Miami Condo Owner Mounts $2 Million Pagani Zonda As Room Divider

In 2018, Argentinian racing driver Pablo Perez Companc, in collaboration with Pagani founder Horacio Pagani, executed a unique project: installing a Pagani Zonda Revolucion as an art installation and room divider in Companc's Miami apartment. The vehicle was carefully lifted into the living space using a crane. This unconventional display is not an isolated incident, as other wealthy individuals have similarly incorporated luxury vehicles into their high-rise residences. An Australian businessman previously arranged for a McLaren Senna GTR to be hoisted into his penthouse, and a Seattle resident had a McLaren Elva lifted 48 stories into his apartment. Pablo Perez Companc, a prominent figure in the racing world, is the son of the late Argentinian businessman Gregorio Pérez Companc, who possessed an estimated net worth of $2.5 billion. Companc initiated his racing career in 2000 and is an avid car collector. His extensive collection includes high-performance vehicles such as a Pagani Huayra, a Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo Evo, a Porsche 911 GT2 RS, and a Dodge Demon. Beyond merely garaging these exotic cars, Companc chose to integrate a Pagani Zonda Revolucion into the aesthetic of his living room. With direct assistance from Horacio Pagani, the special-edition Zonda was successfully maneuvered into Companc's apartment and securely mounted to a wall, serving as a distinctive architectural feature. However, a significant detail regarding this installation emerged later. Companc clarified that the Zonda was not a fully functional, road-going vehicle. It was an empty chassis, designed specifically for display purposes and not capable of being fitted with an engine or mechanical components. Companc addressed public speculation about the car in a now-deleted Instagram post, emphasizing that the displayed Zonda was a work of art and not his operational Pagani Zonda Revolucion "Black Minion." He explicitly stated that he would never relegate a genuine, driveable race car to a static display within a living room, reinforcing his belief that race cars are meant for driving. This distinction highlights that while the car serves as a striking visual element, its primary purpose is artistic and decorative, rather than representing a functional, incarcerated supercar. #PaganiZonda #Supercars #LuxuryLifestyle #ArtInstallation #MiamiCondo #PabloPerezCompanc #AutomotiveArt

This article provides a comprehensive guide to selecting the best gazebos for backyard use, based on research and testing by the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab. The selection process involved evaluating products for ease of setup, weather resistance, and structural integrity, drawing on expertise in materials and user reviews. The guide highlights various types of gazebos, including hardtop, soft-top, and pop-up options, each suited for different needs and preferences. Several specific models are recommended for different use cases. The Sunjoy Hampton Bay Crownhill Hardtop Gazebo is recognized as the "Best Overall" due to its solid construction with a matte-black steel hardtop and wood frame, offering good airflow through a two-tier roof. It includes practical features like a ceiling hook for lighting and rails for mosquito netting. Although robust, it requires multiple people for assembly and is not designed for extreme weather. The ABCCANOPY Steel Patio Gazebo is a "Best Value" option, featuring a pop-up design with removable mesh walls for bug protection and a two-level roof for ventilation. Made of weather-resistant polyester and portable with a storage bag, it is noted for quick setup but is less durable than permanent structures. For portability and ease of use, the Alvantor Octagon Pop-Up Gazebo is highlighted as the "Best Pop-Up." Available in four sizes, it is lightweight, comes with mounting stakes and sandbags, and has mesh netting for insect control, offering UV protection. However, its pop-up nature makes it less wind-resistant. The Yoleny Aluminum Patio Gazebo is recommended for those seeking privacy, as it includes removable curtains and mesh siding. This permanent structure features a rust-resistant aluminum frame and a double-roof design, covering up to 130 square feet, but assembly can be time-consuming and requires multiple individuals. The Backyard Discovery Barrington Gazebo stands out as the "Best for High Winds," boasting a steel roof capable of withstanding significant loads and wind gusts up to 100 mph, backed by a five-year warranty. It also offers modern conveniences like power outlets and USB ports, though it is a more expensive option. Lastly, the Backyard Discovery Rockport XL Steel Grill Gazebo is ideal for outdoor kitchens, featuring a rust-resistant steel frame and galvanized steel countertops. Its attractive design and functionality for outdoor cooking are praised, but its assembly is complex, suggesting professional installation. The article also provides a comprehensive shopping guide, detailing crucial factors to consider when purchasing a gazebo. These include the style of the canopy (hard-top for all-season use, soft-top for seasonal use, and pop-up for portability), the materials used for the frame (steel, aluminum, wood, or vinyl, and their weather-resistant properties), size considerations based on intended use and space availability, and shape preferences (rectangular for space, hexagonal/octagonal for aesthetics). It emphasizes the importance of a flat, clear installation area and proper anchoring, mentioning additional features like mosquito netting and double-roof designs. Furthermore, the guide clarifies the differences between gazebos, pergolas, and pavilions, and offers maintenance tips based on the gazebo's material to ensure longevity. #Gazebo #Backyard #OutdoorLiving #HomeImprovement #ProductReview #WeatherResistance #OutdoorFurniture #Patio

This article highlights a Queen Anne style brownstone at 429 Hancock Street in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, which is currently on the market for $1.999 million. The property showcases intricate original wood detailing throughout, a feature often associated with older, well-maintained brownstones that is rarely found in newer constructions. These details include carved elements around doorways, mantelpieces, staircases, and built-in shelving, blending historic charm with modern updates. The brownstone is configured as a two-family home, though it is currently utilized as a three-family residence. The owner's duplex occupies the parlor and garden floors, which also includes a finished basement. The upper two floors, specifically the third and fourth, are each set up as separate one-and-a-half bedroom, one-bathroom floor-through apartments. This multi-unit setup provides flexibility for potential owners, allowing for rental income or a spacious family residence. Key architectural and decorative features of the interior are emphasized. The kitchen, despite being largely modernized, retains a striking carved cabinetry piece that incorporates shelving and mirrors, preserving a connection to the home's historic roots. The living room features a grand carved entryway, functional sliding pocket doors, and an elaborate mantelpiece above a tiled fireplace, contributing significantly to the property's character. Throughout the home, additional period details are evident. These include seven decorative mantles, wainscoting, fretwork, double crown moldings, exposed brick walls, more pocket doors, and window shutters, all of which enhance the vintage aesthetic. On the garden level, a large bedroom and an office space are present, alongside a washer/dryer unit. The master bedroom, also on this level, connects to an attached bathroom and features a tiled fireplace framed by intricate carved wood, set against an exposed brick wall. The property also boasts an inviting outdoor space. Accessible from the master bedroom, the backyard is designed as an urban oasis, featuring a slate stone patio, a lawn area, and terraced garden beds. This well-landscaped outdoor area offers a private retreat within the bustling Brooklyn neighborhood. The listing for the property is managed by Ban Leow, Kunsang Mipam Thurman, and Dave Lewin for Halstead. #BedStuy #BrooklynBrownstone #HistoricHome #WoodDetailing #QueenAnneStyle #RomanesqueRevival #RealEstate #NYCArchitecture #HomeForSale

Indy Pro race car driver Pablo Pérez Companc has transformed his Miami apartment by installing a Pagani Zonda R as a unique room divider. This unusual design choice features the ultra-limited edition Zonda R, valued at approximately $2.2 million, fixed securely to a wall to separate his living room from his bedroom. The vehicle was lifted into his apartment using a crane, a complex operation made possible in part due to Companc's personal friendship with Horacio Pagani, the founder of Pagani Automobili. This allows for a direct and unconventional display of a high-performance vehicle within a residential setting. Companc's installation of the Pagani Zonda R follows a trend of wealthy individuals incorporating luxury cars into their living spaces. Similar instances include an Australian businessman who had a McLaren Senna GTR hoisted into his penthouse in 2023, and a Seattle man who installed a McLaren Elva 48 stories high in his apartment. These examples highlight a growing inclination among luxury car owners to integrate their prized possessions as architectural or artistic elements within their homes, rather than solely as transportation. It is crucial to note that the Pagani Zonda R used in Companc's apartment is not a functional, road-legal vehicle. According to Companc, the car is an empty chassis, meaning it lacks an engine and other operational components. This detail clarifies that the Zonda R serves purely as a static display piece or a structural element, rather than a car that could be driven. The use of a non-functional chassis allows for its unconventional placement and integration into the apartment's interior design without the practical considerations of a working vehicle. The Pagani Zonda R is an extremely rare model, with only a limited number produced. While this specific chassis is not one of the few functional units, its aesthetic presence still represents the exclusivity and engineering prowess associated with the Pagani brand. The decision to use an empty chassis also bypasses potential challenges related to weight, maintenance, and safety that would arise from installing a complete supercar within a residential building. This approach emphasizes the vehicle's form and design as a work of art. The unique display in Companc's Miami apartment underscores a contemporary approach to luxury and personal expression, where high-value items transcend their primary function to become integral parts of a lifestyle and living environment. The collaboration with Horacio Pagani further highlights the close relationship between the collector and the manufacturer, enabling such an extraordinary project. This installation is a testament to the intersection of automotive passion, luxury living, and personalized interior design, demonstrating how a supercar can be repurposed as a distinctive and dramatic interior feature. #Pagani #PaganiZonda #Supercars #LuxuryLifestyle #AutomotiveArt #PabloPérezCompanc #MiamiLuxury #CarInstallation

The "Nirvana" estate, a mansion designed as a Zen-like paradise, has been listed for $25 million in Manalapan, Florida, within Palm Beach county. This oceanfront property seamlessly blends Zen and Buddhist influences with luxurious amenities, reflecting an "East-meets-West" theme, as described by Senada Adzem, director of luxury sales at Douglas Elliman real estate. The residence spans 12,244 square feet, with every detail curated to create an atmosphere of tranquility and opulence. Upon entering, the interior showcases tasteful details and muted color palettes, contributing to a relaxed ambiance. Luxurious touches are evident throughout, such as the cross-beamed ceiling in the family room. The kitchen is a focal point, featuring unique light fixtures above the island and intricately carved cabinetry. A sizable saltwater aquarium overlooks the shadowboxed dining room, adding a distinctive element to the space. The formal living room offers a commanding view of the ocean, complemented by a newly constructed seawall, and is adorned with a crystal chandelier and sconces mounted on a carved stone fireplace. The mansion includes several specialized rooms, such as a Buddhist prayer room, underscoring its Zen inspiration, and a sophisticated cinema room designed to replicate the grandeur of a classic art-house movie theatre. The master bathroom is appointed with custom cabinetry, a freestanding tub, and a walk-in glass shower, with the tub specifically positioned to offer an incredible view of the Atlantic Ocean. Outside, the estate features private, grotto-like garden paths that are meticulously landscaped, creating a serene environment ideal for meditation. These paths provide a scenic route to the ocean, evoking an "Alice in Wonderland" aesthetic. From the rear of the house, the Spanish tile roof is a noticeable architectural detail. The outdoor area also boasts artful columns and arches overlooking an infinity-edge pool, along with an open-air sitting area designed to provide comfort away from the Florida sun. A straw hut covers an additional poolside seating area, offering another cozy spot with a stunning view. Beyond the main residence, the property includes a dock on Lake Worth Inlet, capable of accommodating a 130-foot yacht, and a full-size tennis court. The Nirvana estate is presented as a harmonious fusion of modern design, spiritual elements, and lavish comforts, offering a unique living experience in a prime oceanfront location. #Mansion #PalmBeachRealEstate #LuxuryHomes #ZenInspiredDesign #OceanfrontProperty #FloridaRealEstate #ArchitecturalDesign #HighEndLiving #NirvanaEstate

This article explores the best gazebos available for enhancing outdoor living spaces, offering shaded and sheltered areas for relaxation, grilling, or hosting. Gazebos are presented as versatile additions, ranging from permanent structures designed for year-round use to portable pop-up options suitable for temporary events. Key features such as sun, rain, and snow protection, wind resistance, mosquito netting, double-roof designs for improved airflow, and built-in hooks for lighting or fans are highlighted. The Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab conducted hands-on testing and online research to identify top-performing models. Several specific gazebo models are reviewed, each catering to different needs and preferences. The Sunjoy Hampton Bay Crownhill Hardtop Gazebo is recognized as the 'Best Overall' for its solid construction, including a wood frame and matte-black steel hardtop, two-tier roof for airflow, and practical features like a ceiling hook and rails for netting. Its ability to be anchored for stability is noted, though it is not designed for extreme weather. The ABCCANOPY Steel Patio Gazebo is designated 'Best Value' due to its affordability, pop-up design, and inclusion of removable mesh walls for bug protection. Its portability and weather-resistant polyester canopy are praised, but its suitability is limited to calm, sunny conditions due to less durability compared to permanent structures. The Alvantor Octagon Pop-Up Gazebo is recommended as the 'Best Pop-Up' choice. Available in multiple sizes, it offers easy setup and takedown, portability for various outdoor activities, and mesh netting for insect-free enjoyment. It also provides UV protection, but, like other pop-up models, it is less wind-resistant than permanent options. For those prioritizing privacy, the Yoleny Aluminum Patio Gazebo is featured as 'Best with Privacy Curtains,' offering removable curtains, mesh siding, a rust-resistant aluminum frame, and a ventilated double roof. This model, while robust, requires multiple people and significant time for assembly. The Backyard Discovery Barrington Gazebo is highlighted as 'Best for High Winds,' boasting a thermal-insulated steel roof capable of withstanding strong wind gusts and heavy roof loads. This premium option comes with a five-year warranty and includes integrated power outlets and USB ports. Finally, the Backyard Discovery Rockport XL Steel Grill Gazebo is recommended as 'Best for Outdoor Kitchens' due to its rust-resistant steel frame, integrated galvanized steel countertops, and attractive design, making it suitable for outdoor cooking and dining areas. However, it is noted for its higher cost and complex assembly, often requiring professional service. The article also provides a comprehensive buying guide, advising consumers to consider style (hard-top, soft-top, pop-up), materials (steel, aluminum, wood, vinyl) for weather resistance and durability, and size and shape based on intended use and available space. The importance of checking local permit requirements and homeowners association rules before installation is emphasized. A distinction is drawn between gazebos, pergolas, and pavilions, clarifying that gazebos offer full coverage, while pergolas provide partial shade through trellises. Maintenance tips are provided, suggesting waterproof sealants for natural wood, occasional power washing for vinyl, and noting the low maintenance of metal gazebos. The expertise of the Good Housekeeping Institute in product testing and evaluation underpins the recommendations. #OutdoorLiving #GazeboGuide #BackyardEssentials #ProductReview #HomeImprovement #OutdoorFurniture #WeatherResistant #DIYHome

Architect Michael K. Chen's latest project is a 600-square-foot luxury residence named Pied-à-Mer, located on the world's largest private cruise ship. The design draws inspiration from nautical-inspired midcentury modernist influences, specifically Le Corbusier’s 1952 Unite D’Habitation, which was likened to an ocean liner. This holiday apartment is designed to be highly adaptable, transforming from a spacious one-bedroom for a couple to a two-bedroom unit suitable for visits from their adult children. The apartment maximizes space efficiency by incorporating two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, a dressing room, a sitting area, a trunk room, an entry hall, and additional storage. The core of the design relies on a series of prefabricated, pod-like volumes that serve to organize the apartment's layout and conceal various functional elements. These hidden features include fold-up cantilevered beds and integrated appliances, contributing to the apartment's shape-shifting capability. Much of the apartment’s components were prefabricated off-site, with some elements manufactured in Austria and installed in Spain during the ship's dry-dock maintenance period. Chen collaborated with yacht builders for custom architectural elements, including ribbed cladding, pods, cabinetry, and functional items like beds. A custom bronze-and-aluminum dining table, co-designed with Rush Design, folds down from the wall, and integrated LEDs are used throughout to minimize the need for additional lighting fixtures. Echoing Le Corbusier’s concept of a "machine for living," the custom-fabricated pieces feature a cool blue and gray-toned ribbed aluminum finish, providing a distinct machine aesthetic. To introduce warmth and contrast within this aesthetic, the interior is outfitted with tactile materials such as lacquered millwork, stone surfaces, and soft fabrics like mohair, velvet, and suede. Chen emphasized the importance of rounded forms, tough yet elegant materials, translucency, reflectivity, and tactility in the design. The furnishings were carefully selected to subtly convey the seafaring context through materiality, soft forms, crisp edges, and a balance of heft and lightness. Designing within the confined 600-square-foot space presented challenges, especially given the enhanced safety requirements for a vessel in constant motion. The architects had to ensure that all transforming elements operated smoothly, effortlessly, and precisely, a task made more complex by the ship’s inherent movement. They relied heavily on contractors and fabricators to achieve extreme precision in construction and had to design with greater tolerance in mind for a moving vessel. To create a sense of spaciousness, the apartment's orientation maximizes sea views, and visual clutter is reduced through concealed LEDs and continuous aluminum ribs that hide divisions, doors, and appliances. The principal bath is adorned with hammered quartzite, white glass, and a custom marble tile floor, while the guest bath features Artistic Tile stone mosaic flooring and various field tiles. This project offered valuable lessons in complex installations and rapid construction, which Chen anticipates will inform future land-based and seafaring designs. #PrefabHomes #FloatingArchitecture #LuxuryApartment #MichaelKChenArchitecture #ModularDesign #NauticalInspired #SpaceSavingSolutions #ResidentialYacht #CompactLiving

The article discusses the resurgence of room dividers as a prominent home decor trend, largely driven by the increased need for privacy and multi-functional spaces during the pandemic. Open-plan homes, which were previously popular, are now seeing a decline in demand as individuals seek more defined and private areas within their living spaces. This shift has led to a significant increase in consumer interest in room dividers, a trend highlighted by celebrity endorsements and market data. For instance, Etsy reported a 134% surge in searches for room dividers in the three months leading up to December 2020 compared to the previous year, indicating a strong market demand. Fashion icon Alexa Chung's use of a double wooden privacy partition in her home, showcased on Instagram, further solidifies this trend. Although Chung's use of the divider is not explicitly for creating strict separation, it illustrates the aesthetic appeal and versatility of these pieces. Beyond mere functionality, consumers are now looking for room dividers that also offer style and design elements. Elif Filyos, founder of Maison Singulier, a vintage decor site, notes a particular uptick in demand for 'curvy room dividers,' suggesting a preference for unique and aesthetically pleasing options. Room dividers offer a practical and cost-effective alternative to more extensive home renovations. Instead of incurring significant expenses and disruption associated with building new walls, which can involve thousands of dollars and considerable time, a room divider provides a temporary yet effective solution for delineating space. This makes them an attractive option, especially for renters or those seeking flexible interior design solutions. The cost-effectiveness of room dividers, typically ranging from a couple of hundred dollars, allows homeowners and renters to create the impression of separate rooms without permanent structural changes. The market for room dividers is expanding, offering a diverse range of styles to suit various tastes and needs. This increased availability ensures that consumers can find options that are both functional and visually appealing, moving away from outdated or unsightly partitions. The article showcases several examples of stylish room dividers from various retailers, including Urban Outfitters, Chairish, Sheila Bridges, Design Within Reach, West Elm, Crate & Barrel, Wayfair, Lulu & Georgia, and Etsy. These examples highlight the variety in design, material, and price points, from modern patterned dividers and scalloped screens to rattan cane webbing and tiered designs. Ultimately, the trend reflects a broader shift towards adaptable and private living environments. As people continue to spend more time at home, the demand for creative and stylish solutions to optimize living spaces is expected to remain high. Room dividers provide a versatile answer to this evolving need, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal, and are positioned as a smart investment for those looking to enhance their home's utility and design without significant commitment or expense. #HomeDecor #RoomDividers #InteriorDesign #CelebrityStyle #HomeTrends #EtsyTrends #MultiFunctionalSpaces #PrivacySolutions #AlexaChung

A remarkable single-family home in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, originally a garage, is currently listed for just over $1.9 million. This unique residence at 222 Madison Street combines industrial aesthetics with functional living spaces, spanning 3,000 square feet. The exterior maintains a modest garage appearance, cleverly concealing the expansive and stylish interior. The home's design embraces an industrial chic, characterized by cured cement floors, exposed white-washed brick walls, and soaring ceilings punctuated by skylights that flood the space with natural light. This architectural approach creates an open and airy atmosphere throughout the dwelling. The main floor features a spacious living room that provides direct views into a serene atrium, a central element designed to enhance the home's tranquil ambiance. Above this living area, a dedicated reading nook is integrated with a Dutch-designed music storage system, offering both comfort and practicality. The open-plan design seamlessly connects the living room to a large dining area, accommodating substantial furniture arrangements and fostering a sense of continuous flow. Adjacent to the dining area is a chef’s kitchen, equipped with stainless steel counters and cabinetry, a professional 36-inch range and oven, and a prominent Carrara marble island. A generous pantry offers ample storage, catering to the needs of a gourmet kitchen. This level is designed for both everyday living and entertaining, maximizing space and utility. The second level of the home houses the master bedroom suite. This private retreat is large enough to comfortably fit a king-sized bed and includes a walk-in closet for extensive storage. A private terrace extends from the master bedroom, providing an exclusive outdoor space for relaxation. The master bathroom is appointed with a separate soaking tub and a walk-in shower, complemented by two distinctively hand-painted Talavera sinks, adding a touch of artistic detail. Across from the master bedroom on the second level, a second large loft area offers significant versatility. While currently configured as a playroom, its substantial size allows for various creative uses, adaptable to the owner's needs or preferences. This flexibility underscores the home's capacity to evolve with its inhabitants. The outdoor terrace, designed to function as a garden, plays a crucial role in bringing additional light into the main living room through its large windows, reinforcing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the home is engineered for energy efficiency, incorporating modern conveniences such as on-demand hot water, heated floors, and central air conditioning. An integrated sound system allows for individual control in each space, enhancing comfort and personalization. A private garage provides practical city living, addressing parking challenges. The property is listed by Wendy Stephenson and David Cobell for Compass, showcasing a sophisticated blend of industrial design, modern amenities, and practical living solutions within a transformed urban space. #BedStuy #GarageConversion #IndustrialGlamour #ZenAtrium #SingleFamilyHome #BrooklynRealEstate #ModernDesign #EnergyEfficientHome #LuxuryLiving

A Wisconsin couple, Maria and Mike (both 32), have successfully transformed their unfinished basement storm shelter into a retro 1970s-style den. This renovation was prompted by a year of severe weather events, including softball-sized hail and a lightning strike to their 100-year-old home, which led them to spend more time in the basement than anticipated. The couple, with Maria being a climate scientist, decided to make the space more inviting, as it also serves as a safe haven for their anxious dog during storms. The project was completed in just four days and cost only a few hundred dollars for materials like floor paint and panels, as they primarily utilized vintage items and existing furniture they already owned. The renovation gained significant attention after Maria shared it on Reddit under the username u/IntentionLeather7806, with her post titled "Turning our unfinished basement storm shelter into a cozy 70s den" receiving 24,000 upvotes. The transformation involved creating a cozy, semi-finished space. Key design elements include rugs made from leftover carpet scraps designed by Amsterdam artist Arno Hoogland, a Kenwood KR-6600 receiver, a Pioneer PL-512 turntable, Onkyo S-58 speakers, and a paneled fridge. Maria expressed particular fondness for the rugs, music setup, and the paneled fridge, and mentioned plans to add a disco ball for entertaining. Mindful of the challenges of renovating a century-old home, the couple took precautions such as avoiding drywall, leaving gaps for airflow, and running a dehumidifier to maintain the basement's dryness. The basement's high ceilings also contributed to its suitability for the renovation. This project aligns with a broader trend of increased home renovation spending in the U.S., with median costs rising significantly between 2020 and 2023, according to a Houzz survey. The couple's budget-friendly approach and innovative use of existing resources offer an inspiring example of a successful home transformation born out of necessity and creativity. #HomeDecor #Basement #InteriorDesign #Reddit #Viral #HomeRenovation #DIY