Project : Hilltop Reno + Addition

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A major component to Feng Shui is ‘laying the bagua’ [the 9-square grid] over a property. Often the placement is obvious, but occasionally there are multiple ways it can be laid. Such is the case with this Hilltop renovation. In addition to the curved rear/ side property line, the land includes a parcel to the south that was added between construction [1940’s] and when our clients purchased.

Is the added parcel a bonus space, or included in the bagua? Does the bagua stretch to the street behind, creating two significant ‘missing areas’ in the back corners? As there are at least three placement options that are all technically correct in terms of Feng Shui proportion rules, we then look at imbalances or patterns in the clients’ lives, why they may have been subconsciously attracted to this property, how potential remedies could affect them, and what their intentions are for the space.

Based on several client-specific reasons, plus their intended use of the parcel and the home’s interior layout, we included the new parcel and used its rear boundary to align the bagua.

In addition to landscape recommendations for landform infractions including ‘rushing chi’ around the home due to hills and roadways, the home and the land reflected the same ‘missing area’ in the Abundance gua [which occurred in any iteration of laying the bagua]. It was obvious supporting that corner through both landscaping and use of space was necessary. A deck [not included in the bagua] occupies part of the missing area, and we offered several physical and energetic remedies to help complete this space, and support the sloping, missing corner in

*In many energy work traditions, the R side relates to the masculine and L relates to the feminine. Also to note : BTB Feng Shui aligns the bagua to property entrance, vs. Compass Methods which align the bagua to the cardinal directions.

  • Status : In Construction
  • Our Work : Feng Shui [building, landform, landscape], Land Ceremonies

Project : Laundry Reno

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Why feature a laundry room renovation? Because even the smallest projects should support well-being, especially rooms that typically have poor air quality [laundry rooms are susceptible to dust and chemical fumes]. Plus, we love the marble countertop/ backsplash.

The clients wanted assistance with material health [low and non-toxic material selection], material selection and to align with Feng Shui principles. The new cabinetry needed to match a cupboard on the opposite wall that was installed several years ago, dominating this Earth gua with Metal energy [white = metal] — a ‘draining’ relationship. Natural stone that reflected Fire energy [supports Earth, controls Metal] was recommended in order to support Earth in the space.

Working directly with the sub-contractors, we came across a common line of thinking when recommending low/ non-toxic materials over more common alternatives : ‘If it’s on the shelves, it must be safe.’ Sadly, no. Communication with subs is vital, and after agreeing materials we sometimes place the order to ensure specified products are used.

Natural stone is typically non-toxic,* stone sealer typically is not [yet frequently used on ‘food safe’ surfaces].

Our specifications included :

  • Non-toxic drywall + drywall mud
  • Zero VOC primer + paint**
  • Natural marble
  • Non-Toxic Milk Paint Soapstone Sealer [good for more than just soapstone]

Additionally, the solid maple cabinetry was pre-finished, reducing VOCs from on-site finishing.

*several minerals are toxic to humans, but usually aren’t options for countertops or indoor use

**zero VOC paint bases are common, be sure to confirm the pigment is also zero/ low VOC

  • Status : Completed
  • Our Work : Feng Shui, Material Health, Material Selection

Project : Foothills Site Integration

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Our client purchased a slice of neighboring property with the intent to build an additional garage and pool house. Savvy to Feng Shui principles and benefits, they sought a consultation to ensure the added land and new construction would harmonize with the existing space.

The new lot lines and planned additions reflected a ‘reaching’ energy on the East [right/ masculine*] side of the property, suggesting some imbalance on the feminine side. Coincidentally, this was reflected during our intake as the expansion was initiated by the male head-of-house and felt somewhat daunting to the female.

In addition to landscape, lifestyle and energetic [‘transcendental’] recommendations to help remedy imbalance, we conducted a custom Land Ceremony to set an intention for the space and integrate the two parcels [and an easement in the NW corner], and suggested conducting blessings for trees that had been removed from the property.

Recommendations were also made regarding material selection in and around the pool house [not pictured].

*In many energy work traditions, the R side relates to the masculine and L relates to the feminine. Also to note : BTB Feng Shui aligns the bagua to property entrance, vs. Compass Methods which align the bagua to the cardinal directions.

  • Status : In Construction
  • Our Work : Feng Shui [new building, landform, landscape], Land Ceremony

Project : Sonoma Reno + Site Plan

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This beautiful 2 acre property in Sonoma County includes an existing 1920’s home, pool and small accessory structures. The new owners requested Feng Shui analysis and recommendations for their proposed renovations to the home and updated site plan, which will feature edible gardens, an orchard, grazing area for livestock and new structures.

There were several energetic considerations impacting the site including :

  • home pushed toward front of lot
  • property slopes down on the West [left/ feminine*] side
  • road and area property lines skew East on East side of property
  • significant ‘bonus space’ on East half of property [right/ masculine*]

As the placement of the home offered little space for beneficial energy to collect at the front of the site, circulating throughout the property and nourishing their dreams, pathways and landscaping were recommended in addition to ‘transcendental’ cures to energetically push the home back.

The symbolism of imbalances on the property indicated a potential for the females to feel a drain or lack of support, while the males had additional space that could lead to an unforeseen direction. During the client intake, we learned this was the case with the previous owners [predecessor chi], and prioritized balancing the property through landscaping and transcendental cures including land ceremonies and space clearing.

Recommendations to the interior plans were minimal, but included minimizing ‘rushing chi,’ supporting the center of the home, and balancing controlling or draining Elements.

*In many energy work traditions, the R side relates to the masculine and L relates to the feminine. Also to note : BTB Feng Shui aligns the bagua to property entrance, vs. Compass Methods which align the bagua to the cardinal directions.

  • Status : Phase I Complete
  • Architect : Nels Long
  • Our Work : Feng Shui [building, landform, landscape], Land Ceremony Recommendations

Project : Contemporary Craftsman

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A new home for a creative, holistic couple in an historic neighborhood of Los Angeles. In collaboration with the architects, we explored various sacred geometry forms [including the Shri Yantra and Golden Spiral] to inform the layout of both site and structure. Settling on the Golden Spiral and client request for the home to be situated around a central courtyard, the design of the space evolved from there.

The home includes two levels, plus loft. Entertaining and private spaces on the ground floor are separated by the courtyard, framed by glass and encouraging an indoor-outdoor feel. In terms of Feng Shui, it is important that courtyards are functional and regularly used so they do not become ‘dead space’ in the middle of a home. This courtyard features an outdoor kitchen, dining area, and lounge spaces.

As for the site, the long, narrow property slopes significantly at the back. Feng Shui landscape recommendations included several remedies to mitigate ‘rushing chi’ to the back of the site [final landscape plans not reflected in images below] and nourishing the central garden.

A Land Ceremony was performed with the purpose of connecting with the space, clearing stagnant energy and sharing intentions for the upcoming construction.

  • Status : Permitting
  • Architect : RoTo Architects [Michael Rotondi, Nels Long, Patrick Aguilar]
  • Landscape Architect : Sanctuary Landscape Design
  • Our Work : Site Geometry, Feng Shui [building, landform, landscape], Land Ceremonies

Project : The Little Building

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A creative music studio that, per client vision, ‘looks like a barn on the outside, and feels like a chapel on the inside’ and features a [nearly] 17′ pitched roof.

Although everyone loved the look of a full glass wall, aesthetics lost to acoustics and function. The full-height glazing will allow for ample natural light and airflow, and sound-absorbing curtains. Narrow walls on each side offer space for shelving. The angled walls and roof line will reduce wave cancellation, further supporting acoustics of the space.

The building sits in the ‘Relationship’ gua of the property [ruled by the Earth element]. In addition to the homeowners spending time in the space creating music together, the building will relieve the main home of an extensive instrument collection, supporting harmony in their relationship. The Little Building will be constructed partially of cinder block to reference the main home while supporting the Earth element.

The studio will sit amidst a vegetable and herb garden and next to an existing greenhouse behind the main home, a 1957 Midcentury Ranch in the foothills of Pasadena.

  • Status : In Design
  • Architect : RoTo Architects [Michael Rotondi, Raul Casillas, Patrick Aguilar]
  • Our Work : Design Consulting, Feng Shui [building, landform, landscape], Material Health, Material Selection, Land Ceremonies