1874 Bar Tassubbu by Cosmo Chuah is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Tambaga in Desain Ruang Interior na Pameran Competition Category.

TambagaInterior· 2026

1874 Bar Tassubbu

by Cosmo Chuah

Client: Lab Two Design

A' Design Award Tambaga Winner in Interior Category

8,181
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #173841

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About 1874 Bar Tassubbu

1874 iyanaritu séuwa bar tassubbu ri laleng bola-dagang iya umuru'na sératu taung ri Penang, Malaysia. Babangna ripatettong ri munrinna tampak iya paénrekengngi paréngngerang lao ri toko balanca taung 1960-an, na ri lalenna mabbentuk industri sibawa makasara'. Perancah riyala paimeng mancaji rangka pongna bar-é, sibawa barang-barang toriolo rialai polé ri pasa barang bekas ri kamponna. Maéga lanté, langi-langi sibawa renring asalinna ripiara mupa. Tellu wilaya patiroangngi topolé polé ri olona toko lao ri bar-é nappa lao ri onrong maddoko. Tange tassubbu, panggung matanré sibawa lampu wedding riatoro' sokongngi pappéneddingeng takkajenne'.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Tambaga

1874 Bar Tassubbu iyanaritu pakoro A' Design Award Tambaga, pakalebbi iya malompo tongeng iya ripabbere ri desain luar biasa iya riissengngi nasaba kreativitas, kecerdikan sibawa ketajaman. Pakoro Tambaga iyanaritu artefak iya terampil sibawa mappabbura kreatif iya mappabbentuk pengalaman iya maega, imajinasi sibawa kecerdikan tau mabbuat. 1874 Bar Tassubbu ripakkirangngi mancaji objek iya ripakalebbi, ripuji sibawa rirennu, profesional sibawa inovatif. Desain pakoro A' Design Award Tambaga iyae mappasilaong praktik tepat ri seni, sains, desain sibawa teknologi sibawa makessing nasaba perhatiannna ri detail. 1874 Bar Tassubbu mappabbura kebutuhan makessing, mappakkela keinginan, mappabbentuk perasaan sibawa mappabbura rasa penasaran.

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.