1874 He Pā Inu Huna by Cosmo Chuah is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Parahi in Hoahoa Roto Whare me te Whakaaturanga Competition Category.

ParahiRoto Whare· 2026

1874 He Pā Inu Huna

by Cosmo Chuah

Client: Lab Two Design

A' Design Award Parahi Winner in Roto Whare Category

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Verified Award Winner

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Colors

The Design

About 1874 He Pā Inu Huna

He pā inu huna a 1874 kei roto i tētahi whare toa kua eke ki te rau tau te pakeke i Penang, Malaysia. Kua whakanohoia te tomokanga ki muri i tētahi aroaro whare e whakamaumahara ana ki tētahi toa hoko kai o ngā tau 1960, engari ko te wāhi o roto he āhua ahumahi, he mataiho hoki. Ko ngā rawa whakahaumanu o te whata tū hei anga matua mō te pā inu, ā, i rapua ngā taonga tawhito mai i ngā mākete hokohoko tuarua o te rohe. He nui te wāhanga o te papa, te tuanui me ngā pakitara taketake i puritia. E toru ngā rohe e arahi ana i ngā manuhiri mai i te aroaro toa ki te pā inu, kātahi ki te wāhi kai paipa. Ko ngā tatau huna, ngā atamira teitei me ngā rama ka taea te whakarite hei tautoko i te wairua ohorere.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Parahi

Ko 1874 He Pā Inu Huna te toa o te A' Design Award Parahi, he whakaaetanga tino whai mana e hoatu ana ki ngā hoahoa kōeke e tohua ana mā te auaha, te mahi mōhio me te whakaaro hōhonu. Ko ngā toa Parahi he mahi pukenga e rite ana, he auaha mīharo, e whakatūturu ana i te wheako nui, te whakaaro me te mōhio-ā-ringa o ā rātou kaihoahoa. E tūmanakohia ana ko 1874 He Pā Inu Huna he taonga whakanuia, whakamīharotia, aroha nui, he ngaio, he auaha hoki. Ko tēnei hoahoa i toa i te Parahi e whakauru ana i ngā tikanga pai rawa i te toi, te pūtaiao, te hoahoa me te hangarau, ā, he tino mīharo ki ngā taipitopito. Ka whakatutuki a 1874 He Pā Inu Huna i ngā hiahia, ka pā ki ngā hiahia, ka whakaoho i ngā kare-ā-roto, ā, ka kume i te pākiki.

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.