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The old saying “A house facing west will kill even trees” is it still true today?

In bygone eras, constructing a house facing the west was considered a grave taboo and the epitome of ill fortune in feng shui practices.

Administrator

21 April, 2024

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West-facing Houses: Are They Still Bad for Plants?

The proverb “West-facing houses kill even plants” exaggerates the detrimental effects of west-facing orientations. While it suggests that west-facing houses are inhospitable to plant growth, it doesn’t necessarily imply that people living in such houses will face hardships.

Traditionally, houses were built facing south to capture cool breezes. In the past, people lived in close connection with nature and adapted to its rhythms. West-facing houses receive direct sunlight, particularly harsh in the afternoon, leading to sweltering heat. This heat can stunt plant growth and increase mortality, especially for shade-loving plants.

Figure:

Many sun-loving plants can add vibrancy to west-facing balconies and homes.

In traditional times, without electric fans or air conditioning, houses relied on thatched roofs, earth walls, and thick clay coatings to stay cool. West-facing sunlight could heat homes throughout the night, causing discomfort and sleep deprivation.

According to feng shui and folklore, west-facing directions were considered unfavorable, associated with misfortune and disaster. West is the direction of sunset, symbolizing the underworld, while humans require yang energy. Thus, west-facing houses were seen as foreshadowing decline.

Are West-facing Houses Still Problematic Today?

Nowadays, many people build west-facing houses to capitalize on financial opportunities when the property faces a road or business district. Modern technology offers various solutions for combating heat and sunlight, allowing homeowners to choose orientations that maximize convenience and business prospects. If the main road is located in the west, houses may be oriented accordingly. In other words, houses are now oriented towards roads, rather than following the traditional East-West-North-South compass points. Roadside access facilitates transportation and business, particularly in bustling commercial areas. Buildings facing inward or away from the street may miss out on street-view business opportunities.

Planting trees and vegetation on west-facing balconies can mitigate heat and enhance the aesthetics of the home. Many families have implemented heat-resistant techniques to ensure comfort and plant growth in west-facing areas.

Figure:

Many modern homes choose west-facing orientations toward major roads for business prospects.

Furthermore, many contemporary beliefs view west as a direction of intense illumination, a return to the earth’s origins, providing protection and support. As a result, the perception of west-facing houses has shifted significantly. Some even believe that west-facing homes attract good fortune, business success, and positive outcomes in relationships and health.

West-facing houses still receive ample sunlight and heat, but modern amenities and technologies have made them more comfortable. Many homeowners no longer fear west-facing orientations as they once did.

Some even suggest that west-facing houses offer advantages, such as increased natural light, boosting yang energy within the home. West-facing homes receive afternoon sunlight, avoiding the harsh morning sun.

The afternoon sun can help disinfect interiors, reducing the growth of bacteria and mold.

To mitigate heat in west-facing homes, homeowners can install pergolas with flowering plants, such as bougainvillea, roses, wisteria, or passionflower, or utilize curtains or blinds for additional shading.

Therefore, west-facing houses are no longer as daunting as they once were. If the owner plans to engage in business, with a west-facing road, a west-facing house can bring fortune, facilitate commerce, and stimulate business growth.

Information provided for informational purposes only.

Frequently asked questions

In traditional times, houses were built facing south to capture cool breezes and maintain a comfortable temperature. People lived in close connection with nature and adapted to its rhythms. West-facing sunlight could heat homes throughout the night, causing discomfort and sleep deprivation.

According to feng shui and folklore, the west direction is considered unfavorable. It is associated with the sunset, symbolizing the underworld, while humans require yang energy. As a result, west-facing houses were seen as a sign of misfortune and disaster, foreshadowing decline.

Nowadays, the perception of west-facing houses has evolved. Many people build west-facing houses to capitalize on financial opportunities, especially when the property faces a road or business district. Modern technology offers solutions for heat and sunlight management, allowing homeowners to choose orientations that suit their needs and maximize convenience. Planting trees and vegetation on west-facing balconies can also mitigate heat and enhance the home’s aesthetics.

Yes, many contemporary beliefs associate the west direction with intense illumination and a return to the earth’s origins. As a result, west-facing houses are now seen as providing protection and support. Some even believe that west-facing homes attract good fortune, business success, and positive outcomes in relationships and health.

West-facing houses offer benefits such as increased natural light, boosting the yang energy within the home. They receive afternoon sunlight, which can help disinfect interiors and reduce bacteria and mold growth. Homeowners can also utilize pergolas, curtains, or blinds to mitigate heat and create a comfortable living environment.

Yes, if the owner plans to engage in business, a west-facing house with a road facing the same direction can bring fortune and facilitate commerce. The orientation towards a busy road can enhance business opportunities and stimulate growth.