How do you rake in $4.97 million for a house that, for decades, sat in the middle of Africa, rotting away? Firstly, make sure it was designed by one of the hottest names in today's decorative art market, the late Jean Prouvé. Then, transport it to New York, place it on an empty lot under the 59th Street bridge and throw cocktail parties for prospective buyers and design buffs. Finally, surround it at sale with more than one hundred pieces designed by very hot Twentieth Century French names: Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeaneret and of course, Prouvé himself.

By the time hotelier, Andre Balazs walked away with the star attraction -- Prouvé's restored (and now very shiny) aluminum-sided Maison Tropicale -- Christie's could congratulate themselves on their strategy. The early June auction, attended by such aficionados as Jacqueline and Vito Maria Schnabel, netted $8,318,000.

Like the then futuristic house, designed in 1951 to house officers of France's colonial service in the Congo, many items had traveled far. Lot 299, a typical design from Prouvé, a one time metalworker, and Perriand -- it combined lacquered aluminum, sheet steel, plywood and exotic wood -- was a cupboard from the laundry room at the Air France quarters in Brazzaville. It was snapped up for $38,400.

Part of the allure of the Maison Tropicale, unlike many pedigreed Modern houses now arriving on the art market, was that it was designed to travel. Disassembled, it fits into 6 containers. "It was the very first Pre Fab," said an excited Balazs, the owner of the Mercer and the Chateau Marmont. "Prouvé's point of view -- combining the environmental with industrial and the Modern -- is fascinating."

When it was discovered in Brazzaville by the antiques dealer, Eric Touchaleaume, who returned it to France in 2000, it was riddled with bullet holes. One remains, inside the top of the steps to the living floor. At another time, it served as a maison for Congolese squatters.

After the sale, Balazs announced he would move his prize "somewhere tropical." An outdoor cabana or a cocktail lounge in one of his hotels perhaps? Somewhere where those who now hang out at Balazs' Raleigh Hotel in Miami Beach can experience the industrial design genius of Prouvé. At these prices they won't be squatters.

-- DAVID HAY

All images courtesy of Tien Mao.