South Florida isn’t exactly known for its preservation of 1970s architecture — especially when it comes to custom-designed homes that have never changed hands. But a rare exception has just popped up for sale in Miami’s coveted Ponce Davis neighborhood, and it’s a piece of living architectural history.
Listed at $12 million, the home is the personal creation of architect Chayo Frank, who designed and built it in 1976 as his personal residence and has lived there ever since.
The house draws heavily from Frank Lloyd Wright’s “American Organic Style,” weaving steel, glass, and natural materials into a design that feels both modern and timeless. Though it’s worth noting that the interiors take a sharp turn from Wright’s standard midcentury furnishings and caters more to buyers with a flair for more eye-catching designs.
The property stands out not only for its architecture, but also for its grounds — including what the owners say is an irreplaceable garden appraised at over $10 million.
A prime example of American organic style in South Florida
Drawing from Frank Lloyd Wright’s philosophy, architect and owner Chayo Frank designed the home to merge seamlessly with its surroundings.
Expansive glass walls and sliding doors erase the boundary between indoors and outdoors, while a dramatic 10-foot coral rock wall anchors the space.
Over 5,000 square feet of living space
The 5,128-square-foot residence sits on a hard corner lot of 33,715 square feet at Kendall Drive and Ponce de Leon Boulevard — two major arteries into Ponce Davis and nearby Pinecrest.
It offers three bedrooms and three bathrooms, and is listed with Douglas Elliman agents Jennifer Goldstein and Casey Fritz. Built with a commercial-grade steel frame and accented with California Redwood, the home reflects a level of craftsmanship that has become increasingly hard to find.
A more glamorous take on midcentury modern interiors
While Lloyd Wright was known for many things, glamorous interiors with towering ceilings were not among them.
However, the 1970s Miami home retains the general wood-clad spirit of Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs, while elevating the interiors to match other properties in this price bracket — without taking away from its unique charm.
California redwood and coral rock accents define the design
Warm redwood detailing gives the interiors a natural, organic feel, while coral rock walls lend texture and a sense of permanence. Together, these materials create a look that’s both bold and understated — a tricky balance to pull off.
Handcrafted by hotel artisans
The build was executed by Amertec-Granada, Inc., the same craftsmen behind Miami landmarks like the Fontainebleau and Eden Roc hotels. Their attention to detail shows in everything from the custom woodwork to the precision steel structure.
A pool with architectural purpose
The home’s pool isn’t just a backyard feature; it’s part of the overall design.
Its lap lane aligns perfectly with the home’s architectural axis, while a southern-facing sun deck offers space for lounging and dining. The pool’s organic shape mirrors the home’s philosophy of harmony with the landscape.
The garden alone is said to be worth a pretty penny
According to the owners, the lush tropical garden surrounding the property has been appraised at over $10 million. They describe it as irreplaceable — a living collection of mature plantings that has grown and evolved for nearly 50 years.
Lovingly designed by its architect owner
A graduate of the University of Oklahoma School of Architecture in 1967, Chayo Frank made his mark early with the design of the Amertec Building in Hialeah, an eye-catching local landmark.
This home, however, may be his most personal project, as it served as his personal residence it since its completion in the mid-1970s.
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