A groundbreaking residence in Miami’s Silver Bluff area, recognized as the first worldwide to achieve certification from the International WELL Building Institute, has been put up for sale at $2.6 million. This innovative home is the brainchild of Caplow Manzano, a prominent architect-developer team based in Coconut Grove. They were among 25 participants in a pioneering project by the Manhattan-based Institute, which aimed to establish residential standards that enhance human health and well-being.
Referred to as CM1 by the firm’s leaders, Ted Caplow and Nathalie Manzano, this 2,595-square-foot house on Southwest 32nd Court features three bedrooms, four full bathrooms, and one half-bath. Additionally, the property includes 1,954 square feet of covered patio and porch space on a 6,000-square-foot lot.
The home showcases an avant-garde construction method known as “hypostruction,” developed by Caplow Manzano. This approach emphasizes the use of sustainable and durable materials, such as removable oak-paneled walls, non-toxic finishes, polished concrete floor slabs, and accessible plumbing systems. By avoiding traditional materials like drywall and conventional air-conditioning ducts, the home minimizes issues related to dust and mold accumulation.
Additional eco-friendly features include low-maintenance landscaping, solar panels, enhanced insulation for sound reduction, a comprehensive water filtration system, an electric vehicle charging station, and a stilt-based structure to mitigate risks from sea level rise and flooding.
The elevated structure offers practical benefits, such as a spacious carport accommodating three vehicles and a summer kitchen with a barbecue area, ideal for Florida’s climate. “The shady areas and natural breezes make this home perfect for enjoying outdoor living,” Hertzberg added. The main floor boasts an open-plan living room, family room, and kitchen leading to a large terrace, with a corridor featuring beautiful wood paneling that connects the three bedrooms.