[The Daily Mail story below describes an unusual use of technology-based images to replace windows, apparently in part as a safety measure in a mansion built in an area of Florida subject to dangerous hurricanes. See the original version of the story for many more images, and the current Realtor.com and Zillow.com listings for the home for more information and images. The label “virtual reality” certainly stretches the traditional meaning of that term, but the idea of using static or dynamic images on a display screen to substitute for a transparent window or ceiling in a home, office, or hospital isn’t new. In fact, it represents a modern version of the Trompe-l’œil (“deceive the eye”) painting technique. Modern implementations range from inexpensive plastic sheets for overhead fluorescent light fixtures (e.g., from Octo Lights) to high-resolution photographic images (e.g., from Sky Factory) to high-resolution dynamic video displays of scenes (e.g., from LiquidView) likely to evoke convincing presence illusions. For more information, see ”Virtual Windows and Skylights” by Anthony Mack, “Transform Any Room: The Ultimate Virtual Window Guide for Healthier Living” from ATTYWON (“All The Technology You Want Or Need,” and the 25:18 minute video “Building a WINDOW with 3 Huge TVs” by Drew Builds Stuff on YouTube. –Matthew]

Stunning Florida ‘fortress’ with jaw-dropping futuristic feature hits the market for nearly $2M
By Noa Halff
December 28, 2024
A mind-blowing Florida mansion with ‘virtual reality windows’ that offers the perfect defense against storms has hit the market for $1.75 million.
The extraordinary property located on the coast of Clearwater, Florida, is no ordinary home.
Nicknamed the ‘Race Car Mansion,’ it was built in 2012 by an IndyCar team owner who spared no expense on design elements, according to its listing on Zillow.
The four-story, concrete-and-steel building features hurricane-proof construction with cement and metal framing.
But the home’s most jaw-dropping feature is its ‘virtual reality windows’ on the fourth floor, which can seemingly transport residents anywhere they wish.
The windows take inhabitants to a ‘space and time of your choosing,’ the listing states, from a stunning beach at sunset to the Champs Elysées in Paris.
The four-bedroom, six-bathroom abode – which recently took a $50,000 price cut – includes more than 7,000 square feet.
Next to the property is an adjacent lot that can also be bought with the home for a combined total of $1.999 million.
The house also features walk-in closets and full bathrooms for each of its bedrooms, a six-car garage, and rooftop terrace overlooking Tampa Bay.
The kitchen is equipped with top-of-the-line appliances including a sub-zero refrigerator and wine fridge.
The home also includes a remarkable 32 televisions.
The property offers easy access to Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor and Clearwater Beach.
It is also located near Calvary Christian High School.
For $49,999 extra, the home will come fully furnished, with the package including high-end appliances, garage tools, and home technology.
According to the listing, the property also features a ’39-foot elevation and thick concrete fortress-like walls’ to ensure extra safety during storms.
Its rooftop terrace is ‘built strong enough to hold a swimming pool or hot tub,’ the listing notes.
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