Casa Refugio: Elisa Porto Arquitetura's Tropical Retreat in Foz do Iguaçu

In Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, Elisa Porto Arquitetura has completed Casa Refugio, a 360-square-meter residential project designed as a retreat within the Atlantic Forest. The house, completed in 2023, responds to the region's humid subtropical climate, characterized by high humidity, hot summers, and mild winters. The design integrates internal and external spaces while maintaining thermal performance, opening towards the interior of the lot to embrace a garden and create a sense of calm. The project was led by architect Elisa de Melo Porto Gamba, with project team member Beatriz Cardoso Possamai. Photographs by Eduardo Macarios document the residence. The project was curated by Susanna Moreira and published on ArchDaily, categorized under residential architecture and houses. The design prioritizes a balance between architecture, nature, and thermal comfort, addressing the challenge of merging indoor and outdoor environments without compromising energy efficiency. The house's layout wraps around the garden, simulating a breath of tranquility amidst the dense vegetation.