Along Ireland’s eastern coast, a Georgian villa offers a transformative sensory experience, exploring bold materials, architectural forms, and its seaside setting.
Infinity House by Roisin Lafferty is a 1830s marine estate set on the eastern coastline of Dundalk Bay. Sitting on two and a half acres, the home sees the union of two eras, separated by nearly 200 years, in a modern extension designed to suit the needs of a young family. Roisin Lafferty, founder and creative director, describes it as “a transformative residence that blurs the boundaries between architectural heritage and contemporary innovation.”
Entering through the grand foyer, the geometric black-and-white marble flooring greets you with Regency formality, subtly setting the tone for the journey. Connecting the two estates, a dialogue of monolithic stones is carefully curated throughout the spaces, in various colours, veins, and patchwork patterns, in what Lafferty describes as a “symphony of contrasts.”
The kitchen features a trio of Iron Black quartzite, Ivory Ice onyx, and Cristallo white quartzite, accessorised with a Kave Home Macarelleta bowl. Pictured in the kitchen lounge is a Pierre Augustin Rose sofa 280 paired with a Tim Faulkner Lily ottoman coffee table and a Kelly Wearstler Tableau rug.
In the kitchen, an ensemble of onyx, quartzite, and terrazzo stones in shades ranging from velvety sand to emerald, grey, black, and white reflects the neighbouring estuary’s coastline, rock formations, and the home’s garden estate. Merging the interiors with the villa’s coastal location, an invisible boundary is formed by the extensive floor-to-ceiling glazing that envelops the house, linking it to its environment. Further reinforcing this connection is the brass-encased mirrored ceiling, which blends the reflections of the stones with the landscape and colours the reflected light.
Anchoring this immersive exploration across different periods through materiality is the serpentine staircase carved from Vitoria Regia quartzite, described by Lafferty as “part architecture, part art object—serving as a literal and symbolic bridge between eras.” As it ascends to the first floor, there is an interplay between the traditional ornate details, panelling, and parquetry of heritage, juxtaposed with the geometric minimalism, light-filled space, and openness, Lafferty explains. This delicate play distinguishes between periods yet allows them to be embraced in refined harmony through the skilful expression of stones, timber species, and concrete. Descending to the basement level reveals a dramatic underworld designed to house a cinema, car gallery, spa, and a courtyard beneath the heritage villa.
Poetically bridging two eras with bold design, Lafferty says, “Infinity House is not simply a residence; it is an architectural composition, orchestrated for longevity, adaptability, and immersive beauty.”
In the dining room, a bespoke Tom Faulkner Avalon rectangular dining table is paired with a set of Carl Hansen & Søn E005 Embrace armchairs by EOOS, illuminated by a custom Morghen Studio Ophelia pendant, and a pair of MUUBS Jar Luna vases.
Pictured in the TV room is the Edra Standard sofa by Francesco Binfare, Meridiani Belt table by Andrea Parisio, and Jorge Zalszupin armchair, accessorised with 101 Copenhagen Sumo vase, 101 Copenhagen Cabin vase, Frati Home Pippi Fringed Grey throw, and a HAY Plica cushion.
The entrance hall features a vintage travertine dining table, complemented by MCB Ceramics vases under a Morghen Studio Ophelia XX pendant. In the distance featured is the KOKET Audrey chair and footrest, Martin & Borckett Arcade console 48”, Oliver Gustav black iron bowl, custom-designed KLD round mirror and Apparatus Circuit 1 wall lights.
Illuminating the serpentine staircase wrapped in Vitoria Regia quartzite is the Shāke Weve lamp and Joseph Dirand by Ozone Gélule wall lamp.
In the study, a Gubi Masculo meeting chair, designed by GamFratesi, is tucked under a Pace Collection desk, designed by Leon Rosen, and positioned under the Tom Faulkiner Phoenix chandelier.
In the reception room, a tall Menu Plinth in rose marble and Calacatta Viola and an Atelier De Troupe sconce.
The primary bedroom features an Orbitale Grand Planetario brass chandelier by 8 Arm chandelier by Silvio Piattelli, an Apparatus Tassel 1 sconce, a Fiona McDonald Makes Oscar sideboard, and custom-made Dominic Murphy Quilting by Design.
