Feng Shui Review of Forett at Bukit Timah along Toh Tuck Road by Qingjian Realty (formerly Goodluck Garden)

[Cecil Lee]

Thanks to a kind gentleman, have just received a draft copy of the Sale Brochure.

Thank you Sir!

P.S. By far the developer’s Sales Brochure is to be commended for placing Many highly informative information eg. Block Bin locations.

Also many thoughtful considerations like no unit main door faces a rubbish bin; or additional solar panels for afternoon sun facing units. And reducing the amount of dead space such as fewer passageways in some units etc...

Congratulations to the developer. Your Sales Brochure has been awarded the most user friendly in 2020:-

Forett e-brochure: Forett - Site & Floor Plan Brief_compressed.pdf
There is another one thanks to another forum user which sent me the ERA Sales brief brochure.

I am confident that it will remain so for the rest of 2020. 

In my opinion, although it is called Forett at Bukit Timah, this development is not even near to Upper Bukit Timah Road! All the same, honestly, it should instead be called Forett at Toh Tuck Road. LOL

The only thing real here is that it is Freehold! Yipee!

P.S. Had also gave an infamous award to this same developer, here:-

Hope this type round their landscaping for Forett is up to par with many other condos. LOLL

[Cecil Lee]

Case Study 1: Lift and Refuse Chute Location

1. Kudos for this developer who is up-front with the location of each blocks Life and refuse chute location.

2. So far, other than HDB sales brochure and just one more site, no other developer has made an effort to be as transparent as this unless one requests confirmation from the Agent/developer:-

2.1. Caveat:-

2.2. The developer did state clearly that the refuse chute screening doors does not face any unit's entrance. But.. wait! I hope I am wrong, but it does seem that quite possible for a unit's entrance to be BESIDE this refuse chute door!

2.3. Before signing on the dotted line, try to obtain a much clearer picture of the block layout. I know of many clients did that e.g. Hillion etc.. 

3.  Is the Sales Brochure Useful and Topic 1A & B: Common Rubbish Bin:-

4. Thus there will not be any surprises during key collection.

5. As recently, some clients started discussing with me the Feng Shui of the Rivercove Residences and were crossing their fingers hoping that the rubbish bin(s) are not either beside their unit's main door or facing the main door...

 

[Cecil Lee]

Case Study 2: Waste Collection at Forret using the Pneumatic Waste Conveyance System (PWCS)

[Case Study: A recent development is the use of the Pneumatic Waste Collection System (PWCS) in some developments: ECs/condos and even some new HDB BTOs.]

1. In my opinion, Hong Leong /CDL seems to be an early adopter of this Pneumatic Waste Collection System in many of their new developments.

2. For example, when The Venue (a CDL project) had just T.O.P.

3. This signage was displayed at the common bin. There are like Twelve (12) cautionary: what not to:-

4. There was a cautionary sign with lots of Don'ts.

5. A while back at The Criterion also by CDL. This notice (User guide) was displayed at the common bin area:-

6. Hopefully, the residents may come to terms to avoid doing all these...

7. If managed properly, one can understand the savings in terms of maintenance costs (if any)... and good for the daily Cleaners.

8. Presently not all other Developers follow this lead. Thus with the manual system, although there are occasional issues; but less so.

Case Study: Plight of residents of HDB Yuhua BTO which was installed also with the Pneumatic Waste Collection System (PWCS).

9. As expected. It takes just one or two inconsiderate residents to make a mess of this system...

10. Imagine 4 years and more of tolerance.

11. Residents reported persistent odour and foul smell exuding from the centralised bin centre at Blk 223A of Jurong East Street 21 has been a persistent problem in Yuhua since the PWCS started.

12. According to a recent report from the Chinese evening newspaper Lianhe Wanbao, residents have been bearing with the smelly environment for the past four years.

13. Some residents also feedback of bulky items such as large soft toys, cardboards and mattresses, which choke up the pipe network. The cleaners will have to manually clear these items from the PWCS.

14. The success depends on the users of the PWCS.

15. There is no other choice for such estates.

16. Even if no stack/unit at Forett faces the bin centre. As a precautionary side, my suggestion is to get a unit as far away as possible to it. Especially units that are up or down wind of the bin centre facility.

[Cecil Lee]

Case Study 3: An unusual or uncommon 2 Bedroom layout - BHS 1a where the kitchen / yard equipment is next to the Master Bedroom (MB)

1. Here, we do not often find a unit where the Master Bedroom is so close to the kitchen.

1.1. And also, where one of the MB wall is shared with a kitchen.

2. These are some considerations:

2.1. Sometimes a Feng Shui Master (FSM) my require their client to sleep with the bed-head sharing the same wall as the kitchen.

2.1.1. Especially if the FSM felt that somehow the bed-head facing towards the kitchen is best. Frankly, I would not recommend this even if the bed-head direction based on it is good. This is because the "Forms preceed the directions model".

2.1.2. Why so? Firstly, based on the layout of the master bedroom, it is best that the bed-head direction is as exactly shown in the Sales brochure, below:-

2.1.3. One reason is that, from the bed, one cannot see into the Master Toilet/WC.

2.1.4. Another is that in some Feng Shui books illustrate someone coming into the room and trying to "stab" those sleeping on the bed. Many Singaporean males have gone into the army. And it is preferred to have the bed as shown in the brochure. As one can see the bedroom door, from here. No blind spot. In army this is having good situational analysis and proper cover.

3. Under symbolism in Feng Shui, it is considered not good to sleep with one's head sharing the same wall as the stove. Fortunately, the stove is placed furthest away and most likely towards an edge.. depending on whether it is a queen 5 ft or king 6th bed..).

3.1. But there can be a situation where someone place a single bed. if so, the bed-head or parts of the body may share the same wall as the stove.

4. Common sense Feng Shui

4.1. If someone does heavy cooking sometimes... either they forgot to close the kitchen door or it becomes too stuffy that the kitchen door may be left slightly ajar... the heated cooking oil and fumes may permeate into the master bedroom.

4.2. Looking at the layout plan, there is a high possibility that in green is a partition wall and not a soild wall.

4.2.1. If so, when a washer and dryier is turned on, even if one closes the kitchen door; most likely the sound of the machine may spill over into the master bedroom.

4.2.2. Thus if the resident has a child or needs some rest etc... won't this disturb him/her or them? Okay... if bedroom 2 is not a study or office or another family member's bedroom... go rest there!

4.2.3. Washer/dryer often releases vapours and often it falls onto the kitchen top or minute particles get into the master bedroom.

4.2.4. Hopefully, the developer does not use non-waterproof dry wall. If so, in some unfortunate situtations, hope that the dry wall behind the washing machine does not get damp and thus allow mold (deadly ones) to multiply onto this wall. Can often be cancerous or unhealthy.

5. If one really wants to buy a unit with such a layout, I would insist that the developer confirm the type of wall used here. Better if it is reinforced concrete wall.

[Cecil Lee]

Case Study 4: Shapes and Forms Feng Shui - Bottle-neck : Flow of Qi between Block 35 stack 28 and Block 40 Stack #93

1. There is a distinct narrowing between stacks #28 and #93 in Forret.

2. In windy conditions, best to avoid too strong a wind forced into stacks/units around this bottleneck in particular #28, #93 and especially master bedroom, bedroom 2/3 of stack #85

3. As it can result in both relationships and health issues for the residents in these stacks/units.

4. Try to consider these stacks/units as a last resort.

[Cecil Lee]

Case Study 5: Potential poison arrow from sharp corner of stack #28 aimed towards #93. And avoid low floors of stack #85

1. One good thing about Forret is that there are few potential poison arrows affecting neighbourng block/stack.

2. Most distinct is that of stack #93 with a potential poison arrow aimed from sharp corner of stack #28.

2.1. Hopefully, if the sharp corner is aimed towards stack #93's wall or at least window frame.

3. For stack #85, only low floors especially ground floor unit #01-85.

 

[Cecil Lee]

Case Study 6: Developer: "We are fine with the number 13 but not number forty-four (44)!"

1. Many years ago when SIA was established, looks like the airline was catering more to a western crowd.. where there is a tendency or higher inclination to the taboo that Number Thirteen (13) was inauspicious.

2. This is why still today, if one boards a plane: The First Class or Buiness Class, Seats 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E etc.. is missing:-

https://www.geomancy.net/forums/topic/11518-is-there-a-row-13-in-this-singapore-airlines-plane/?tab=comments#comment-29370

3. Do you know that this developer did not skip number 14. Which is less obious than a 4 or 44.

4. If one were to scan the Sales Brochure site plan, Stack #44 is missing from this development!

4.1. It is a good thing! Good for Real Estate agents be it having to sell units with #44 and even more so if it is a #04-44. Good for the developer, as they are able to try to move or sell as many units to avoid being penalised if units are unsold e.g. in say 5 years etc...

4.2. Good also for the home owner when it is time for them to sell their units.

5. Unfortunately, for a select few who finds number forty-forty lucky for them, then too bad... go find such a number in other developments. LOL

 

[Cecil Lee]

Case Study 7: Traffic Sha Qi - Service Road and Block 32 stack #05

1. Where possible try to avoid ground floor unit of Block 32 unit #01-05 given that vehicles may turn into the service road into Forret condo.

2. If possible, try also not to get unit #01-04.

[Ricky chua]

Which are the best fengshui blocks to recommend for forrett 

[Cecil Lee]

7 minutes ago, Ricky chua said:

Which are the best fengshui blocks to recommend for forrett 

 

[Cecil Lee]

Case Study 8: Location of water tank and Penthouse units

1. It is good that the developer also share the location of the water tank.

2. However, the information can be quite overwhelming and confusing:-

3. There was a recent development which instead of describing in lengthy text has placed an outline of the water tank over the outline of each block's stack. (Ola Executive condo at Sengkang)

4. This visual cues is a much more effective way to understand whether the water tank is directly or partially above a specific unit or not.

5. What is the main concern of the water tank?

5.1. Under Symbolism in Feng Shui ideally a unit's space should not be under a water tank = as under the I-Ching, water above one means or symbolises difficulty.

6. In past forum posting.. I mentioned that a penthouse unit which my client wanted to purchase had cracks/leaking markings over the location where the roof-top water tank is bolted onto.

6.1. As many of us know, a water tank can expand and contract.

6.2. And if the tank legs were bolted onto the roof, this means that the roof concrete may also expand and contract.

6.3. And sooner or later, the water proofing may give way. I understand, for a condo unit, leaks are the responsibility of the MCST. But sometimes, it takes time to fix. And often may need to be fixed whenever, it no longer has water proof properties. Both a hassle for the resident. And sometimes, damage has already been done to the resident's home.

Reference:

A first where OLA Site Plan shows the "Water Tank Location". This is a better method of presenting it's location:-

In addition, if one wants to purchase a ground floor unit, the location of the Ventilation Shafts are equally important. Why?

In the past, the poor client of mine collected the keys and shortly discovered that directly below his 3rd bedroom's ground opening is a ventilation fan.

Unfortunately, the fan apparently ran for specific timing of the day and it did make a loud noise.

That was I believe like at least 6 or 8 years ago. Sorry, can't really remember the actual condo or EC. Oh Dear! Maybe I am starting to get dementia... Oops!

[Cecil Lee]

Case Study 9: Are the provision of solar coating for specific stacks/unit correct?

Please see, below:-

1. In green = stacks/units influenced by morning sun

2. In pink and red = Every six months, the afternoon sun rays are at an angle. And these facings although will not get direct afternoon sunlight. But the facade of these stacks/unit will get equally hot = "green house effect."

3. Thus it would be also "NICE" if these additional stacks/units get their fair share of solar protection. LOL

4. In my opinion, it is sad that especially true South (180 degrees) cardinal facing stacks were not given the solar protection also.

Related resource:

 

[Cecil Lee]

Thanks! You are so kind! Appreciate!

 

[Cecil Lee]

Two kind forum users separate sent me each of these.

One if them is an ERA brief -usually more for their agents Knowledge.

Forett - Site & Floor Plan Brief_compressed.pdf forett info for client - 30 june 2020.pdf

[Cecil Lee]

Case Study 10: Reduced traffic noise especially units facing the slip road and Expressway is an indirect benefit to residents of the estate.

1. This has more to do with Human/Man Luck factors than Feng Shui.

2. Given that this developer seems to tout that it has considered many user friendly features for this development e.g. solar panels for most affected by afternoon and even morning sun; no unit has its main door facing the bin; minimal passageways etc... 

3. If one has purchased a unit there; request or petition the developer to include soundproofing ceiling boards (if they have not considered this already) especially for units facing the expressway!

Life's like this!

Developer: "Sorry, during pre-COVID-19 days, we can easily do this! But post-COVID-19, our budget over-runs are killing us with the increased costs of built!"

Developer: "Furthermore, you will be lucky if we are able to hand the unit 6 months late.. or even longer!"

Developer: "We really have no news of our people. Believe, they are still stuck somewhere in a facility. Hey! Elections are over! Any update for us?"

Extracts from:-

https://www.geomancy.net/forums/topic/15077-the-visionaire-ec-sembawang/?tab=comments#comment-31786

Blocks such as 186 have balconies installed with sound proofing properties.

As one of the main culprit is the balcony ceiling reflecting noise especially from MRT tracks into the home.

Further good news is that new generation trains are less noisy. 

Next time if one sees this: do understand that it is meant to reduce/absorb the magnified noise bouncing onto the balcony ceiling this magnifying the traffic noise.

This these ceilings are not only for decorative purposes but for the above mentioned purposes.

A completely flat surface echos sounds that travel in a straight line. 

From now onwards, the government placed a restriction of every unit with a maximum of 15% balconies to total unit floor area.

In addition, some development comes with thicker noise reduction glass panels. Some high end one comes with dual ply glass panels.

By the way coincidentally, this development: The Visionaire is also developed by the same developer of Forett. 

[Cecil Lee]

Case Study 11: A toilet should share an external wall.

1. This is fundamentally based on Common sense so much so that it has to be one of the major considerations of any home.

2. For example, from Day 1 of HDB's history, all of their layouts have a WC sharing an external wall.

3. In fact, as far as I can remember, 99.99% of all private developments also has naturally ventilated bathrooms. 

4. Thus, the comment below is "God" given. Or understood. 

5. The only thing I like to point out is that it is less common to have a Yard toilet that shares an external wall. Thus Kudos to the developer, here.

[Cecil Lee]

Case Study 12: Clash of Sink and Stove of 3 Bedroom Premium - C 3 a / 4 Bedroom Premium D 1 a etc...

1. Unfortunately, the layout is not so efficient after all. Why?

2. Ideally the sink and stove should preferably in a straight line.

3. From a Shapes and Forms: this layout shows that the sink clashes with the stove.

4. [Above] As a result, some may later on construct e.g. perhaps an arching sidewall (in green illustration) at the stove side.

3 Bedroom Premium - C 3 a

Also for 4 Bedroom Premium - D 1a

5. Common sense and the layout of the sink and stove:

5.1. There is a straightforward explanation why a sink and stove should share the same table top but preferably be separated from each other at least 40cm or 60 cm or more.

5.2. Here, after cooking on the stove, one can easily bring these used (hot) utensils quickly to the sink.

5.2.1. Thus there is no way of dropping it or have to : Look right, look left and then bring it to the sink. This is especially so if one has one or more toddlers running around in the house. Don't want to accidentally scar the children as in this layout.

6. In the event of wind, hopefully the heat from the utensils do not move towards the kitchen door etc...

[Cecil Lee]

Case Study 13: Human or Man Luck and the good old days of "One Happy Family"

1. I am glad to see the bigger units with a walk-in-wardrope.

2. This means that if one does not further add extra wardrope cabinet in the master bedroom, it frees the master bedroom to cater for "One Happy Family".

3. This is because how many fathers experience the situation where they get "thrown" out of the master bedroom when they have kids?

4. Here, isn't it nice that the whole family be it one or more children can comfortably squeeze into the master bedroom.

5. Until a time when the kids decided otherwise! LOL

 

[Cecil Lee]

Case Study 14A: Any Sha Qi or Poison Arrow(s) from neighbouring Blocks/Stacks of Signature Park Condo

1. Many years ago, I recalled standing inside a client's unit at marking in red "X" looking down towards the lower development of the Goodluck Garden (now Forett). Which now will become Block 36 and 36A Forett.

2. These two blocks 36 and 36A are almost parallel to the gentle curve of Signature Park units surrounding marking "X". Thus no issue of any poison arrows from these units.

3. On the contrary, Forett Block 34A stack #33 and Block 34B stack #54 may have potential poison arrows aimed towards specific stacks/units at Signature Park if one follows the Yellow arrows that I had drawn below:-

Case Study 14B: Sha Qi from Block 34A aimed towards Block 38 stacks #73 and #78

1. Similar examples of this type of Sha Qi can be found within this resource link:-

https://www.geomancy.net/forums/topic/15997-the-tapestry-by-cdl-at-tampines-unexpected-sha-qi-and-poison-arrows-the-luxurie-la-fiesta-greenfoliage/?tab=comments#comment-34689

[Cecil Lee]

Case Study 15: What is Forett's overall Feng Shui score?

1. Location, location, location = 4.5 stars out of 5

2. This paranomic photo gives a good idea of the plot of land and it's surroundings:

Source and Credit ERA Briefing Notes as found in the slide.

3. The first impression of this plot is the relationship between (the cruel) but beatiful relation of ancient Chinese women bounding their feet to fit into small shoes.

3.1. I totally agree with you that perhaps this may be the wrong description. But, sincerely, I meant it as a compliment to the unique shape.

3.1.1. Apologies, but this may be a turn-off for some. Hear goes:-

3.1.2 As I cannot help but see some similarities of one of the photos with the outline of the Forett plot.

3.2. Okay, I get you. The 2nd thing that came to my mind was the beautiful toddlers and their shoes.. This description sounds better right?

3.3. Thus this accounts for a high score of 4.5 stars for Location (L) x 3.

4. In my opinion, the developer made a good effort to squeeze all the blocks/stacks despite it's odd shape:-

Site Plan = 3.5 Stars

5. Feng Shui does not take into consideration that this is a Freehold site. But to the buyer.. it does. LOL

Related: Nearby development
https://www.geomancy.net/forums/topic/16555-daintree-residence-at-toh-tuck-road-by-sp-septia-scores-poorly-in-external-shapes-forms-feng-shui-ouch/?tab=comments#comment-36220

[Cecil Lee]

Case Study 16: What’s in a name like Forett?

1. Okay, a few times when I typed Forett, my iPhone changed it to “Forest”. Not because the word refers to greenery, but because it failed to detect a proper English word! 

2. No results found for forett.

3. Recently one kind forum user explained that another development: Tedge is not associated with it’s actual properties... but that this developer chose it because it is at “The edge of Telok Kurau estate!”

4. HELP! Any kind souls know the real significance of the word: FORETT?

5. I was like thinking of For rent? For Rat? Forget? 

6. Okay, found two references to FORETT...

 

Okay, I get it. Not any English word but rather a French term.. LOL

AS MENTIONED BY THE DEVELOPER:-

⁂The Inspiration behind the Name ⁂

As the property is close to Bukit Timah Reserve, there was a natural leaning towards a name that captures the geography and greenery

Le Foret is French for forest and that was our inspiration.  We added a touch of Singaporean practicaliy, especially for pronunciation purposes.

We dropped the le and added an extra’t’ so the name Forett with the tt as a nod to Toh Tuck.

In summary, Foret tips tis hat to the lush greenery nearby, reads phonetically and rolls of the tongue easily.

As an alternative to Forett, we considered Forett at Bukit Timah which offers a direct association of forest/nature to Bukit T

[Cecil Lee]

Case Study 17: The Siamese-Twin of Stove-Washing Machine - For example 3 Bedroom Deluxe - C 1b

1. Under Shapes and Forms Feng Shui, it is not ideal for the stove to be "glued" together side-by-side with a Washing Machine. (Who cares if it is a Washer/Dryer .. it is still first and foremost looks like a Washing Machine. And this is it's primary function).

1.1. Here, even if the washing machine is not seen, as shown here by dotted lines, the fact is that they are side-by side.

1.2. Thus it is still considered as a clash of Fire and Water element.

2. Common sense

2.1. Every washing machine needs detergent to work. Worse if it is the power form. Given that even if one is careful to scoop powder detergent into the powder bin, there will still be minute power flying around the kitchen. Worse if it is slightly windy.

2.2. When the washing machine is on, the drum may be heated up and often, vapours containing detergent may coat any surface area of the kitchen. Especially the kitchen table top.

2.3. The "good" news is that food may taste so much better! But such substances or "white powder" aka. fake heroine dusts can be deadly through the years.

3. Okay, the Agent tells me that the washer is enclosed with a door! Why worry? Do look at the door, it will often always have ventilation openings to cool the machine. 

3.1. In fact, many of such "built" in washing machines may not have a door installed. Or give and take a few years, some residents find it such a hinder that they totally remove it or the door simply fell off and never replaced!

4. No choice, one has to live with it. Thus best not to use the washing machine when cooking. And avoid leaving plates, mugs and utensils lying around when using washing machine + dryer.

5. This is why, prior to smaller kitchens, do notice that in the past, there is always a separate YARD for a washing machine. And as mentioned, this is based on common sense - safety.

6. Thus, even if the developer says that all bedrooms and living rooms face the same opening area; please tell the developer, many other developments have equally efficient layout minus this "health" BOO BOO.

7. The narrow Foyer + kitchen layout is a turn-off for me. 

8. Furthermore, it is still preferred to have the HS door facing the opposite site. Unless one says that "I DON'T COOK!".

9. If one is a "lover" of using heavy oils like Olive oil to cook, Good Bless You! As Olive oil has low flash-point and can be "export" very thick and sticky grime.. Bad news also is that peanut, palm oil or just any oil is not friendly to the HS shelter and it's door.

Maid: "Mum, I resign."

Mum: "Why?"

Maid: "Mum, don't get me wrong! You treat me very well. But I hate to clean-up the HS!"

[Cecil Lee]

A client wrote:-

Thanks Master Cecil. Fyi for those units with the kitchen wall shared w bedroom we checked.

“The wall is a precast concrete wall. There’s waterproofing to kitchen floor and bottom of the wall.

From developer.”

[Rohan Kim]

Hi Mr. Cecil Lee,

Good day to you. I was searching for some reviews for Forett Condo and I came across this forum. I must say, you're awesome to write these very helpful information. 

I went through if not all but most of the writings and I didn't came across with a link to "forett at bukit timah". I probably overlooked some but I think this is there official website https://forettcondo.com.sg/  which shows their press releases, pricing, galleries and a lot more. 

I hope this is helpful to you and your readers.  Looking forward to more of your excellent write-ups.

Cheers,

Rohan Kim

[Cecil Lee]

59 minutes ago, Rohan Kim said:

Hi Mr. Cecil Lee,

Good day to you. I was searching for some reviews for Forett Condo and I came across this forum. I must say, you're awesome to write these very helpful information. 

I went through if not all but most of the writings and I didn't came across with a link to "forett at bukit timah". I probably overlooked some but I think this is there official website https://forettcondo.com.sg/  which shows their press releases, pricing, galleries and a lot more. 

I hope this is helpful to you and your readers.  Looking forward to more of your excellent write-ups.

Cheers,

Rohan Kim

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