Jon Benaglio, Vice President of Deckmasters of South Florida, is a top contractor embracing biophilic design, an architectural approach that brings people closer to nature through organic materials, natural light, and greenery. Known for his collaborative approach and eye for outdoor living, he’s become a trusted name among homeowners seeking luxury outdoor spaces that are both visually stunning and built to withstand Miami’s demanding climate.
“In Miami, the shift toward biophilic design is gaining traction,” he explained. “It’s not just an aesthetic trend. It’s a design transformation that enhances well-being through your living space. These environments feel more calming, inspiring, and emotionally grounded.”
But delivering those results long-term requires natural materials that won’t buckle under Miami’s sun, humidity, and salt air. Benaglio has seen many outdoor projects fail prematurely due to poor material choices, such as pressure-treated pine, cheap composites, or improperly sealed hardwoods that warp, cup, split, or grow mold.
“We’ve replaced decks and ceilings just a few years old that looked decades old due to poor material choices or lack of UV resistance,” Benaglio said. That’s why he prefers Maximo Thermowood powered by Novawood. Its thermal modification process enhances the wood’s resistance to rot, warping, and insects without chemical treatments. This level of performance, combined with Maximo’s 20-year warranty, gives specifiers and clients peace of mind it will hold up in Miami’s climate.
“What I enjoy most about working with Maximo Thermowood is its perfect mix of natural beauty and reliable performance. It delivers the look and strength of Ipe with easier installation and a more sustainable profile to support green building goals,” he said. “While homeowners enjoy the low maintenance, architects appreciate the clean finish and design flexibility. As builders, we love how efficient and smooth it makes every project.”
Benaglio also appreciates that Maximo offers customization. “If you want to change the wood’s color, they deliver it pre-finished with a modern coating system that applies and dries the finish in one pass for a uniform result. The quality of the machine and the German-engineered Saicos coating work together to enhance the natural grain and protect the wood from any oil, dirt or debris.”
His recent work featuring Maximo Thermowood (pictured) demonstrates how material choice can elevate design and create calming biophilic outdoor spaces.
“Our client wanted to create a calming, natural vibe by adding wood ceilings that matched their existing finishes, while avoiding composite or synthetic materials,” Benaglio said. “We brought Maximo samples directly from Lumber Plus, and they immediately embraced the natural look and feel. A few weeks later, the install was complete, and the result was stunning. It’s now one of their favorite parts of the home.”
The project features planks in Maximo Thermowood Ayous 1×6 prefinished in SAICOS color TEAK, a wood species that goes through a thermal modification process. It spans the ceiling over a spacious outdoor lounge and dining area, with a pool just beyond the covered space. Oversized ceiling fans from the original build provide airflow and shade to beat Miami’s heat, while natural stone columns and lush landscaping complete the setting. The warmth of the wood ceiling elevates the space and adds visual texture to what might otherwise be a blank area.
“We aim to understand the client’s goals, style, and how they want to use the space—whether it’s for relaxing, entertaining, or maximizing a view. From there, we suggest materials, layouts, and design ideas that match their vision and Miami’s climate. We guide them through visual inspiration, 3D renderings, and the pros and cons of each option. Our goal is to bridge aesthetics and functionality, turning broad ideas into a detailed, buildable plan.”
Benaglio’s forward-thinking approach makes biophilic design accessible to any homeowner by pairing nature-inspired concepts with durable, high-performance materials. Maximo Thermowood is his go-to for creating outdoor spaces that impress from the first design meeting to the final walk-through.
Facebook Comments