Miami’s red-hot real estate scene shows no signs of slowing down. Though there are several prestigious neighborhoods and communities, North Bay Road is one of the most exclusive addresses in all of Miami—and Argent Design sought out to design a home that matched the standard of the area.
Argent Design, who worked alongside builder Bart Reines, recently unveiled its latest creation: a beautiful home at 2000 North Bay Road. The home spans 5,706 square feet and three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and one powder room. It’s not just the location that sets this home apart, but its sustainable and biophilic elements. Biophilic design, a design philosophy that connects homeowners to lush surroundings through elements such as indoor plants, water fountains, terraces and natural light, as well as seamless indoor-outdoor access. This nature-focused architecture also takes into account views of the ocean, mountains, gardens or other natural landscapes. Of course, the home connects to the outdoors through several terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows. However, inside there are three living wall/greenery installations on the wall that each have their own irrigation systems. There’s a living wall in a verdant tapestry style at the front entrance; a second greenery installation in the foyer that acts as almost a rock garden; and a third in the primary bathroom.
Another element of biophilic design is using materials found in nature. Argent used natural stone and wood throughout the home, which Nicola Fontanella, founder and creative director of Argent Design, says “evokes a visceral response to the innate beauty of simply raw elements.” She also utilized sustainable NSF-certified Yakisugi timber, or Hinoki wood.
“No detail was left behind—the house is a constant reminder of all textures, forms, and shapes found in nature,” Fontanella tells Forbes. “This home is more than just a living space; it’s the balance between humanity and nature, a canvas upon which creativity and inspiration flourish effortlessly. It’s a reminder that life is better when nature is considered, embraced, and celebrated.”
The vision for the home was to create a sanctuary-like space that was also modern, warm, and liveable. The result is just that: a blend of modern aesthetics and a natural, earthy vibe. Other unique design features include raffia wallpaper in the wardrobe doors, entry lights made of coconut shells, full-height onyx wall cladding in the primary bathroom; and a sunken recessed Japanese teakwood soaking tub, also in the primary bathroom. The living wall behind the tub is adorned with Tiger Eye stones and brings even more earthy elements to the bathroom. Other spaces in the home include a Valcucine Italian kitchen with integrated appliances and is also designed with recycled glass. Should the home ever be remodeled, these materials can be recycled again.
“Solar-powered homes are becoming more popular in the U.S. and slowly in this area of Miami, but many people typically go with smaller systems,” says listing agent Lisa Blake of Villazzo Realty, who is representing the home. “For this project, it’s full capacity and can be considered a splurge. The system is also grid-tied, so it’s still with Florida Power and Light. When the home overproduces energy (beyond what it needs), the energy is fed back to the FPL meter, and the home’s account is credited for energy production.”
The home also has a 63-panel Tesla solar farm that can power the entire home. Solar energy powers the home during the day and charges the batteries (the backup power) at night. There is also 80 feet of waterfront and a 60-foot dock.