1874 Ezkutuko Taberna by Cosmo Chuah is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Brontzezko Saria A' Design Award in Barruko Espazioa eta Erakusketa Diseinua Competition Category.

BrontzeBarrualdea· 2026

1874 Ezkutuko Taberna

by Cosmo Chuah

Client: Lab Two Design

Brontzezko Saria A' Design Award Winner in Barrualdea Category

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Verified Award Winner

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Colors

The Design

About 1874 Ezkutuko Taberna

1874 mendeurren bat duen shophouse baten barruan kokatutako ezkutuko taberna bat da, Penang-en, Malaysian. Sarrera 1960ko hamarkadako janari-denda bat gogorarazten duen fatxada baten atzean dago, eta barrualdea, berriz, industriala eta gordina da. Berreskuratutako aldamioek osatzen dute tabernaren egitura nagusia, eta vintage objektuak bertako bigarren eskuko merkatuetatik eskuratu ziren. Jatorrizko zoruaren, sabaiaren eta hormen zati handi bat mantendu egin zen. Hiru gunek gidatzen dituzte gonbidatuak dendaren aurrealdetik tabernara eta, ondoren, erretzeko eremura. Ezkutuko ateek, oholtza jasoek eta argiztapen egokigarriek ezusteko sentsazioa indartzen dute.

The Recognition

About the Brontzezko Saria A' Design Award

1874 Ezkutuko Taberna Brontzezko Saria A' Design Award irabazlea da, sormenak, asmamenak eta zorroztasunak bereizten dituzten diseinu bikainei ematen zaien aitorpen oso prestijiotsua. Brontze-mailako irabazleak trebetasunez beteriko eta nabarmenki sortzaileak diren artefaktuak dira, beren diseinatzaileen esperientzia zabala, irudimena eta ekimena egiaztatzen dutenak. 1874 Ezkutuko Taberna oso estimatua, miretsia eta maitea den objektua izatea espero da, nabarmenki profesionala eta berritzailea dena. Brontzezko Saria A' Design Award irabazi duen diseinu honek artearen, zientziaren, diseinuaren eta teknologiaren praktika onenak biltzen ditu eta xehetasunei ematen dien arretagatik bikaina da. 1874 Ezkutuko Taberna beharrak bikain asetzen dituen, desirak ukitzen dituen, sentimenduak xarmatzen dituen eta jakin-mina erakartzen duen lana da.

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.