1874 Skriti bar by Cosmo Chuah is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Bronasta nagrada A' Design Award in Oblikovanje notranjega prostora in razstav Competition Category.

BronastaInterier· 2026

1874 Skriti bar

by Cosmo Chuah

Client: Lab Two Design

Bronasta nagrada A' Design Award Winner in Interier Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #173841

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Colors

The Design

About 1874 Skriti bar

1874 je skriti bar v več kot sto let stari trgovski hiši v Penangu v Maleziji. Vhod je skrit za fasado, ki spominja na trgovino z živili iz šestdesetih let 20. stoletja, medtem ko je notranjost industrijska in surova. Osrednje ogrodje bara tvorijo ponovno uporabljeni gradbeni odri, starinski predmeti pa so bili najdeni na lokalnih trgih rabljenih izdelkov. Velik del prvotnih tal, stropa in sten je bil ohranjen. Tri cone vodijo goste od izložbe do bara in nato do kadilskega prostora. Skrita vrata, dvignjeni odri in nastavljiva osvetlitev krepijo občutek presenečenja.

The Recognition

About the Bronasta nagrada A' Design Award

1874 Skriti bar je prejemnik Bronaste nagrade A' Design Award, zelo prestižnega priznanja, ki se podeljuje izjemnim oblikovanjem, ki se odlikujejo po ustvarjalnosti, iznajdljivosti in bistrosti. Prejemniki Bronaste nagrade so v celoti spretni in presenetljivo ustvarjalni artefakti, ki potrjujejo bogate izkušnje, domišljijo in zvitost svojih oblikovalcev. Od 1874 Skriti bar se pričakuje, da bo visoko cenjen, občudovan in ljubljen predmet, opazno profesionalen in inovativen. To oblikovanje, nagrajeno z Bronasto nagrado A' Design Award, vključuje najboljše prakse v umetnosti, znanosti, oblikovanju in tehnologiji ter je odlično po pozornosti do podrobnosti. 1874 Skriti bar sijajno zadovoljuje potrebe, se dotika želja, očara čustva in vzbuja radovednost.

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.