1874 Bar Moħbi by Cosmo Chuah is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Premju A' Design Award tal-Bronż in Disinn ta' Spazji Interjuri u Wirjiet Competition Category.

BronżInterjur· 2026

1874 Bar Moħbi

by Cosmo Chuah

Client: Lab Two Design

Premju A' Design Award tal-Bronż Winner in Interjur Category

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Verified Award Winner

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Colors

The Design

About 1874 Bar Moħbi

1874 huwa bar moħbi mqiegħed f'shophouse ta' mitt sena f'Penang, il-Malasja. Id-daħla tinsab wara faċċata li tfakkar ħanut tal-merċa tas-snin sittin, filwaqt li l-intern huwa industrijali u naturali. Skavalkatura rkuprata tifforma l-qafas ċentrali tal-bar, u oġġetti antiki nġabru minn swieq lokali tal-oġġetti użati. Ħafna mill-art, is-saqaf u l-ħitan oriġinali nżammu. Tliet żoni jmexxu lill-mistednin mill-faċċata tal-ħanut sal-bar u mbagħad sal-post tat-tipjip. Bibien moħbija, palkijiet imgħollija u dawl aġġustabbli jsaħħu s-sens ta' sorpriża.

The Recognition

About the Premju A' Design Award tal-Bronż

1874 Bar Moħbi huwa rebbieħ tal-Premju A' Design Award tal-Bronż, rikonoxximent prestiġjuż ħafna mogħti lil disinji eċċellenti ddistingwuti mill-kreattività, l-ingenwità u l-għaqal. Ir-rebbieħa tal-Bronż huma xogħlijiet bi ħila biżżejjed u kreattivi b'mod impressjonanti li jawtentikaw l-esperjenza vasta, l-immaġinazzjoni u l-ħila ta' riżorsi tad-disinjaturi tagħhom. Huwa mistenni li 1874 Bar Moħbi ikun oġġett imqabbar ħafna, mammirat u maħbub, notevolment professjonali u innovattiv. Dan id-disinn rebbieħ tal-Bronż jinkorporaw l-aħjar prattiki fl-arti, ix-xjenza, id-disinn u t-teknoloġija u huwa eċċellenti fl-attenzjoni għad-dettalji. 1874 Bar Moħbi jissodisfa l-ħtiġijiet b'mod eċċellenti, imiss ix-xewqat, jinċanta s-sentimenti u jattira l-kurżità.

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.