If I was asked about the most impactful and upsetting event during the Movement Control Order of the Covid-19 period, it must be the passing of Woong Chai Hing - widely known as Ah Lee - a builder whom I knew as foreman during the construction of my house back in 2001. He eventually set up his contracting firm, which was responsible for the work done on House 9 and Beryl’s Visitor Centre.

He was a man of few words and started his career as a furniture maker. His background gave him an affinity to details, especially on timber. I remember many on-site discussions on how to make the floating staircase in my house and the handmade Meranti door, and how he had converted the lower floor of my house into a woodworking workshop. Seeing how something conceived as an idea that then gradually became reality was something I enjoyed thoroughly. He was always accommodating and adapted to the evolution of an idea as we developed certain details; the brick sealing and the hanging seat in House 9 are some of the examples. I think he was a rare partner for an architect, and I will miss him very much. It was a sad moment when I couldn’t attend his funeral.

This tribute will serve as a timestamp to commemorate a builder who was proud of what he did. As an architect, it was a great privilege and pleasure to have worked with someone like him.