Although traditional Feng Shui lacks scientific credibility in the face of modern science and technology, it still plays an irreplaceable role in the construction of rural houses. Now, let’s take a look at what needs to be paid attention to in the Feng Shui of rural house construction.
Orientation of the Building
The orientation of a building is the basis for determining its central axis and direction. Traditional architecture generally has a clear orientation, making it easier to determine. However, modern architectural forms are diverse, posing some difficulty. The most important aspect is to determine the direction from which vitality comes. As a general rule, the direction from which vitality comes can be used as the orientation of the building. Some people believe that the direction of the entrance is the orientation of the building, arguing that “qi” mainly enters through the door. Others believe that the side with more windows is the orientation of the building, as windows allow qi to enter and also face towards better scenery. Still, others believe that the side with lower terrain should be the orientation, as there is a mountain behind it. In conclusion, the determination of the orientation of a house should consider many factors, such as the direction of the main entrance, the situation of window openings, the environment and landscape, the terrain, the sunlight, and natural ventilation.
For the determination of the orientation, people usually use Feng Shui tools, such as a Feng Shui compass, to measure it. By using the crossline or the heavenly heart and ten paths, one can determine the direction of the building.
Spatial Scale
In terms of spatial scale, Feng Shui believes that “a thousand feet are the momentum, and a hundred feet are the form.” “Feng Shui emphasizes harmonizing with the natural surroundings, where the scale of rural courtyards, such as the yard size, and the dimensions of houses, should conform to the contours of the main mountain or adapt to the surrounding environment. In terms of smaller-scale dimensions, Feng Shui delineates proportions akin to modern architectural modular systems. In ancient times, craftsmen in house construction were predominantly carpenters, guided by the ‘Lu Ban Jing,’ a manual for carpentry which prescribed the use of two types of rulers: a flexible ruler and a straight ruler. These rulers were marked with segments, each denoting auspicious or inauspicious aspects. In their craft, carpenters endeavored to align the dimensions of structural components and buildings with auspicious segments on the ruler. While these notions of auspiciousness carry a heavy veil of superstition, the dimensions deemed auspicious align with ergonomic principles. Furthermore, prolonged practice enhances the craftsmen’s skill and improves the quality and efficiency of construction, akin to the role of modern architectural modules.
Regarding material selection, Feng Shui advocates adapting materials to local conditions. Wood has historically been the predominant building material in China, primarily due to the abundance of timber, especially in the central plains region, and the ingenuity of laborers in overcoming challenges in constructing large-span buildings using wood. Another prevalent housing type in China is cave dwellings, particularly concentrated in the loess plateau of the Yellow River basin. These dwellings are also constructed using locally sourced materials, capitalizing on the fertile soil unique to the region. Not only do they suit the climatic conditions of the loess plateau, but they also provide excellent insulation and promote material efficiency.” While modern architecture primarily relies on factory-made materials such as cement and bricks, there remains a significant portion of locally sourced materials in construction. For instance, in rural areas of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, like Chifeng City, houses are often built using local soil and sand instead of cement mortar, while the insulation layer on roofs commonly employs locally harvested sorghum stalks. These choices reflect the principle of adapting construction materials to local conditions, a concept encapsulated in the Chinese proverb, “Heaven’s will surpasses human effort.” Emphasizing the harmony with nature, this approach values natural formation over artificial intervention, aligning well with the contemporary design ethos of gently interacting with the environment. The notion of “gentle interaction with the earth” advocates for new developments without extensive alterations to the landscape. Ancient wisdom intuitively embodied this principle; for instance, in Feng Shui, principles like harnessing Yin and Yang energies, positioning in relation to mountains and water bodies, and creating enclosures all exemplify practices attuned to nature. The modern initiatives of conserving water sources, forests, and vegetation echo the protection of these elemental aspects of Feng Shui. In the construction of new rural living environments, it becomes imperative to safeguard the environment, engage in thoughtful planning, and conscientiously preserve China’s diverse Feng Shui resources. Rural dwelling architectural feng shui primer:
1. Arboreal presence holds paramount significance in the realm of rural dwelling architectural feng shui. Trees within the vicinity of a residence possess the ability to sway the overall trajectory of its fortune. Optimal feng shui dictates that a substantial tree situated behind the dwelling, particularly in the northwest sector, augurs auspicious outcomes. Thus, it is advisable to refrain from felling such trees if they grace the northwest quadrant of one’s abode.
2. In the realm of rural dwelling architectural feng shui, the elevation of a domicile should harmonize with its surrounding terrain. Excessive elevation may give rise to the phenomenon of solitary yang abode, inviting a litany of misfortunes, while a depressively low elevation can weigh down the dwelling’s fortune.
3. Many rural households opt to carve meandering pathways in front of their abodes, a practice imbued with significance in the context of architectural feng shui. These sinuous pathways not only dissipate malevolent energies but also foster an atmosphere of serenity and contentment among the occupants.
4. Conjugal harmony necessitates concerted efforts from both partners. Within the framework of architectural feng shui, the absence of a rear entrance in a detached dwelling may engender discord between spouses. Hence, when constructing an independent residence, it is advisable to incorporate a rear ingress to mitigate potential disharmony. In rural house construction, Feng Shui matters are paramount. Firstly, it is crucial not to have the front door facing a mountain. It’s often seen that many rural houses face this issue, which is highly unfavorable in Feng Shui. The saying “opening the door to see the mountain” signifies an undesirable situation. Continuously living in such conditions can lower one’s fortune and bring about difficulties in both work and life. Feng Shui dictates that a spacious and bright “Ming Tang” is essential. However, if there’s a mountain blocking the view, it can’t be considered spacious, thus disrupting the Feng Shui.
Secondly, it’s ideal for rural houses to be built with a mountain behind or in front, preferably in a round shape to avoid sharp edges that could cause harm. Such layouts foster harmonious relationships within the family and can enhance financial prospects. Mountains with square platforms at their corners are often auspicious, resembling the layout of a “Bagua,” which can bless one’s descendants with authority and fortune.
Thirdly, when selecting a site for rural house construction, it’s crucial to avoid having the front door directly facing a crossroads or a narrow lane. This alignment is considered ominous in Feng Shui, as it can easily impact the health and fortune of the household members, leading to various disturbances and financial losses. Recommended reading: Comprehensive Guide to Residential Feng Shui.
