The Vaults

Posted on Sun, 21 Oct 2018 by KiM

This quite possibly is my favourite commercial space I have ever shared here. By Dublin-based Kingston Lafferty DesignInspired by fascinating Irish history, The Vaults Live is an innovative and theatrical large-scale tourist attraction located in the heart of Dublin City. The Vaults offers a unique and exhilarating tour and experience by taking the visitor on a journey throughout the most scandalous and exciting tales in a stunningly renovated original four-storey Victorian building. The experience includes stunning 360° sets, state of the art lighting, lavish costumes and special effects. We were contacted by the client, The Vaults Live, to design a café parlour and retail space that visitors are brought into at the end of the one-hour experience.

The last set from the tour is with Molly Malone. We wanted to carry on a narrative from that experience and era, opting to create a lavish and indulgent parlour. With influence from the classic parlour room, we studied and researched Irish examples, wallpapers, furniture, fixtures and fittings, textiles and artwork from the Victorian era before seeking to merge the traditional with contrasting sleek, contemporary elements. We designed the suspended ceiling to house rabbit holes appearing to have grasses growing from them. We altered the roof light to create a tunnel effect to the sky and another to have inset mirror reflecting the Alice in Wonderland inspired chequered floor.

Velvet says:

I think it’s amazing how each space fuses with the other. The checked flooring and the lighting have certainly a lot to do with it, adding a sense of cohesiveness and unique character. It looks delightful and like a fun place to be.

susan d yoder says:

Its like another world! Very nicely done, makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time with all the conveniences of modern day too. Great story and pics.

Leave a Reply to susan d yoder Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.
Required fields are indicated by *