A bright grotto–a contemporary abstraction of nature–is the design concept for this underground washroom. Sustainability, spatial sculpting, human comfort drive the design. The grotto retains the original layout, uncovers two round, tilted square columns to form a unique white mass; seamless curve surfaces diffuse light and omit dirty edges. Plants, irrigated by filtered greywater, purify the air, add life and colors. The original sandstones are crushed as gold aggregates of the new terrazzo floor. Integrated tap-hand dryer, waterless urinal and toilet largely reduce water-use and waste.

Ida&Billy Architects is an architectural studio aimed at resolving problems and creating architectural interest out of simplicity and an integrated whole. We found that this is best done through caring attention to the requirements and characters of the programme, clients, users and sites to find out the individual projects’ meaning and potential. These meanings and potentials become a rich source of ideas, to be developed and experimented, to arrive at a genuine identity for each particular project. The founders Ida Sze and Billy Chan have a diverse cultural background with 15 years of or working experiences in Hong Kong, Beijing and Basel (Switzerland), for local and world masters of Herzog un de Meuron, Steven Holl and Rocco Yim. Their project experiences cover pavilion, club house, houses, residential towers, institutional buildings, museums, community center, stadium, museum, as well as urban renewal. Ida & Billy started their own studio in Hong Kong in 2013. Ida & Billy have been involved in the design and execution of several awarded buildings, in particular Ida is the chief designer for the Wo Hop Shek Columbarium which was awarded The Hong Kong Institute of Architects Annual Award 2013 Medal of the Year. Ida&Billy has also own several international and local design awards, including Tokyo International Membrane Design Competition First Prize, 2010 Shanghai Expo Hong Kong Pavilion First Prize, Design for Asia Award, and was awarded Perspective 40 under 40 Design Award 2010.

TaiKoo Hui is a large-scale multi-faceted complex in the thriving heart of the Tianhe Central Business District of Guangzhou, developed and managed by Swire Properties. Offering a gross floor area of approximately 358,000 sqm, it incorporates a prime shopping mall, two Grade A office towers, the first Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Guangzhou, and serviced apartments. TaiKoo Hui is set to become one of South China's most iconic landmarks and a social, shopping and lifestyle destination.