The inviting pool and its resort-style surroundings are enhanced
by a custom gazebo/bar equipped with every possible amenity.
family room has a dramatic wrap-around salt water aquarium. A
sophisticated osmosis water system serves the two interior kitchens,
as well as the outdoor barbecue cooking space. Both the inside and
outside walls have Level 5 surfaces for exceptional smoothness. The
large, serene site has a stately circular drive that leads to the entryway,
which is enhanced by two large stone lion statues in a fountain.
To make their wishes come true for their new paradise, Soriano
went to Armida Gil, a young A.I.A. International Architect/Interior
Designer from the Dominican Republic, who had worked on some
of the Soriano family’s previous projects. Tampa-based General
Contractor Manny Alvaré, of M. Alvaré General Contractor, Inc.
(www.malvaregeneralcontractor.com), was chosen to take on the
project because of his outstanding reputation and skills as a builder,
craftsman and general contractor, as well as a civil engineer. Alvaré
has chronicled the lessons he learned during his extensive experience,
building both commercial and high-end residential projects in
his book, Everything You Need to Know When Planning Your Dream
Home. His goal for the Soriano family’s dream home was to use his
experience to build, remodel and complete it on their schedule, using
the highest craftsmanship available.
Gil understood that lighting is the pure essence of architecture
and design, as well as an important element in both spatial design
and color; so she enlisted professional lighting designer, Jeff Vinachi,
LC (Lighting Certified) from Certified Lighting Solutions in Safety
Harbor (www.clsfl.com). With his passion for lighting and guidance
from Gil and Alvaré, Vinachi used his expertise in LED sources to
develop a “layered lighting approach.” The lighting expands the look
of the space and creates visual interest by hiding the light sources and
illuminating vertical surfaces, such as artwork. Vinachi pursued his
passion for energy efficiency to incorporate LED sources that made the
Sorianos’ home a model of modern lighting at its best.
The restoration and renovation involved installing detailed
custom interiors throughout, as well as exterior remodeling using
LED lighting and a new landscape design. The team of Gil, Alvaré
and Vinachi more than fulfilled the wishes of the Sorianos, who are
comfortable and happy in their beautiful, energy-efficient new Tampa
Bay home. 9
Alfonso and Carmen Soriano and their family
enjoy living in this modern masterpiece.
116 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015