Refugio do Gatao (Portuguese for "refuge of the big cat") is a Brazilian-inspired home nestled on the Florida shoreline and its lush landscape. Constructed largely of wood and stucco with large overhanging eaves gently held by handcrafted brackets, the home is at once traditional and also contemporary. "Its a simple house, with traditional forms like a gabled roof and wide porches," said architect Greg Thomas. There is a decidedly elegant, minimalist tendency, with natural materials taking supremacy. Cypress vaulted ceilings and walls counterbalance mahogany on doors and window frames, hickory on floors, and ipe on exterior decks. Here the materials are clean, "unfettered by ornament" Thomas explains.
The home is totally integrated into its natural environment. The living room and dinning room both seamlessly open to the exterior wrap-around porches. Central to the design was a churrasqueira, a traditional Brazilian barbecue area. Located near the entrance, it creates a welcoming area which connects the interior to the exterior. Another interesting space is the wine room, located beneath the house. Project designer Richard Skinner comments, "It is made completely out of Brazilian purpleheart, which has an interesting spilled wine feel."
RAP would like to congratulate Skinner & Associates and Greg Thomas on this distinction.
