Golden Era Mamanu Totonu o le Faleoloa Maataua by Yun Khong Chia

Golden Era Mamanu Totonu o le Faleoloa Maataua by Yun Khong Chia is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Apamemea in Mamanu Totonu Competition Category.

ApamemeaTotonu· 2026

Golden Era Mamanu Totonu o le Faleoloa Maataua

by Yun Khong Chia

Client: Design Gallery Sdn Bhd

A' Design Award Apamemea Winner in Totonu Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #175058

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Golden Era Mamanu Totonu o le Faleoloa Maataua

O le Golden Era o se faletusi faʻatau maataua o loʻo i Sabah, Malaysia. O le faʻatulagaga e faʻavae mai i faletusi o falemataʻaga ma taʻitaʻia ai tagata asiasi i se auala filemu ma faʻatulagaina lelei. E faʻaaogaina moli faʻapipiʻi faʻalava e faʻamamafa ai faʻaaliga taʻitasi ma faʻateleina ai le susulu o maataua. O mea faufale e aofia ai laupapa laulau faʻapipiʻi, uʻamea e le pala ma le faʻauma auro, faiga faʻaaliga tioata ma luga vaivai ma faʻalogo lelei. O se faiga faufale faʻavasegaina e lagolagoina le gaosiga saʻo, faʻapipiʻiina faigofie ma le tausiga faigofie. O le feoaiga tatala e tuʻufaʻatasia ma sone faʻaaliga faʻamautu e paleni ai le mafanafana ma le saogalemu.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Apamemea

O le A' Design Award Apamemea na manumalo ai Golden Era Mamanu Totonu o le Faleoloa Maataua, o se faamaoniga matuā mamalu e tuuina atu i mamanu ese e iloga i le fatufatuaʻi, le atamai ma le poto. O ē manumalo i le Apamemea o mea e iai le tomai atoa ma fatufatuaʻi mataʻina e faamaonia ai le poto masani tele, le mafaufau ma le atamai o tagata mamanu. E faamoemoeina Golden Era Mamanu Totonu o le Faleoloa Maataua e avea ma mea e vivii tele, ua pelepelea, e iloga i le tomai faapolofesa ma mea fou. O lenei mamanu na manumalo i le A' Design Award Apamemea e tuufaatasia ai faiga sili i le faatufugaga, saienisi, mamanu ma tekonolosi ma e sili ona lelei i le mataituina o mea itiiti. Golden Era Mamanu Totonu o le Faleoloa Maataua e faamalieina matagofie manaʻoga, pa i manaʻo, faalataina lagona ma faaosofia le fia iloa.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: This design stands out with its gallery-inspired layout, creating a refined retail journey that highlights craftsmanship and elegance. Custom lighting enhances each display, while rich textures and premium finishes evoke luxury. The design balances openness with security, offering an intimate yet elevated shopping experience that redefines jewelry retail in Sabah. Its cultural subtlety, modern detailing, and spatial precision reflect both artistry and purpose.
Dimensions & Packaging: Constructed with a modular joinery system using laminated plywood panels, stainless steel elements in gold finish, and selected feature boards for contrast. The façade integrates lightbox signage, concealed LED strip lighting, and glass display systems to enhance product visibility. U-channel trims articulate the geometry while maintaining clean detailing. Fabrication emphasizes precision, prefabrication, and ease of installation, with coordinated electrical routing and lighting integration to ensure consistency, durability, and efficient maintenance.
Tags: Luxury retail design, jewelry store interior, modern gallery concept, bespoke lighting, Sabah design, glass, premium materials, spatial flow, cultural elegance
Production Technology: The design was developed through a user-focused approach, combining spatial zoning with sensory design techniques. High-quality materials like brushed metal, glass, and velvet textures were selected for their visual and tactile richness. Precision lighting was layered to enhance brilliance and depth. 3D modeling and iterative prototyping ensured accurate spatial flow, display ergonomics, and optimal customer experience.
Design Challenge: The biggest challenge was balancing high-end aesthetics with practical retail needs. We had to design a luxurious space that also ensured security, staff efficiency, and customer comfort. Limited space, local building codes, and material sourcing in Sabah were external hurdles. Internally, creating a modern identity while respecting cultural expectations was key. We overcame this by testing layouts, customizing materials, and refining every detail through hands-on mockups and client feedback.
Research: We focused on design research to create a truly luxurious ambiance. Our objective was to understand what makes a space feel premium, secure, and emotionally engaging. We studied high-end retail environments, customer behavior, and luxury hospitality spaces. The results revealed that understated elegance, warm lighting, and tactile materials create a lasting impression. This research led to a refined design that enhances brand perception, encourages longer visits, and sets a new benchmark for luxury retail in Sabah.
Inspiration: Inspired by the timeless allure of gold and the elegance of fine jewelry, the design aims to elevate the retail experience into one of curated sophistication. The concept draws from museum galleries and Sabah’s rich cultural artistry, merging tradition with modern luxury. Research into lighting psychology, spatial flow, and material tactility informed a design that not only showcases jewelry but tells a story of heritage, trust, and refined taste.
Project Duration: The designing of the project started in November 2024; Renovation is completed by end of April 2025.
Operation Flow: It is designed to guide customers effortlessly through the space, creating a calm and elegant journey. Lighting draws attention to each jewelry piece, while the layout encourages natural flow and close interaction. Display cases are placed for comfort and visibility, making browsing feel personal and exclusive. The design helps customers feel secure, valued, and inspired-enhancing trust and making the experience more memorable and enjoyable.
Patents: -
Team Members: -
Image Credits: Photographer Credits: AP Production Sabah