Golden Era Ukwakhiwa Kwangaphakathi Kwesitolo Sobucwebe by Yun Khong Chia

Golden Era Ukwakhiwa Kwangaphakathi Kwesitolo Sobucwebe by Yun Khong Chia is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Umklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award in Ukudizayina Ingaphakathi Competition Category.

IbhulonziIngaphakathi· 2026

Golden Era Ukwakhiwa Kwangaphakathi Kwesitolo Sobucwebe

by Yun Khong Chia

Client: Design Gallery Sdn Bhd

Umklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award Winner in Ingaphakathi Category

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The Design

About Golden Era Ukwakhiwa Kwangaphakathi Kwesitolo Sobucwebe

I-Golden Era iyigalari yokuthengisa ubucwebe etholakala eSabah, eMalaysia. Uhlelo lwendawo luthatha ugqozi kumagalari eminyuziyamu futhi luqondisa izivakashi ngendlela ezolile nehlelekile. Kusetshenziswa ukukhanya okusezingeni eliningi ukuze kugqanyiswe umbukiso ngamunye futhi kukhuliswe ukucwebezela kobucwebe. Izinto ezisetshenzisiwe zihlanganisa amapaneli e-plywood anamathiselwe, insimbi engagqwali enomphetho wegolide, izinhlelo zombukiso zengilazi kanye nezindawo ezithambile ezinesimo esithintekayo. Uhlelo lokuhlanganisa lwamamojula lusekela ukwakhiwa okunembayo, ukufakwa okulula kanye nokunakekelwa okulula. Ukuhambahamba okuvulekile kuhlanganiswe nezindawo zombukiso ezicacisiwe ukuze kulinganiswe ukunethezeka nokuphepha.

The Recognition

About the Umklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award

Golden Era Ukwakhiwa Kwangaphakathi Kwesitolo Sobucwebe iwinile uMklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award, ukwaziswa okuhloniphekile kakhulu okunikezwa imiklamo ephawulekayo eyehlukaniswa ukudala, ubuhlakani nobukhali bengqondo. Abawinile beBhulonzi yimisebenzi enobuchule obukhulu nedala ngokumangalisayo eqinisekisa isipiliyoni esibanzi, umcabango nobuhlakani babaklami babo. Golden Era Ukwakhiwa Kwangaphakathi Kwesitolo Sobucwebe ilindeleke ukuba ibe yinto exatshwa kakhulu, edunyiswayo nethandwayo, enobungcweti obuphawulekayo nezinto ezintsha. Lo mklamo owinile uMklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award uhlanganisa izindlela ezinhle kakhulu ebuciko, esayensi, ekuklameni nasebuchwepheshe futhi uhamba phambili ngenxa yokunaka kwawo imininingwane. Golden Era Ukwakhiwa Kwangaphakathi Kwesitolo Sobucwebe iyanelisa izidingo ngokumangalisayo, ithinta izifiso, iheha imizwa futhi ikhanga ukufuna ukwazi.

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