The new feng shui condos at 1521 Sutter don’t exactly fit into the Green category but we thought we’d give them a mention. It didn’t seem good chi to see workers picketing in front of the construction site about a month ago.
We’re all about flow and holistic design but it seems that this feng shui seems like a marketing gimmick. Feng shui design incorporates lighting, room arrangement, furnishings and fixtures to create what the developers say represent “essential factors and elements that could affect the quality, sensory experience, and overall livability.” We’ll mention that Green buildings offer benefits such as better indoor health, aiding the environment and, yes, saving money.
Although they will be using the fairly green bamboo hardwood in the main areas, they will have non-sustainable additions such as dark grey granite slabs kitchen counter and either marble or granite bath counters. Of course the feng shui incorporates color so why not use no VOC paint? How feng shui proper are granite counter tops anyway?
I walk by this building regularly enough, and the construction is coming along well. This really is a great neighborhood to live in, I’m excited to see when the rest of these units go up for sale.