Property of Mr. and Mrs. Albree E. Miller, Palm Island, Miami Beach, Florida | Architects: Rufus Nims & Robert B. Browne

Miami motorists passing the Albree E. Miller home on Palm Island almost invariably slow down for a second, searching look. A good many even make their way to the house and request a tour of inspection or an explanation. The explanation is simple.

The Miller house, 2,460 sq. ft. in size, is essentially two layers of open living space suspended between concrete floors and roof. Supporting the second floor and roof are fourteen poured concrete columns arranged in two rows of seven each. Although this building method has been used for many years in industrial construction, its application in home design is rare. The advantages, however, are impressive. Because no supporting walls are needed, the architect may open up outside walls as he chooses, may place indoor partitions wherever he wishes, or he may leave them out altogether.

On the second floor of the Miller house partitions separate three bedroom-bath areas. But on the main floor only a single partition stands, separating living room and kitchen from the carport. Aside from the construction method itself, the most re- markable feature of the house is its cooking center. An integral part of the living room, it is an elaborate steel cooking island. A restaurant executive and amateur chef, Mr. Miller designed the island so that he could prepare meals without leaving his guests. 

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source: House and Garden Magazine | February 1956