39. HDB Interior - Magnetic Orientation
Using a standard magnetic compass, one can tell the orientation of a unit. It is highly advisable to take the direction standing before the block, on the ground level, in an open space and away from cars and lift wells. Lift wells, high levels, electronics and cars can skew magnetic readings.
To be extra careful, one can request for a second viewing of the same unit at a different time of the day to make sure the conditions are as what the seller says it is.
North South Orientation
A north south orientation is when a unit’s windows are exposed to both the north and south direction. Generally units with such orientation are considered ‘homely’ and ‘cooling’, on the other hand this could also mean a gloomy atmosphere due to the lack of sunlight.
East West Orientation
The east west orientation is when a unit’s windows are exposed to both the east and west direction. While the east sun rising and shining light into the home is favored by some for a bright and cheery atmosphere in the morning, it can get warm for those who like to sleep in.
The west sun is generally disliked as it makes a home unbearably hot in the mid afternoon and even after until the sun sets (concrete walls dissipate heat over time). The west sun can also make the house unbearably bright and may require thick stuffy curtains.
Sometimes, another giveaway that a HDB unit has the west sun beating in, is the presence of sun shades. Sunshades are concrete or metal attachments located outside and above the windows. One can easily tell its presence from the ground floor as sunshades are built on the entire façade.
To be extra careful, one can request for a second viewing of the same unit at a different time of the day to make sure the conditions are as what the seller says it is.
North South Orientation
A north south orientation is when a unit’s windows are exposed to both the north and south direction. Generally units with such orientation are considered ‘homely’ and ‘cooling’, on the other hand this could also mean a gloomy atmosphere due to the lack of sunlight.
East West Orientation
The east west orientation is when a unit’s windows are exposed to both the east and west direction. While the east sun rising and shining light into the home is favored by some for a bright and cheery atmosphere in the morning, it can get warm for those who like to sleep in.
The west sun is generally disliked as it makes a home unbearably hot in the mid afternoon and even after until the sun sets (concrete walls dissipate heat over time). The west sun can also make the house unbearably bright and may require thick stuffy curtains.
Sometimes, another giveaway that a HDB unit has the west sun beating in, is the presence of sun shades. Sunshades are concrete or metal attachments located outside and above the windows. One can easily tell its presence from the ground floor as sunshades are built on the entire façade.
Up next, learn about HDB Interiors - Windows >>
Or view full list of topics in the HDB Buying Guide >>
Or view full list of topics in the HDB Buying Guide >>
Posted on 09-09-2008 00:00 | By Francis
| Related Articles | Latest Articles |