Miami’s sun-soaked days and tropical climate make it a paradise for outdoor living, but the coastal conditions also pose unique challenges for architects and contractors. Few understand this better than Fernando de Souza of CAD Solutions & Projects USA LLC, who recently brought the outdoor oasis at the MiraDar Estate in Belle Meade Island (pictured) to life. Known for his technical expertise, de Souza specializes in creating beautiful spaces built to last.
At the heart of his work lies a simple yet powerful design philosophy: embrace nature. As biophilic design continues to gain traction, more Miami homeowners and developers want to bring natural elements into their environments. Research shows that incorporating materials like wood supports well-being, creativity, and a stronger connection to place.
“People want something that feels real and alive,” de Souza explained. “Wood does that better than anything else. It’s natural, warm, and sustainable, which is exactly what people are looking for today, especially for cladding and outdoor living.”
But wood can quickly deteriorate when exposed to Miami’s intense humidity, salt air, and UV rays, unless it’s chosen wisely. De Souza often turns to Maximo Thermo powered by Novawood, a thermally modified wood that undergoes a specialized heat-and-steam process. This treatment enhances the wood’s dimensional stability, makes it highly resistant to rot and insects, and gives it a smooth, splinter-free surface that stays comfortable to the touch even under direct sun. Over time, it develops a rich, graceful patina, aging in a way that many find even more beautiful.
It’s this combination of stability, durability, beauty, cost effectiveness, and ease of installation that has made Maximo Thermo a favorite in de Souza’s toolkit. Whether it’s a pool deck that stays safe and stylish through humid seasons, a ventilated wall that helps cool the building, or a custom pergola that makes outdoor living more comfortable, Maximo’s thermally modified wood lets him blend aesthetics with performance without compromise.
Of course, even the best material depends on skilled hands. De Souza emphasizes that quality projects come from pairing top-tier products with contractors who truly understand how to work with them.
“Not all wood is the same, and not all contractors know how to install it for long-term success,” he said. For example, proper fastening by an experienced installer helps prevent water intrusion and ensures a strong and stable connection.
For professionals like de Souza, sourcing high-grade wood locally is key. Retailers such as Lumber Plus help ensure that materials like Maximo Thermo are available in stock, ready to meet the scale and timelines of demanding projects that keep Miami’s vibrant outdoor lifestyle alive.
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