1874 Skjult bar by Cosmo Chuah is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award i Bronse in Interiør, Butikk- og Utstillingsdesign Competition Category.

BronseInteriør· 2026

1874 Skjult bar

by Cosmo Chuah

Client: Lab Two Design

A' Design Award i Bronse Winner in Interiør Category

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Verified Award Winner
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Colors

The Design

About 1874 Skjult bar

1874 er en skjult bar plassert i et hundre år gammelt shophouse i Penang, Malaysia. Inngangen ligger bak en fasade som minner om en dagligvarebutikk fra 1960-tallet, mens interiøret er industrielt og røft. Gjenbrukte stillaser utgjør barens bærende rammeverk, og vintageobjekter ble hentet fra lokale bruktmarkeder. Mye av det opprinnelige gulvet, taket og veggene ble bevart. Tre soner leder gjestene fra butikkfronten til baren og videre til røykeområdet. Skjulte dører, hevede scener og justerbar belysning forsterker følelsen av overraskelse.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award i Bronse

1874 Skjult bar er vinner av A' Design Award i Bronse, en høyt prestisjefylt anerkjennelse som tildeles enestående design som utmerker seg ved kreativitet, oppfinnsomhet og skarpsindighet. Bronsevinnere er rikt dyktige og påfallende kreative gjenstander som bekrefter designernes store erfaring, fantasi og ressurssterkhet. 1874 Skjult bar forventes å være en høyt ansett, beundret og verdsatt gjenstand som er bemerkelsesverdig profesjonell og nyskapende. Dette designet, som har vunnet A' Design Award i Bronse, rommer beste praksis innen kunst, vitenskap, design og teknologi og utmerker seg ved sin omtanke for detaljer. 1874 Skjult bar tilfredsstiller behov på en strålende måte, berører ønsker, sjarmerer følelser og vekker nysgjerrighet.

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.