The refurbishment of San Yu School, a renowned private institution affiliated with the Seventh-Day Adventist, was carried out in four distinct phases between 2014 and 2021. The primary goal of the project was to revitalize the existing facilities while incorporating modern design principles and addressing the evolving needs of students, faculty, and the church community. Throughout the project, a key focus was the seamless integration of new interventions within the existing building fabric, minimizing the environmental impact through sustainable practices and repurposing.

One of the standout features of the refurbishment project was the transformation of an underutilized storage area into a vibrant and inviting library. Seamlessly integrated within the existing structure, the library now boasts a full-height glass facade that bathes the space in natural daylight, creating a welcoming and inspiring environment. The abundance of light enhances the atmosphere and encourages students to engage in learning, research, and collaborative activities. The library's flexible layout caters to various study preferences, offering cozy reading nooks, collaborative workstations, and comfortable seating areas. State-of-the-art audiovisual systems and a projector have been seamlessly integrated into the design, enabling the library to host events, presentations, and classes, enhancing its functionality and versatility.

Phase 3 of the refurbishment project focused on reconfiguring the administrative spaces to meet the growing needs of the school. This phase included the creation of a larger teacher's office, separate rooms for the chaplain, principal, and business manager, and the addition of a new music room within an existing void space. Accessibility to all floors was improved with the installation of a new lift, providing convenience for students and staff. The canteen also underwent significant upgrades, enhancing its facilities and flow. The addition of new glass doors effectively minimized noise disturbances to neighboring houses, resulting in a more pleasant dining experience for students.

Phases 2 and 4 centered around sustainable measures and the seamless integration of new interventions within the existing building fabric. By repurposing and revitalizing the classrooms, the school was able to create flexible spaces capable of adapting to various functions and events, catering to the evolving needs of the school and church community. The upgrade of the school's fire safety systems ensured compliance with the latest fire codes, prioritizing the safety of students and staff. A larger entrance canopy was designed for the church, replacing the previous small canopy. This independent structure creates a grand and welcoming entrance, facilitating better drop-off and hosting events. Enhanced airflow and ventilation were achieved through the addition of new seating and fans beneath the canopy, ensuring a comfortable environment for gatherings.

The refurbishment project at San Yu School exemplifies the ability to create a sustainable and conducive educational environment without the need for new construction. By employing sustainable design principles and repurposing existing structures, the project minimized the environmental impact while revitalizing the campus. The seamless integration of new interventions within the existing building fabric not only preserved the architectural integrity but also showcased a commitment to sustainable practices. The project serves as an exemplary model of responsible design and construction, emphasizing the importance of revitalizing existing spaces to create a sustainable, functional, and inspiring educational environment.