Architecture News

This exceptional 2004 Ferrari Enzo, distinctively finished in Matte Nero Opaco, stands as a testament to unparalleled automotive individuality. As the sole Enzo ever to leave the Maranello factory with a matte paint job, this hypercar was originally commissioned by a prominent member of the Brunei Royal Family. Its understated elegance, featuring a matching Nero leather interior with subtle red accents, was a striking departure from the norm during its era. After spending its initial years in London and later in the Asia-Pacific region, the vehicle underwent a comprehensive cosmetic restoration in 2022 by Carrozzeria Zanasi, costing over €110,000, and received Ferrari Classiche certification. With a mere 5,763 kilometers recorded, this meticulously maintained and exceptionally rare Ferrari Enzo is now poised to capture the attention of collectors worldwide as it heads to auction.

Exclusive Matte Black Ferrari Enzo Returns to Auction Block

In a rare event for automotive enthusiasts and collectors, a 2004 Ferrari Enzo, distinguished by its unique Matte Nero Opaco finish, is set to be auctioned by RM Sotheby's. This particular Enzo holds the exclusive title of being the only one directly from the Ferrari factory to be delivered with a matte paint. Its original owner, a member of the Brunei Royal Family, opted for this unconventional and sophisticated aesthetic, pairing the exterior with a matching Nero leather interior complemented by red instrumentation and large seats. Construction of this masterpiece commenced on June 8, 2004, with its completion in October of the same year.

Initially residing at the royal family’s London residence, the car made occasional appearances in affluent areas like Hampstead, Mayfair, and Knightsbridge before its relocation to the Asia-Pacific region. This choice of a muted finish allowed one of Ferrari's most attention-grabbing models to maintain a surprisingly low profile in its early life.

The Enzo itself, designed by Ken Okuyama at Pininfarina and unveiled in 2002, was already a marvel of engineering, incorporating Formula 1 technology into its carbon-fiber construction and powered by a naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 660 horsepower. While most Enzos were finished in traditional Rosso Corsa, Giallo Modena, or conventional Nero, this matte black iteration was a visionary choice, long before such finishes became a mainstream automotive trend.

In 2022, the vehicle returned to Europe for an extensive cosmetic restoration at Carrozzeria Zanasi, a specialist facility renowned for Ferrari hypercars and bespoke projects. The restoration, costing over €110,000, involved replacing headlights, rear bonnet glass, and aging interior switches, culminating in a full repaint to its original Matte Nero Opaco. That same year, Ferrari Classiche certified the car, affirming the authenticity of its original chassis, engine, gearbox, and bodywork.

Now displaying a remarkably low mileage of just 5,763 kilometers, this singular Enzo is presented as Lot 7 in RM Sotheby's Sealed September sale. Recent maintenance in August 2024, at 5,742 kilometers, included the installation of a new clutch and fuel pumps, with minimal mileage added since. RM Sotheby's has not disclosed an estimate, leaving the valuation of such unique exclusivity to prospective buyers. Bidding is scheduled to commence at 2 pm EDT on September 23 and conclude at 2 pm EDT on September 30, 2026.

The emergence of this unique Ferrari Enzo on the auction stage offers a compelling reflection on automotive design and individuality. In an era when most hypercars were flamboyant and brightly colored, the choice of a matte black finish was not just a stylistic preference but a bold statement of subtle sophistication. This particular Enzo reminds us that true luxury often lies in exclusivity and the courage to defy conventions. For collectors, it's more than just a car; it's a piece of automotive history that encapsulates a moment when bespoke craftsmanship pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable, influencing future trends in car design. It serves as an inspiration, proving that sometimes, less visible can be profoundly more impactful and timeless.

Experience the seamless fusion of design and nature: Where architecture blossoms within the orchard.

Transforming a Weekend Retreat into a Permanent Sanctuary: The Genesis of Gelareh House

Located on the fringes of Tehran, a previously modest weekend villa, originally conceived by Iranian architect Firouz Firouz, has undergone a significant metamorphosis. ZAV Architects took on the ambitious task of converting this temporary dwelling into a permanent family residence. The owners' strategic acquisition of three adjacent orchard parcels provided the crucial space for this expansion, allowing ZAV Architects to augment the 200-square-meter home while meticulously preserving its foundational structure. The design introduces a series of curvilinear, vaulted additions that gracefully unfurl from the original rectilinear volume, creating an impression of architecture actively growing and embracing its verdant surroundings.

An Organic Expansion: Sculpting Space Amidst the Fruit Trees

The newly incorporated sections are artfully situated within the existing treeless clearings of the orchard. Characterized by their soft, rounded walls and subtly tiered roofs, these additions maintain a low profile, weaving through the landscape and inviting elements of the orchard directly into the living environment. From an exterior perspective, the original terracotta-hued structure remains distinctly identifiable, contrasting with the new extensions that subtly transition into lighter shades of pink and blue. This chromatic progression is not only visually engaging but also narrates the architectural chronology, as the building's palette gently shifts, mirroring its outward expansion from the core.

Architectural Grafting: A Sequence of Overlapping Vaults

The design philosophy employed by ZAV Architects is eloquently described through the metaphor of a 'graft,' envisioning new architectural elements emerging organically from the pre-existing form. This concept is particularly evident in the floor plan, where rigid walls dissolve into an intricate, spiraling chain of vaulted areas. These sections subtly overlap and intertwine, creating intriguing slivers of natural light that filter through the interstitial spaces. Each segment boasts a unique roofline, ensuring that while rooms remain interconnected, they each develop distinct proportions and a unique atmospheric quality.

Inside the Vaults: Light, Form, and Local Craftsmanship

Within the interiors, the architectural geometry plays a pivotal role in shaping the experience. Arched apertures are a recurring motif, linking spaces with a harmonious flow, while curved ceilings ascend towards slender skylights and tall windows carved into the walls. As one moves deeper into the newer sections, blue surfaces intensify, catching and diffusing sunlight across the vaulted ceilings. Despite the robust masonry construction, the architecture exudes a sense of softness, largely due to the absence of harsh corners and the perception of one space effortlessly flowing into the next. ZAV Architects thoughtfully utilized traditional masonry techniques and engaged local artisans for the extension, embedding the innovative forms within familiar construction practices.

The Orchard as an Integral Part of the Domestic Experience

The extension profoundly redefines the interplay between the villa and its encompassing land. By strategically positioning new rooms within the orchard's naturally open areas, ZAV Architects successfully preserved the fruit trees, allowing the house to gracefully interlace with its natural setting. The layout thoughtfully wraps around planted zones, guiding circulation pathways between them and thereby drawing the garden's essence deep into the heart of the domestic sequence. As one navigates through the curved shells, the views continually transform, revealing different aspects of the property and further blurring the lines between built environment and natural landscape.

Evolutionary Design: Reflecting a New Way of Living

Gelareh House consciously maintains the visual presence of the earlier villa, even as its architectural character undergoes a dramatic transformation. Firouz's original structure remains a dense, warmly colored focal point, while ZAV's extensions expand with an increasing sense of lightness and openness as they reach further into the orchard. This entire project is anchored by the concept of 'growth' as its guiding principle, vividly expressed through both geometry and color. The house's evolution mirrors the changing lifestyle and aspirations of its owners, culminating in a dwelling that is as dynamic and adaptive as the nature it embraces.