Completed in 2016, this project for St. Joseph’s Anglo-Chinese School in Ping Shan re-envisions two critical public zones — the Our Lady’s Grotto and the School History Museum.
The grotto was sculpted with natural stones and subtle lighting to evoke peace and devotion. At the same time, the museum interior was redesigned as a contemporary gallery combining LED-backlit timelines, interactive digital content, and handcrafted wooden trophy cabinets. Together, they form a symbolic continuum — linking the school’s Catholic faith with its proud educational legacy.
Project details
Construction Duration
~2 months
Location
PING SHAN
Signature materials
Grotto Structure: Natural rough stone masonry
Statue Base: Polished white marble block
Feature Lighting: LED spotlight (2700K warm white)
Display Wall: Matte grey laminate with embedded LED strip
Flooring (History Museum): Grey oak vinyl plank flooring
Trophy Cabinet: Custom walnut veneer with glass panels
Digital Display: Built-in tablet & wall-mounted LED screen
Area
-- sqft.
Year
2016
CONCEPT & DESIGN INTENT
Working within a live school campus demanded careful coordination to minimize disruption.
The design team collaborated closely with the principal and faculty committee to ensure both theological appropriateness and functional practicality.
Installation schedules were compressed into the summer break period, requiring precision planning and pre-fabricated components.
The result — completed within two months — demonstrates the power of disciplined collaboration and shared purpose.
SPATIAL STRATEGY
The layout connects two distinct yet complementary experiences.
At the entrance courtyard, the Grotto invites visitors into a calm, meditative environment framed by natural stone and soft illumination.
From there, visitors proceed to the History Museum, where a linear timeline guides them chronologically through the school’s evolution.
The design establishes a gentle transition from contemplative stillness to intellectual discovery.
GALLERY
MATERIALITY & DETAILING
Natural textures and warm artificial light define the project’s atmosphere.
The Grotto employs rough-hewn rock masonry and a white marble statue of the Virgin Mary, softly lit by recessed LED spotlights.
In contrast, the Museum adopts refined finishes — matte grey wall panels, linear LED light bands, and light oak-tone flooring — to create a minimal yet reverent exhibition environment.
Custom walnut display cabinets complement the modern digital timeline with tactile warmth.
PROJECT GOALS & OUTCOMES
The renovation achieves multiple goals:
Spiritual renewal: providing a peaceful devotional landmark for students and staff.
Educational continuity: transforming archival materials into an engaging visual narrative.
Aesthetic integration: balancing modern exhibition design with the school’s classic architectural language.
The outcome is a cohesive experience that strengthens both institutional pride and collective memory.
COLLABORATION & CONSTRAINTS
Working within a live school campus demanded careful coordination to minimize disruption.
The design team collaborated closely with the principal and faculty committee to ensure both theological appropriateness and functional practicality.
Installation schedules were compressed into the summer break period, requiring precision planning and pre-fabricated components.
The result — completed within two months — demonstrates the power of disciplined collaboration and shared purpose.
ST. JOSEPH'S ANGLO CHINESE SCHOOL
PING SHAN
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