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1874 Skriveni bar by Cosmo Chuah

1874 Skriveni bar by Cosmo Chuah is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Бронзана награда A' Design Award in Дизајн ентеријера и изложбених простора Competition Category.


БронзанаЕнтеријер· 2026

1874 Skriveni bar

by Cosmo Chuah

Client: Lab Two Design

Бронзана награда A' Design Award Winner in Ентеријер Category

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Verified Award Winner

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Colors

The Design

About 1874 Skriveni bar

1874 je skriveni bar smešten u stogodišnjoj trgovačkoj kući u Penangu, u Maleziji. Ulaz je postavljen iza fasade koja podseća na bakalnicu iz 1960-ih, dok je enterijer industrijski i sirov. Reciklirana skela čini osnovnu konstrukciju bara, a vintidž predmeti nabavljeni su na lokalnim buvljim pijacama. Veliki deo originalnih podova, plafona i zidova je zadržan. Tri zone vode goste od izloga preko bara do prostora za pušenje. Skrivena vrata, izdignute platforme i podesivo osvetljenje pojačavaju osećaj iznenađenja.

The Recognition

About the Бронзана награда A' Design Award

1874 Skriveni bar је добитник Бронзане награде A' Design Award, високо престижног признања које се додељује изванредним дизајнима који се одликују креативношћу, домишљатошћу и оштроумношћу. Добитници Бронзане награде у потпуности су вешти и упечатљиво креативни артефакти који потврђују велико искуство, машту и снаљажљивост својих дизајнера. Очекује се да 1874 Skriveni bar буде високо цењен, дивљен и вољен предмет, запажено професионалан и иновативан. Овај дизајн награђен Бронзаном наградом A' Design Award уграђује најбоље праксе у уметности, науци, дизајну и технологији и одличан је по пажњи према детаљима. 1874 Skriveni bar сјајно задовољава потребе, дотиче жеље, очарава осећања и привлачи радозналост.

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.

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