Róisín Lafferty Crafts a Destination that Feels Both Luxurious and Deeply Rooted in Nature

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a biophilic hotel suite design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Róisín Lafferty.

Completed by Róisín Lafferty in collaboration with Henry J. Lyons in 2024, the Woodland Suite Experience redefines hospitality. Through cantilevered, nest-inspired structures the suites blend into the wooded landscape overlooking the River Lee and Cork City. Each space is connected through soft, natural materials and colours that mirror their surroundings to create a tranquil, inviting atmosphere. Sustainability is core, with charred timber cladding and sedum roofs. The result is a restorative retreat of quiet confidence. Spaces so beautifully balanced between luxury and nature, guests feel immersed, at ease, and reluctant to leave.

What was the client's brief?

The Montenotte team wanted to unlock the potential of a steep, wooded hillside overlooking Cork City. Their ambition was to create nine luxury standalone suites and a private clubhouse, offering a truly exclusive experience distinct from the main hotel. Because the site is so visible from the city below, it was crucial that the new structures integrate seamlessly into the landscape, preserving the mature woodland and historic gardens. The brief asked us to balance high end hospitality with environmental sensitivity; crafting a destination that felt both luxurious and deeply rooted in nature.

What inspired the design of the project?

Nature itself was our biggest inspiration. We wanted the suites to feel like “nests” in the tree canopy – retreats that touch the land lightly while opening up extraordinary views of the River Lee valley. Working with Henry J Lyons, we elevated the suites on stilts and cantilevered them to preserve the forest floor and reduce disruption. Externally, charred timber cladding and living sedum roofs allow the buildings to disappear into the woodland while enhancing biodiversity. Inside, biophilic principles guided every decision. Beds face full height sliding glass doors, so guests feel as though they are sleeping in the trees. Open-plan layouts orbit the central view, with the bath, bar, and lounge positioned to connect seamlessly to nature. One sculptural oak joinery element integrates bed, bar, sofa, and kitchen into a single flowing structure, enhanced by Japanese rice paper bi-fold screens that double as part of the headboard. Travertine sinks appear to emerge organically from the walls, echoing the earthy tones of the landscape. Tactile finishes such as boucle, Irish linen and wool combined with natural light filtering through the canopy, create an immersive, restorative atmosphere. The Clubhouse mirrors these principles with a monolithic red travertine bar, sculptural banquettes, and muted tones, offering a calm communal counterpart to the private suites.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The site itself was the biggest challenge. With steep terrain and soft woodland ground, cranes couldn’t be used, which made installing large and heavy items like the custom travertine sinks and bar, extremely complex. Everything had to be manoeuvred by hand with precision sequencing, requiring meticulous planning, phased logistics, and incredible teamwork on site. Rejecting modular construction also posed challenges, but it allowed each suite to be tailored precisely to its location in the landscape. That approach demanded extraordinary craftsmanship and problem-solving, but it ensured the buildings felt genuinely embedded in their setting and delivered a level of architectural and interior detail that would have been impossible otherwise.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

For us, the highlight was seeing the stone installations come to life. The red travertine pedestal sinks in the Nest units, the oversized split-face silver travertine sinks in the River Suites, and the sweeping curved travertine bar in the Clubhouse all became sculptural anchors. These bespoke pieces demanded exceptional craftsmanship and watching them evolve from sketches to installation was incredibly rewarding. Equally, there was a joy in seeing how light, shadow, and seasonal colour interact with the interiors – mirrored walls reflecting the trees, rice paper screens glowing softly at dusk, and custom furniture pieces grounding the spaces. These details brought the vision of immersive, nature-rooted luxury to life, and gave the suites their unforgettable character.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

This project redefines what luxury hospitality can be; less about excess, more about connection, restoration, and respect for place. We wanted to showcase that vision on a global stage. The SBID Awards celebrate projects that innovate and set new standards, and we believe the Woodland Suites do exactly that: they demonstrate how architecture, interiors, and landscape can come together as one holistic experience.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

It’s hugely affirming for our team. Being shortlisted validates the bravery it took to reject conventional approaches and craft something so site specific. For our business, it demonstrates our ability to deliver ambitious, environmentally sensitive hospitality projects on an international stage. And for us personally, it’s a reminder that when design is rooted in nature and authenticity, it resonates deeply with people. That’s what makes this recognition so meaningful.

Questions answered by Róisín Lafferty, Founder & Creative Director of Róisín Lafferty.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an expressive office design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Róisín Lafferty.

The Malin South Gulch is a members-only co-working space that reimagines the workplace through expressive, story-driven design. Reflecting both The Malin’s ethos and the creative energy of Nashville, Róisín Lafferty’s vision delivers on the brand’s core promise: to offer thoughtfully designed environments that enable people to work beautifully. Set within a 1930s former John Deere warehouse in the vibrant South Gulch neighborhood, the interior blends industrial character with sculptural detail, rich materiality, and functional elegance. The result is an inspiring, immersive space that balances creativity and comfort—elevating the everyday experience of work.

What was the client's brief?

The Malin team asked us to design a members-only co-working space that would reflect Nashville’s creative energy while delivering on the brand’s ethos of thoughtful, elevated work environments. Housed in a 1930s John Deere warehouse in South Gulch, the project marked The Malin’s first collaboration with an external design studio. The brief was about balance: preserving the industrial heritage while transforming it into a richly layered, immersive destination where members; many of them creatives and entrepreneurs - could feel inspired, supported, and part of a community. At 1,130 sqm, the space needed to function intuitively, with zones that could adapt to different working styles while still feeling like one cohesive narrative.

What inspired the design of the project?

The inspiration came directly from Nashville itself: its rhythm, grit, and layered cultural identity. We wanted the space to unfold like a cinematic sequence of chapters, with each zone offering a distinct mood and pace. From a sunlit atrium to quiet corners, from phone booths to a library-style lounge, members are guided through a story-driven environment that balances privacy and connection.

Materiality was crucial. Rich rosewood, terrazzo, coloured glass, and brass are layered with softer boucle, leather, limewashed walls, and velvet upholstery. Natural light floods through undressed Crittall windows, animating surfaces like lacquered cabinetry, marble accents, and bespoke joinery. Colour was used not just decoratively, but as a tool to set tone and atmosphere; tonal contrasts in the library encourage focus, while playful pattern mixing elsewhere sparks creativity. The aim was never to feel like a traditional office; instead, The Malin South Gulch is a sensory hub of creativity and comfort, where sculptural furniture, vintage finds, and commissioned artwork merge storytelling, function, and soulful elegance.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The biggest challenge was the tight programme and geography. Designing from Dublin while sourcing lighting, vintage furniture, and artisan craft in Nashville required immense coordination. Lead times were tight, and every decision had to balance logistics with uncompromising design quality. At the same time, the technical challenge was to reinvent a co-working model often dominated by utilitarian layouts. We wanted to deliver a bold, maximalist, story-driven workplace without sacrificing function. That meant carefully choreographing how each environment connected: sculptural joinery doubling as infrastructure, tonal zoning guiding moods, and layered acoustics ensuring productivity. It stretched us, but ultimately made the project richer and more deeply grounded in its Nashville context.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight was the collaboration with exceptional craftspeople and furniture makers, both in Ireland and locally in Nashville. Every element, from custom rosewood stools and marble bullnose tables to amber crystal privacy screens and striped rosewood reception cladding – was bespoke, designed for this project. That gave us the freedom to experiment with materials and forms, pushing the design beyond standard workplace solutions. Seeing those sketches evolve into sculptural pieces that now define the character of the interiors was incredibly rewarding. They bring individuality and richness – a mirrored ceiling in the library reflecting playful striped banquettes, a boldly coloured kitchen with stained timber joinery, a central marble-topped desk beneath an oversized pendant. These moments make the space feel truly one-of-a-kind and memorable.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The Malin is a brand committed to elevating the experience of work, and this project exemplifies how design can transform a workplace into a destination. By merging storytelling, cultural grounding, and innovation – while championing wellbeing and community; it challenges what a co-working space can be. SBID provides an international platform that celebrates bold creativity, and we wanted to share how design can turn the everyday act of working into something inspiring.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

It’s a huge achievement for us. Being recognised at this level reinforces the importance of storytelling, craftsmanship, and collaboration in our work. It also demonstrates our ability to deliver ambitious, detail-driven projects globally, even with the challenges of distance. For the team, it’s a proud moment; proof that thoughtful, design-led workplaces resonate just as strongly as homes or hospitality spaces.

Questions answered by Róisín Lafferty, Founder & Creative Director of Róisín Lafferty.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a bold beauty salon design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Róisín Lafferty.

Róisín Lafferty was tasked with designing Base & Boon 2.0, a bold reimagining of the salon experience located in the Diplomatic Quarter of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Initiated by two visionary female entrepreneurs, the project expands the Base & Boon brand by introducing a pioneering concept: an inclusive, multifunctional beauty hub where independent therapists across disciplines work side by side. Located within Saudi Arabia’s first Special Economic Zone, the space sets a new standard by combining luxury services with a co-working model that welcomes both male and female professionals and clients, marking a first of its kind in the region.

What was the client's brief?

The founders of Base & Boon wanted to completely reimagine what a salon could be. Their vision was bold: not only a luxurious beauty destination but also a pioneering co-working hub for independent therapists across hair, nails, skincare and massage. It needed to feel empowering, safe, and inclusive; a true first of its kind in Saudi Arabia. They gave us full creative freedom to design something future facing and immersive, a space that reflected their vibrant brand identity while fostering both individuality and community.

What inspired the design of the project?

The ampersand in the brand’s logo became our guiding motif. It symbolises connection between beauty and business, work and wellness, professionals and clients. That concept informed the architecture: a sculptural central reception cylinder anchors the space, with each treatment zone radiating from it like branches of a journey. This layout allows the salon to unfold in stages, so every guest experiences a sense of discovery. The design blends functionality with a deliberate theatricality; sweeping ombré sheers, concealed doors, and catwalk-like walkways transform everyday treatments into immersive, almost performative moments.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Managing the build remotely from Dublin while the site was in Riyadh was a huge challenge. Every detail had to meet our exacting standards without us being physically present. To solve this, the main contractor created a series of prototypes; custom junctions, finishes, even gradient effects, which the client could review on site and we could assess over video calls. This process demanded patience and precision, but it ensured that the tactile richness - from polished plaster to tinted Perspex and resin - was executed flawlessly. It pushed all of us to be more collaborative, and ultimately the result feels as considered and crafted as if we had been on site every day.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

There were two standout moments. The first was in the early design stages; pulling together a palette of finishes that felt nothing like a traditional wellness or beauty salon. Bold, vibrant and dramatic, it combined polished steel, glossy tiles and coloured glass to set the tone for a new kind of experience: a collaborative, energetic unisex salon where clients could explore, connect, and create memorable moments. The second highlight was seeing those theatrical elements installed on site; the sweeping ombré curtains, the sculptural reception cylinder, the mirrored catwalk-like walkways. Each required immense collaboration and craftsmanship to perfect, and to watch them go from sketches to reality was incredibly rewarding.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards are a global benchmark for design excellence, and this project felt worthy of that platform. Beauty environments are often overlooked in design conversations, but Base & Boon 2.0 is a world-first typology: a hybrid of luxury salon, co-working hub, and cultural platform. It proves that even highly functional spaces can be bold, immersive, and boundary-pushing.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

It’s a huge honour for our studio. Being shortlisted validates the ambition and hard work that went into delivering such a pioneering project, not just for our team, but for our visionary clients. It’s also opened doors internationally, demonstrating that we can design and deliver innovative, detail-driven environments anywhere in the world. Most of all, it’s given our team immense pride and momentum to keep creating projects that surprise, delight, and redefine expectations.

Questions answered by Róisín Lafferty, Founder and Creative Director of Róisín Lafferty.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a seamless and cohesive residential design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Róisín Lafferty.

Róisín Lafferty was commissioned to reimagine two neighbouring semi-detached properties as one highly functional, long-term family home. The brief required a complete spatial rethink while retaining two entrances, staircases, and mechanical systems. The goal was to create a seamless, cohesive interior that could eventually be divided into two independent homes for the client’s children. The point where the properties meet became the design’s central focus.

What was the client's brief?

The clients wanted to merge two neighbouring semi-detached houses into one forever family home - but with the ability to divide them again in the future for the next generation. The challenge was to create a seamless, unified interior while retaining two staircases, entrances, and independent systems. At the heart of the brief was flexibility: a home that could evolve over time without compromising function or flow. The brief also celebrated connection to the larger garden, ensuring key views and interactions with the landscape from multiple rooms, while eliminating wasted corridors so that every space had purpose.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design centred on the point where the two houses meet. Instead of disguising the joint, we made it the conceptual heart of the home, incorporating a sculptural sunken lounge at the original boundary line. This recessed lounge – finished with an inset marble floor and mirrored ceiling to reflect the garden indoors – became the hub that unites both houses. From here, a terrace extends the geometry into the garden, further strengthening the indoor / outdoor connection.

Throughout the house, the concept was about balance and discovery: twin music rooms linked by cobalt shelving that wraps around a central chimney breast, concealed oversized pivot doors that read as seamless wall panels, and a monumental steel-clad sliding screen that can transform the spatial flow. The playfulness of the layout encourages exploration, with endless routes and subtle surprises, while still maintaining proportion and calm.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

One of the biggest challenges was the technical complexity of merging two houses into one while keeping them fully independent behind the scenes. Every system, from underfloor heating to lighting, data wiring, and ventilation; had to be designed to work both together and separately. Structurally, new connections had to be created without introducing visual obstructions. Balancing that level of engineering with the desire for a seamless, calm aesthetic required meticulous planning, smart routing for services, and constant collaboration across trades. It meant rethinking how we normally approach design and construction, but it allowed the project to function beautifully now while remaining future proof for generations to come.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight was seeing the two houses truly come together as one; not just structurally, but emotionally. Spaces like the twin music rooms, unified by cobalt shelving and a shared chimney breast, embody that balance between individuality and cohesion. And the sunken lounge at the centre, with its sculptural form and connection to the garden, felt like the moment the vision became reality. For the team, it was incredibly rewarding to watch the design evolve from concept into a home that feels both elegant and deeply liveable.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Because this project embodies what great design can do: solve highly technical challenges while creating a home that feels calm, generous, and deeply personal. It’s deceptively complex, and we wanted to celebrate that on an international stage.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

It’s hugely affirming for our team and our clients. It shows that innovation, adaptability, and forward-thinking design resonate far beyond Ireland. For us, it reinforces the importance of pushing boundaries while always keeping the needs of the family at the centre.

Questions answered by Róisín Lafferty, Founder & Creative Director at Róisín Lafferty.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a homely and soulful residential house design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Róisín Lafferty.

The Georgian style Schoolhouse, located in Galway City, is of high historical and conservation interest and architecturally protected. We were tasked to reimagine the home with Helena McElmeel architects. The client brief was to elevate and accentuate the existing building and combine it with the newly designed extension, creating a natural blend of old and new, providing the family with a series of spaces that interconnect and speak to each other, imbuing all the while, a sense of character, nostalgia and design essence.

What was the client's brief? 

The Georgian style Schoolhouse, located in Galway City, is of high historical and conservation interest and architecturally protected. We were tasked to reimagine the home with Helena McElmeel architects. The client brief was to elevate and accentuate the existing building and combine it with the newly designed extension, creating a natural blend of old and new, providing the family with a series of spaces that interconnect and speak to each other, imbuing all the while, a sense of character, nostalgia and design essence. Functionally, the interior architecture needed to be enhanced, increasing modern day comforts such as additional bathrooms, and lounges. Aesthetically the challenge was to harness the soul of the original character and design a home that felt as though it had always been there. They wanted us to create a home that felt spirited, soulful, alive and homely.

What inspired the design of the project?

My inspiration came from the abundant character and soul, that exudes from the building. We sought to embrace and harness that. Our key self-appointed task was to create an interior that sensitively encompassed the essence of the property and for the end result to feel like it had always been like that; a home that felt spirited, soulful, alive and homely. In summary, we wanted it to feel embedded in the building, not a surface level application. My other inspiration came from the Handmaids Tale, the series captivated me in terms of set design and overall atmosphere.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The biggest challenge was the conservation constraints as the building was listed meaning the interventions we were allowed to make had to be carefully considered and certain areas of the building had to be maintained as they were. It took numerous design iterations from both KLD and architects working closely together, convincing the planning authorities to allow us re-design the building in a way that gave our client the result they were looking for. This process took time, creative thinking, and patience from our clients. Conservation constraints also impacted the interior design in some cases, with a lot of interior elements being required to be kept or reinstated during the works.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The rear extension area with sunken conversation pit linking to the kitchen and dining was a favourite for our team to design. We wanted to distinguish this area as a different type of lounge and encourage a different function within it that looked structured but was also tactile and comfortable. The kitchen area was a key conservation zone, so by creating a structural opening in the kitchen, we could visually connect the kitchen, dining, and rear lounge. By sinking the lounge, we kept a clear visual to the garden and created a space for the family to interact and spend time together in a more informal way while inhabiting different functional areas of the home at the same time. The more contemporary feel contrasts against the existing house and natural light floods in from all aspects.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID awards as they are renowned globally in the interior’s world, with a panel of leading experts judges. To have our design projects featured beside some of the best projects around the world is a stage where we want to be seen for our designs encouraging us to continue to push the boundaries of design and create truly new and unique designs for our clients that that capture and embody them as individuals and how they live.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being a finalist in the SBID awards is a very special achievement for the team at KLD. To be recognised for our designs among peers who create such beautiful design internationally and to be able to showcase our projects to new and wider audiences is an amazing opportunity.

Questions answered by Roisin Lafferty, Founder and Creative Director of Róisín Lafferty.