Bronzo Interni · 2026
1874 Bar nascosto
by Cosmo Chuah
- A' Design Award di Bronzo 2026 in Interni
- CLIENT: Lab Two Design
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 8,181
- Verification code DF4FD4371D · Verify this award
Colors
About 1874 Bar nascosto
1874 è un bar nascosto ricavato all'interno di una shophouse centenaria a Penang, in Malesia. L'ingresso è collocato dietro una facciata che richiama un negozio di alimentari degli anni Sessanta, mentre gli interni sono industriali e grezzi. Impalcature di recupero costituiscono la struttura portante del bar e gli oggetti vintage provengono dai mercatini dell'usato locali. Gran parte della pavimentazione, del soffitto e delle pareti originali è stata conservata. Tre zone conducono gli ospiti dalla vetrina al bar e quindi all'area fumatori. Porte celate, palchi rialzati e illuminazione regolabile alimentano il senso di sorpresa.
About the A' Design Award di Bronzo
1874 Bar nascosto ha vinto l'A' Design Award di Bronzo, un riconoscimento altamente prestigioso conferito a design eccezionali che si distinguono per creatività, ingegno e astuzia. I vincitori di Bronzo sono manufatti ampiamente abili e sorprendentemente creativi che autenticano la vasta esperienza, l'immaginazione e l'intraprendenza dei loro designer. Ci si aspetta che 1874 Bar nascosto sia un oggetto molto apprezzato, ammirato e amato, notevolmente professionale e innovativo. Questo design vincitore dell'A' Design Award di Bronzo incorpora le migliori pratiche dell'arte, della scienza, del design e della tecnologia, ed è eccellente per l'attenzione al dettaglio. 1874 Bar nascosto soddisfa splendidamente i bisogni, tocca i desideri, affascina i sentimenti e attira la curiosità.
Press Kit
- 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.
