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1874 بار خفي by Cosmo Chuah

1874 بار خفي by Cosmo Chuah is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 جائزة A' Design Award البرونزية in تصميم الفضاءات الداخلية والمعارض Competition Category.


برونزالتصميم الداخلي· 2026

1874 بار خفي

by Cosmo Chuah

Client: Lab Two Design

جائزة A' Design Award البرونزية Winner in التصميم الداخلي Category

8,181

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #173841

Colors

The Design

About 1874 بار خفي

‏1874 هو بار خفي يقع داخل متجر سكني (شوب هاوس) يعود عمره إلى قرن من الزمان في بينانغ بماليزيا. وقد وُضع المدخل خلف واجهة تستحضر أجواء بقالة من ستينيات القرن الماضي، في حين يتميز الداخل بطابع صناعي خام. وتشكّل السقالات المُعاد استخدامها الهيكل الأساسي للبار، أما القطع العتيقة فقد جُلبت من أسواق المستعمل المحلية. وقد تم الحفاظ على جزء كبير من الأرضيات والأسقف والجدران الأصلية. وتقود ثلاث مناطق الزوار من واجهة المتجر إلى البار ثم إلى منطقة التدخين. وتُعزّز الأبواب الخفية والمنصات المرتفعة والإضاءة القابلة للتعديل الإحساس بالمفاجأة.

The Recognition

About the جائزة A' Design Award البرونزية

1874 بار خفي هو فائز بجائزة A' Design Award البرونزية، وهي تقدير رفيع المكانة يُمنح للتصاميم المتميزة التي تتسم بالإبداع والبراعة وحدة الذكاء. والفائزون بالبرونزية مصنوعات بارعة بوفرة ومبدعة بصورة لافتة، تؤكد الخبرة الواسعة والخيال وسعة الحيلة لدى مصمميها. ويُتوقع أن يكون 1874 بار خفي قطعة عالية التقدير ومحل إعجاب وحب، شديدة الاحترافية والابتكار. وهذا التصميم الفائز بجائزة A' Design Award البرونزية يتبنى أفضل الممارسات في الفن والعلم والتصميم والتكنولوجيا، ويتميز بعنايته بالتفاصيل. ويلبّي 1874 بار خفي الاحتياجات على أفضل وجه، ويلامس الرغبات، ويأسر المشاعر، ويستثير الفضول.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties
This bar breaks convention by combining a nostalgic 1960s grocery store facade with a rugged, industrial interior made from scaffolding and salvaged items. The stark contrast between old and raw materials evokes surprise and curiosity, while the use of recycled materials promotes sustainability and social conversation.
Dimensions & Packaging
1,995 square feet
Tags
Hidden bar, Vintage design, Scaffolding architecture, Sustainable interior, 1960s grocery theme, Upcycled materials, Industrial nostalgia, Reclaimed aesthetics, Secret entrance, Retro-futurism
Production Technology
We retained much of the building’s original structure—flooring, ceiling, and walls—while using reclaimed scaffolding for the bar's core framework. Vintage objects were sourced from local secondhand markets. The design evolved through mood boards, full-scale material mockups, and close collaboration with local craftsmen to preserve authenticity and texture.
Design Challenge
We faced the challenge of balancing conservation with innovation. Limitations from heritage regulations and limited budget pushed us to creatively reuse materials like scaffolding and old furnishings. Sourcing suitable vintage items was time-intensive. Achieving contrast while maintaining cohesiveness was a key design tension we resolved through iterative prototyping.
Research
We conducted contextual and ethnographic research to understand local nightlife expectations, user psychology, and historical architecture. Surveys and interviews with patrons and bartenders informed functional layout. The result was a concept that resonates emotionally and functions efficiently, blending storytelling, reuse, and social engagement into a viable business model.
Inspiration
Inspired by the cultural richness of a century-old shophouse and the owner's desire to create a non-mainstream, buzzworthy bar, we explored the idea of contrast—between nostalgia and industrial rawness. The hidden-bar concept combined with a nostalgic grocery store front evokes a sense of mystery, surprise, and storytelling.
Project Duration
The project began in August 2024 in Penang, Malaysia. From initial concept to final construction, the design phase and build were completed efficiently, with the bar officially opening in October 2024.
Operation Flow
The bar guides guests through three distinct zones—storefront, bar, and smoking area—creating a journey of visual and spatial transformation. Elevated stages improve visibility, hidden doors enhance the mystery, and repurposed elements create interactive nostalgia. Lighting is customizable for ambiance and performance, enhancing mood and efficiency.

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