While he was still in his twenties, and with his keen interest in traditional Taiwanese architecture and culture, Tu began acquiring and storing away traditional building supplies and furniture. Window frames, doors, courtyard doors, tables, and chairs: all these items could be found in his collection.
對台灣傳統建築與文化有深厚感情的他，從二十多歲起就開始收購一切傳統舊建材、家具，舉凡窗櫺、門板、廟門、桌椅… … 都在收藏之列。