1079 Front Street
Uniondale, NY 11553
516-538-0040
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(Check our About Us page for coverage hours)
sales@gelber-sons.com

A Work of Art

"Tirrana"

One of the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright's most popular projects of his later years was the private residence "Tirranna", an Australian aboriginal word meaning "running waters". Wright artfully combined standard concrete block with Phillipine mahogany, glass, and Colorundum flooring to create a house, swimming pool, and pond closely linked to the Noroton River and its surrounding hills.

Built in 1955, Tirranna also features built-in and free standing furniture, fabric patterns, and carpet layouts designed by Wright. Still serving as a private residence, Tirranna recently underwent a remarkable renovation. The renovation was managed by Daryl Brown of DBA Associates, a construction company.

Stan Gelber & Sons, a Lennox dealer, was selected to design and install an air-conditioning system as part of the renovation. "Every aspect of the job had to be hidden," says Brian Gelber, a partner in the dealership. He discussed the unique aspects of the system design and installation: "The primary goal was to maintain the structure's integrity, while providing an efficient and comfortable cooling system."

A major challenge - typical of many Wright projects - was dealing with a flat roof, no basement, and no attic. Working with his brother Michael on the design and James Evans and Robert Braack on the installation, Brian made provisions for a ledge to be built on the roof.

"We hid the ductwork in grooves built inside the existing woodwork," he explains. A high-velocity duct system was installed, with two-inch round ductwork and a four-inch outside diameter. Two Lennox HS29 511's and one HS29 261 were set in a hidden location about 50 feet from the house.

Connections were run underground through a sealed piping network. Special air handlers were installed. Three separate zoned systems were created, using Honeywell controls. The current owners were pleased with the results.

"We were asked to air condition a work of art, and felt we did it successfully." Brian says. "It definitely challenged us to think outside normal boundaries." Of course, he adds, Frank Lloyd Wright intended his revolutionary designs to make people do just that.

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Stan Gelber and Sons is located in Nassau county on Long Island providing residential and commercial central air conditioning, heating sales, installation and service throughout Long Island and New York City.