branches, and leaves—symbolizes harmony and equilibrium in life.
View Laminate from Panaplast, View Sofa from Commune


MOUNTAIN (靠山): Meaning "supporting mountain" or "backing mountain," carries profound symbolic significance. This philosophy is embodied in a storage cabinet designed to evoke a mountain peak reaching into the clouds, illuminated by concealed lights that symbolize the sky.
Stability and Support: 靠山 symbolizes stability and support, much like a mountain provides a solid and reliable backdrop. It signifies having a strong foundation and reliable backing in life, both personally and professionally.
Protection and Safety: The concept of a mountain behind a property or space is believed to offer protection and security. It protects against negative energy and external threats, creating a safe and secure environment.
Strength and Endurance: Mountains are seen as symbols of strength and endurance. Having a "mountain" behind you is thought to provide the strength and resilience needed to face challenges and overcome obstacles.
Nurturing and Supportive Influence: Just as a mountain supports the land around it, a backing mountain is believed to provide nurturing and supportive influence, aiding in personal growth and development.
View LED Concealed Lighting by Shiok Lighting

Summarily within the embrace of 树 (Shù) House, profound beliefs eventuate into a design language of interior design, offering a sensorial journey through the whispers of design following feng-shui. This serene dwelling nurtures a young family’s aspirations for well-being, prosperity, and a future illuminated by the brilliance of life. We wish the family blessings & peace in countless years to come.
View portfolio, 树 (Shù) House