1874 Gizlin Bar by Cosmo Chuah is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Bürünç Baýragy in Içki Giňişlik we Sergi Dizaýny Competition Category.

BürünçIçki Bezeg· 2026

1874 Gizlin Bar

by Cosmo Chuah

Client: Lab Two Design

A' Design Award Bürünç Baýragy Winner in Içki Bezeg Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #173841

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

Colors

The Design

About 1874 Gizlin Bar

1874 — Malaýziýanyň Penang şäherindäki asyrlyk söwda jaýynyň içinde ýerleşýän gizlin bardyr. Girelge 1960-njy ýyllaryň azyk dükanyny ýada salýan fasadyň aňyrsynda ýerleşdirilipdir, içki bezegi bolsa senagat stilinde we tebigy görnüşde saklanypdyr. Gaýtadan ulanylan gurluşyk skeletleri baryň esasy çarçuwasyny emele getirýär, gadymy zatlar bolsa ýerli köne bazarlaryndan alnypdyr. Asyl pol örtüginiň, potologyň we diwarlaryň köp bölegi saklanyp galypdyr. Üç zolak myhmanlary dükanyň öň tarapyndan bara, soňra bolsa çilim çekilýän ýere alyp barýar. Gizlin gapylar, beýgeldilen sahnalar we sazlanyp bilinýän yşyklandyryş garaşylmadyk täsir duýgusyny güýçlendirýär.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Bürünç Baýragy

1874 Gizlin Bar A' Design Award Bürünç Baýragynyň ýeňijisidir; bu döredijilik, ussatlyk we ýiti akyl bilen tapawutlanýan tapawutly dizaýnlara berilýän aşa abraýly ykrarnamadyr. Bürünç ýeňijileri dizaýnerleriniň giň tejribesini, hyýalyny we tapawutlylygyny tassyklaýan örän ussat we geň galdyryjy derejede döredijilikli eserlerdir. 1874 Gizlin Bar uly baha berilýän, haýran galynýan we söýülýän, üns çekiji derejede hünärmenlikli we täzelikçi zat bolmagy garaşylýar. A' Design Award Bürünç Baýragyny gazanan bu dizaýn sungatda, ylymda, dizaýnda we tehnologiýada iň oňat tejribeleri öz içine alýar we jikme-jiklige edýän üni bilen ajaýypdyr. 1874 Gizlin Bar zerurlyklary ajaýyp derejede kanagatlandyrýar, isleglere degýär, duýgulary özüne çekýär we gyzyklanmany çekýär.

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.