1874 Peidetud baar by Cosmo Chuah is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Pronksauhind A' Design Award in Siseruumide ja näitusedisain Competition Category.

PronksInterjöör· 2026

1874 Peidetud baar

by Cosmo Chuah

Client: Lab Two Design

Pronksauhind A' Design Award Winner in Interjöör Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #173841

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Colors

The Design

About 1874 Peidetud baar

1874 on peidetud baar, mis asub sajandivanuses poemajas Penangis, Malaisias. Sissepääs paikneb fassaadi taga, mis meenutab 1960. aastate toidupoodi, samas kui interjöör on industriaalne ja töötlemata. Baari põhikonstruktsiooni moodustavad taaskasutatud tellingud ning vintage-esemed on hangitud kohalikelt kasutatud kaupade turgudelt. Suur osa algsest põrandast, laest ja seintest on säilitatud. Kolm tsooni juhivad külalised poe eesruumist baari ja sealt edasi suitsetamisalale. Peidetud uksed, kõrgendatud lavad ja reguleeritav valgustus toetavad üllatusmomenti.

The Recognition

About the Pronksauhind A' Design Award

1874 Peidetud baar on Pronksauhinna A' Design Award võitja, väga prestiižikas tunnustus, mis antakse silmapaistvatele disainidele, mida iseloomustavad loovus, leidlikkus ja teravmeelsus. Pronksvõitjad on küllaldaselt osavad ja tabavalt loovad teosed, mis kinnitavad oma disainerite laia kogemust, kujutlusvõimet ja leidlikkust. 1874 Peidetud baar peaks olema kõrgelt hinnatud, imetletud ja armastatud objekt, mis on märkimisväärselt professionaalne ja uuenduslik. See Pronksauhinna A' Design Award võidudisain ühendab parimaid tavasid kunstis, teaduses, disainis ja tehnoloogias ning on suurepärane oma detailidele pööratud tähelepanu poolest. 1874 Peidetud baar rahuldab suurepäraselt vajadusi, puudutab soove, võlub tundeid ja pakub huvi uudishimule.

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.