Built in 2007, the cantilever structure is formed by floor by roof crystals, white concrete, large runners, very careful courtyards and floating stairs. With the intention that the house was more familiar and less similar to a place where «A superhero could live»Behun provided warmth with wooden elements, Moroccan wool carpets and upholstered seats with soft tissues such as Shearling and cotton velvet. The color palette leaned on tones that harmonize with the views: golden sands, caramel cafes and butter cognacs. “The interiors are not at all striking; They are simple and timeless, ”said Behun and added: «It was never trying to eclipse the natural environment, architecture or art.»
The Kasseem Dean and Alicia Keys art collectionaccumulated over 20 years and with a total of more than a thousand works, it is as extensive as enviable. Years ago, the couple decided to focus on acquiring pieces of African -American and African artists. They also have a Treasury of images of Gordon Parks, the largest collection in private hands. «It's as if I were a grandfather for us,» Keys said about the famous photographer. «To be able to keep his collection and live in a house of black artists is really very emotional to me,» he added.
According to Thelma Golden, director and curator of the Harlem Studio Museum, «Alicia and Kasseem They see themselves not only as art collectors, but as guardians of culture. ”
Cunningham, who since then has become friends with the Dean family, said that “it is not at all how you imagine it. When you see a house like this, you think that people live rigidity, but not, they have fun in this space. They don't feel intimidated by this place at all. ”