1874 Bhawa Yakavanzika by Cosmo Chuah is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Mubairo weBronzi we A' Design Award in Nzvimbo yeMukati neMusangano Competition Category.

BronziMukati· 2026

1874 Bhawa Yakavanzika

by Cosmo Chuah

Client: Lab Two Design

Mubairo weBronzi we A' Design Award Winner in Mukati Category

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Verified Award Winner

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Colors

The Design

About 1874 Bhawa Yakavanzika

1874 ibhawa rakavanzika riri mukati meshopu yekare yemakore zana muPenang, Malaysia. Musuwo wacho wakaiswa kuseri kwechimiro chekunze chinoyeuchidza chitoro chegirosari chema1960s, asi mukati macho makagadzirwa nemaitiro eindasitiri uye asina kunatswa. Mascaffolding akashandiswazve ndiwo anoumba hwaro hukuru hwebhawa, uye zvinhu zvekare zvakatsvagwa kubva kumisika yemuno inotengesa zvinhu zvakamboshandiswa. Zvizhinji zvepasi rekutanga, denga nemadziro zvakachengetedzwa. Nzvimbo nhatu dzinotungamirira vaenzi kubva pachitoro kuenda kubhawa uyezve kunzvimbo yekusvutira. Magonhi akavanzika, zvikuva zvakakwiridzwa uye mwenje unogona kugadziridzwa zvinotsigira pfungwa yekushamisika.

The Recognition

About the Mubairo weBronzi we A' Design Award

Mubairo weBronzi we A' Design Award wakahwinwa ne 1874 Bhawa Yakavanzika, rukudzo rwakakwirira kwazvo runopiwa kumadhizaini akasiyana anozivikanwa nekugadzira, njere nekungwara. Vakunda veBronzi mabasa ane unyanzvi hwakakwana uye kugadzira kunoshamisa kunosimbisa ruzivo rukuru, pfungwa nehunyanzvi hwevagadziri vawo. 1874 Bhawa Yakavanzika inotarisirwa kuva chinhu chinokudzwa kwazvo, chinoremekedzwa uye chinodiwa, chine hunyanzvi hunoonekwa uye zvitsva. Dhizaini iyi yakahwina Mubairo weBronzi we A' Design Award inosanganisa maitiro akanakisa muhunyanzvi, sayenzi, dhizaini netekinoroji uye yakasiyana nekutarisisa zvidiki. 1874 Bhawa Yakavanzika inogutsa zvinodiwa zvakanaka, inobata zvishuvo, inokwezva manzwiro uye inomutsa kuda kuziva.

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.