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The Science of Architecture... or... How to Balance Your Home

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/Max Associates DE#RA-0003085 PA#RS347136

While touring homes with a client recently, we explored a property that appeared to have all the right elements in it. It checked off the boxes for age, amenities, condition, and location near the desired school. Despite this, their body language spoke volumes. This was not the right house.

My client looked at me and said, “It doesn’t work. The Vastu is wrong.”

Seeing my quizzical facial response, he went on to explain… and I went on to search online afterward. 

 

(A chart that my client gave me shows preferable locations for proper vastu.)

Vastu is about the energy in a house based upon architectural elements and the way the house is aligned. Especially important to certain cultures, a home with good energy will make you feel balanced, happy, creative, and will bring success to the people who live there. I haven’t done a comparison, but it might have requirements similar to Feng Shui.

Vastu, sometimes spelled vaastu, makes use of the proper orientation of the front door, the way the door opens (clockwise is best, though other elements can neutralize that aspect), the location of the kitchen, the location of the primary bedroom, and the amount of light in the house. If these things are in balance, you can then you plan for the proper location of elements within the house. Some sources state that there should be no mirror in the bedroom, and if there is, don’t face the bed towards the mirror. Vastu is also impacted by the type of artwork in the house and in some instances, where you hang particular pieces of artwork.

Architectural details are important in the design of the house, which makes me wonder if builders in the United States are tuning in to these principles. How great would it be for a buyer who practices that to find the right layout of a house available in a neighborhood. I’m finding that many townhomes don’t offer the proper layout, which is what got me to wondering that about builders.

I have a great deal more to learn, but I’ll be thinking a bit differently when I go out on my next tour.

 

 

Comments(14)

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John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Hello Monica Hill very valuable report about the science of architecture or how to balance a home.

Feb 08, 2024 05:31 PM
Monica Hill

Thanks, John.

Feb 08, 2024 06:53 PM
Dennis Neal
Exp Realty of Southern California, Inc. - Big Bear Lake, CA
Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free

Very insightful post. Committing to living in a home takes much thought and planning.

Thank you for sharing.

Feb 08, 2024 06:00 PM
Monica Hill

Thanks, Dennis.

Feb 08, 2024 06:53 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Monica- it does sound a lot like Feng Shui. I wonder if Laura Cerrano can weigh in. Let us know if you learn more. 

Feb 08, 2024 06:29 PM
Monica Hill

Thanks, Kathy. I will let you know what else I discover. I thanked my client for helping me learn, to which he responded that I have taught him and his wife a great deal about what to look for in houses, too. The balance of where rooms should be located so as to bring harmony in the house makes sense. 

Feb 08, 2024 06:54 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Hey Kathy, 

yes, Vastu and Feng Shui are a branch of similar theories. Respectfully, I would need to research Vastu even more to better understand its principles. However, from what I am aware of, there are a lot of similar overlays when it comes to Vastu and Feng Shui. For example, both use symbolic language, sacred symbols, and statues that are believed to help shift, enhance, and/or protect the energy of the building and its occupants.

Both practices adjust the elemental alchemy of a building, promote bioconstruction (using sustainable products and real elements when possible), and align the occupants of the home to establish positive intentions and lifestyle habits/behaviors that truly feed their souls. Both systems also have their own human astrological charts and medical/medicine systems to complement working on the building.

One big difference that I've read about so far is Vastu establishes a permanent building chart and it remains that way. Feng Shui (classical teachings) i.e. flying stars sets up a natal chart - a permanent chart for the building, but then provides energy cycles of change that take place every year, each month, and every hour.

When it comes to head placement for sleeping, working, etc, Feng Shui will have a movable chart because it is believed the cycles of energy are in constant shift. Feng Shui would also look at a person's astrology as another way to help identify, what direction for sleeping, working, etc is perceived as best.  

But yes, both practices (Feng Shui and Vastu) focus on the best placement of furniture (due to modern-day living), and optimal spacial design for ideal movement through the building and around individual rooms and even hallways. Both practices look at the subconscious influence of artwork, the placement of mirrors, and the front door location, while even paying attention to what direction doors open towards. To try and sum this up for now :) Both are looking to create harmonious spaces for various living, working and daily needs while nurturing the soul to live a harmonious and fulfilled lifestyle as well. 

Feb 08, 2024 07:26 PM
Monica Hill

Laura, thanks for such an insightful response! I'll revisit your thoughts, I'm sure.  Your comment below really caught my attention! Great info, Laura!

One big difference that I've read about so far is Vastu establishes a permanent building chart and it remains that way. Feng Shui (classical teachings) i.e. flying stars sets up a natal chart - a permanent chart for the building, but then provides energy cycles of change that take place every year, each month, and every hour. 

Feb 09, 2024 06:22 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good evening Monica Hill ,

Great article. I have had a few clients over the years and I agree with Laura Cerrano ..what it all boils down to is Vastu is looking to create harmonious spaces for living, working and daily needs.

Feb 08, 2024 07:29 PM
Monica Hill

Thanks, Dorie! I agree about the harmonious space. I think each buyer knows what their inner compass is searching for, too, so I often find people gravitating towards homes that wouldn't work for me but are sheer perfection for them. 

Feb 09, 2024 06:19 AM
KAREN SANCHEZ
Reputable Realty - Apple Valley, CA
...Marketing your home like no one else will.

Wow, it's all so interesting! Love everyone's comments.  I'm a terrible decorator.  My house looks great because my friends that are good at it do it for me.  I don't change it once it's in place. 

Feb 08, 2024 09:09 PM
Monica Hill

I think a lot of people like things in the place they put them in the beginning. I admire people who have an eye for moving things periodically to set a new tone, focus, or energy. 

Feb 09, 2024 06:16 AM
Sham Reddy CRS
Howard Hanna RE Services, Dayton, OH - Dayton, OH
CRS

I had had similar experiences, most these clients didn't find an existing home to fit their needs and Vastu.  I am from India where this originated and its 99.90% practical for new2 built homes or very high end homes. Frankly I don't believe or recognize it and very few Indians do

Feb 09, 2024 04:31 AM
Monica Hill

Thanks for that insight, Sham. I'm wondering how pervasive this approach is. 

 

Feb 09, 2024 06:17 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Very interesting. This says my house is all off kilter but I definitely feel good energy there!

Feb 09, 2024 05:01 AM
Monica Hill

My house is, too, and I feel good energy. Makes me wonder if my love of light in my house helps to balance it all out. 

Feb 09, 2024 06:18 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Feb 10, 2024 07:33 PM
Monica Hill

Thanks, Kathy!

 

Feb 11, 2024 07:05 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Monica - everyday is a learning experience.  Thanks for sharing this - it's new to me.   Digging deeper can lead to additional discoveries.   Good luck as you continue to explore.  

Feb 11, 2024 05:22 AM
Monica Hill

Thanks, Michael! Very true about learning!

Feb 11, 2024 07:06 AM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

Interesting about balance and energy within a home.

Feb 11, 2024 06:38 AM
Monica Hill

Thanks, Leanne!

Feb 11, 2024 07:06 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Architecture, combined with  design theory is really magical and it’s one of my favorite things about what I do! :)

Feb 11, 2024 11:50 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

I think I might wanna read a follow up if you have one coming up. Always interested in this topic. :)

Feb 11, 2024 11:51 PM
Monica Hill

Let me know if you get to it before I do, Laura! :-)

Feb 13, 2024 05:01 PM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

Vastu! I have to admit, that is a new one for me. Talk about your "forever" house...

If you can find a house that meets all the requirements of Vastu, you would probably want to live there a long time.

Feb 14, 2024 05:47 AM
Monica Hill

You'd at least be happy there until the size of it didn't work or "only a job transfer makes this sale possible." 

Feb 14, 2024 08:46 AM