Design Review Board approves new elevated home at 333 East River Alto Drive with landscaping, material conditions

The Miami Beach Design Review Board on June 6 approved design review for a new two-story single-family home at 333 East River Alto Drive, with conditions that the applicant add landscaping between a water-facing wall and the dock and work with staff to explore lighter and more sustainable exterior materials.

The application, filed as DRB 22-0876333, seeks approval for a modern-style home that includes a non–air-conditioned understory for parking and open-air activities and an elevated pool deck. The board voted 4-0 to approve the draft final order, adding the landscaping and material-exploration conditions before final permits are issued.

Board member Jason Nagopian praised the revisions, saying the design “responded to our comments in a very thoughtful way,” and noted the changes made the project “a much more successful project than it was the first time.” Architect Jose Sanchez and the applicant’s representative described a redesigned facade with stone or simulated-stone accents, increased glazing and courtyard elements, and a raised pool deck accessed from the understory.

Board members and staff focused discussion on three main issues: the solidity of the rear wall facing the water, the openness of the understory along side elevations, and stormwater/flood management. Nagopian and others urged softening the water-facing wall with plantings; landscape architect Matthew Lewis said planting ficus or similar screening could cover the wall in roughly 18–24 months. Staff noted the code allows a pool deck to extend to the waterway at an elevation of BFE plus 5 feet and that the project’s understory elevation (approximately 6.83 feet) is higher than the earlier typical minimum (about 5.26 feet), which the board observed could improve flood resilience.

Board member Scott Diffenderfer recommended the applicant consider lighter material palettes instead of the proposed dark marble, warning that dark stone can show mineral staining in Miami Beach’s coastal climate. The applicant and design team agreed to explore porcelain or lighter alternatives and to consider sustainable hardwood alternatives to ipe.

The board recorded its approval with the conditions that the applicant: (1) add landscape elements between the water-facing wall and the property/dock line to soften the facade; (2) work with staff to explore lighter material options in lieu of the proposed dark marble; and (3) evaluate sustainable alternatives for exterior hardwood. The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote, 4-0. Members recorded as present for the vote were Chair Sarah Guller Nelson, Jason Nagopian, Scott Diffenderfer and Sam Sheldon.

The board noted that civil engineering required for the building permit must address on-site stormwater retention (exfiltration trenches and swales) and side-yard retaining walls so runoff will not be directed off-site. The applicant reported outreach to neighboring properties and submitted two letters of written support included in the record.

The board closed the item after adding the conditions; the applicant will proceed to final design and permitting with staff coordination.