Zuckerberg and his mansion (Photo from Kenneth Cobonpue Facebook)
Designer Kenneth Cobonpue (Photo from kennethcobonpue.com)
ADD another celebrity name to the list of people who have been captivated by the designs of globally renowned Filipino designer Kenneth Cobonpue: Marck Zuckerberg, the American businessman who co-founded Facebook in 2004 and who became a self-made billionaire at 23. As reported by the New York Post, Zuckerberg purchased the Georgian-style mansion in Washington D.C. in March for $23 million, ranking it as the third most expensive home purchase in history in the area. It’s located 15 minutes from the White House—and, the Post reports, was paid for in cash.
The 15,400-square foot mansion is made mainly of brick, designed by architect Robert M. Gurney, and is located in the exclusive Woodland Normanstone neighborhood. “This residential estate blends classic architecture with modern luxury,” reads a post from the account of @luxury_listings, reshared by Cobonpue on his Instagram account. “Within these walls, Kenneth Cobonpue’s designs add warmth, soul, and a global design perspective—proof that even in the heart of Washington, there’s room for beauty shaped by hand and heart.”
Croissant arm chair (Photo from kennethcobonpue.com)
Croissant coffee table (Photo from kennethcobonpue.com)
Balou sofa (Photo from kennethcobonpue.com)
Zuckerberg picked Cobonpue’s Croissant Easy Armchair, Croissant Coffee Table, and Balou Sofa for his home, all pieces known for their woven texture and sculptural forms—“hallmarks of Kenneth Cobonpue’s commitment to design rooted in nature and culture,” according to @luxury_listings. Inspired by the pastry, the crescent-shaped Croissant chair is made of abaca fiber with a handmade steel frame, while the table uses the same frame with a glass top and round shape. The Balou, Cobonpue says in his website, was inspired by the gentle bear from The Jungle Book, giver of “soft and cozy hugs.” The steel frame allows air to flow freely through the piece for a maximum cooling effect.
Cobonpue’s furniture was lauded for “its signature fusion of organic forms and masterful craftsmanship.”
