1874 Bar Kañymby by Cosmo Chuah is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Brónse in Ogapype Jejapo Competition Category.

BrónseOgapype· 2026

1874 Bar Kañymby

by Cosmo Chuah

Client: Lab Two Design

A' Design Award Brónse Winner in Ogapype Category

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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 Kañymby

1874 ha'e peteĩ bar kañymby oĩva peteĩ shophouse orekóvape sa ary Penang, Malasia-pe. Pe jeikeha oñemoĩ peteĩ facade kupépe omomandu'áva peteĩ tenda mba'e repyha 1960 arýpegua, ha ipypegua katu industrial ha opa'ỹva. Andamio ojepuru jeýva omoheñói pe bar apytu'ũ, ha mba'e ymaguare ojehekáva umi merkádo mba'e ymaguare oñeme'ẽjeyha upepeguágui. Heta pe yvy, techapy ha tápia ypykue oñemboyta. Mbohapy tenda ogueraha umi tapichápe pe tenda renondégui bar-pe ha upéi pe tenda oñepitaha peve. Okẽ kañymby, escenario yvateve ha tesape ikatúva oñemoambue omoirũ pe ñemondýi ñeñandu.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Brónse

1874 Bar Kañymby ohupyty A' Design Award Brónse, peteĩ ñehechakuaa heta prestigioso oñeme'ẽva diseño sobresaliente-pe ojekuaáva creatividad, ingenio ha astucia rupi. Umi ganador Brónse ha'e artefacto hábil ha creativo ohechaukáva experiencia, imaginación ha recurso umi diseñador-pe. Oñeha'ãrõ 1874 Bar Kañymby ha'eha peteĩ objeto ojehayhúva, admirado ha estimado, profesional ha innovador. Ko diseño ohupytýva A' Design Award Brónse ombojoaju mejor práctica arte, ciencia, diseño ha tecnología rehegua ha iporãiterei detalle rehe. 1874 Bar Kañymby ombohory necesidad, ohupyty ipotapy, ombovy'a sentimiento ha ohenói curiosidad.

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.