On the right path
Signature invited Feng Shui master to help design Tao in Richmond Hill
With the bustle of Yonge St. just a short distance away, Tao condominiums will offer residents a tranquil break from the stresses of urban life.
For its newest project in Richmond Hill, Signature Communities hired Feng Shui master Paul Ng to ensure the building elements are in harmony and will instill a sense of serenity.
Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese art and science, literally means wind and water. It sustains the theory that when positive energy is created, good luck follows.
Tao means “the path” and is based on the Chinese philosophy Taoism, which advocates a simple and natural life.
The condo’s location — on Bayview Ave. just north of Highway 407 — inspired the company to create a building based on those soothing, natural elements, says Sebastian Mizzi.
“We’ve owned the property for 25 years and although it’s close to busy and congested Yonge St., the location is very tranquil, on a ravine, and it’s off a quiet neighbourhood lined by walking trails and nature,” explains Mizzi, vice president of Signature.
When his team started planning the building, which launches in May, they brought elements such as fire and water inside to create an even more tranquil feel.
“All these things made sense and had so many Feng Shui elements,” says Mizzi. “The synergies were enormous.
“We decided to enlist the help of Paul Ng to bring all the elements to fruition. There is only so much a developer knows, and having someone to guide you through the processes is a real benefit.”
Mizzi knew about Ng from an article he had read and arranged a meeting.
“The guy’s amazing and he’s got such a knack for knowing what needs to be done. His reputation speaks for itself,” says Mizzi. “We brought Paul in early and he had the ability to make changes at the drawing-board stage. He made us aware of things, like not having the kitchen next to the bathroom and not having a bed on a wall facing the corner.” Although Mizzi says some of Tao’s buyers will be Asian, that was not the motivation for incorporating Feng Shui principles. “It had nothing to do with the target market we’re going for. It was more a concept that worked with everything we had at play, such as the ravine and bringing elements of water, earth, metal inside,” he explains.
Graziani+corazza Architects designed Tao, a building that will rise seven storeys and feature terraces on both the north and south sides. The east side units will have views of treetops and ravine, while the west side along Bayview Ave. “will have a more urban feel,” says Mizzi.
“(Paul Ng) is amazing and he’s got such a knack for knowing what needs to be done.”
SEBASTIAN MIZZI VP, SIGNATURE COMMUNITIES VP
In all, there will 170 suites.
“Some people like looking out and seeing action, while the other side of the building is more tranquil. So you have the best of both worlds.”
Suites will range from one-bedroom 500-square-foot units to three-bedroom 1,250-square-foot suites. Two-level suites and threebedroom suites from 1,350 to 1,800 square feet will have outdoor terraces. Prices range from the mid $200,000s to over $1 million.
Tao is close to major routes including Hwys. 407, 404 and 400, and within walking distance of movie theatre, restaurants and retail stores. Other shops and services are located in a plaza across the street.
There is a historic home on the site, which will be preserved, and the condo will have ground-floor commercial space for uses such as a dry cleaner, dentist and hair salon.
Amenities will promote the tranquility theme, with a Zen-like lobby, a gym with yoga room and a party room overlooking the ravine complemented by a dining room that can seat up to 12. The grounds will feature gardens and a retreat area.
Mizzi says his company is committed to sustainable building and “we’ve done a number of things that are interesting, such as a tri-sorter for waste, bicycle storage inside out and out and use of low-voc finishes. The suites will have programmable thermostats, Energy Star appliances and low-flow bathroom fixtures.”