The apprentices, many in their 20s and more than half of them women, pick up their tools and start polishing the surface of a stool or work pieces of wood into shape.

“Here, they will learn how to be an independent carpenter. At the beginning [of the course], we take them to Sheung Shui to give them an idea how to pick the right piece of wood,” says the 34-year-old, who also helped set up the non-profit Hong Kong House of Stories at the iconic Blue House in Wan Chai.

“Then they start with the very basics of carpentry and during the process gain some hands-on experience trying to liaise with welders in the neighbourhood and getting the right tools at hardware stores.

“Whenever possible, we teach them how to do the same thing without the help of machines. That way, what they have learnt here will be of use to them in their daily life, and they will also appreciate better the value of craftsmanship.”

Lo, and his co-founder Yung Chan, 29, who both learnt carpentry from Lung before starting the workshop, act as a bridge between Lung and students young enough to be his grandchildren, translating jargon in class and taking care of other practical issues.

“I once joined some one-day carpentry workshops, but it’s just for those who want to have their pictures on Instagram or Facebook,” says participant Eliza Wong, 28, who works in marketing.

“I like it here because it’s the opposite. What Uncle Lung teaches here is very practical, and you get the feeling that they are training real carpenters here.”