Welcome to the Archives of The Paul Rudolph Institute for Modern Architecture. The purpose of this online collection is to function as a tool for scholars, students, architects, preservationists, journalists and other interested parties. The archive consists of photographs, slides, articles and publications from Geller’s lifetime; physical drawings and models; personal photos and memorabilia; and contemporary photographs and articles.
Some of the materials are in the public domain, some are offered under Creative Commons, and some are owned by others, including the Geller Estate. Please speak with a representative of The Paul Rudolph Institute for Modern Architecture before using any drawings or photos in the Archives. In all cases, the researcher shall determine how to appropriately publish or otherwise distribute the materials found in this collection, while maintaining appropriate protection of the applicable intellectual property rights.
LOCATION
Address: 615 Dune Road
City: Westhampton Beach
State: New York
Zip Code: 11978
Nation: United States
STATUS
Type: Residential
Status: Built
TECHNICAL DATA
Date(s): 1958-1959
Site Area:
Floor Area: 0 beds, 0 baths; 0 ft² (0 m²)
Height:
Floors (Above Ground):
Building Cost: $6,500 USD (1959)
PROFESSIONAL TEAM
Client: Arthur Pearlroth (1925-1993) and Mitch Pearlroth (1930-0000)
Architect: Andrew Geller (1924-2011)
Associate Architect:
Landscape:
Structural:
MEP:
QS/PM:
SUPPLIERS
Contractor:
Subcontractor(s):
Pearlroth Residence
The project scope is to design a residence for Arthur H. Pearlroth (1925-1993) and Mitch E. (Gam) Pearlroth (1930-0000). After reading a New York Times article about the Elizabeth Reese residence, the couple decided to contact Andrew Geller. Mr. Pearlroth is an entrepreneur who is involved in New York City politics.
The design is known as the ‘Double-Diamond.’ Mr. Geller refers to it as the ‘square brassiere.’
Construction begins and is completed in 1959.
The project becomes one of Geller’s most successful and published projects.
Mr. Pearlroth passes away on August 02, 1993.
In 2005, additions made to the house in the 1970s are demolished during a restoration of the project.
In 2014 the residence is restored by Richard Reinhardt of Reinhardt/O’Brien Contracting and supervised by architect Rick Cook of Cook + Fox Architects, owners Jonathan Pearlroth and Holly Posner, and Andrew Geller’s grandson, Jake Gorst. The original house is moved 40 feet inland and lifted and suspended on stilts to ensure its protection from flooding during stormy weather. Cook + Fox Architects also design a new house on the site.
“One of the most important examples of experimental design built during the postwar
period – not just on Long Island but anywhere in the United States. It is witty, bold
and inventive.”
DRAWINGS - Design Drawings / Renderings
DRAWINGS - Construction Drawings
DRAWINGS - Shop Drawings
PHOTOS - Project Model
PHOTOS - During Construction
PHOTOS - Completed Project
PHOTOS - Current Conditions
LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION
The Pearlroth Residence on the Iconic Houses website
RELATED DOWNLOADS
PROJECT BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bruce Lambert. “A Double Diamond May Not Be Forever.” The New York Times [New York, NY], 6 May 2005.
Fred A. Bernstein. “Andrew Geller’s Double Diamonds Get a New Setting.” Architectural Record, May 2014, https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/3157-andrew-geller-s-double-diamonds-get-a-new-setting.
Jake Gorst. Andrew Geller: Deconstructed: Artist and Architect. With John M Hall and Alan Hess, G Editions LLC, 2015.
Kate Branch. “How a Strangely Shaped Summer House Revived One Artist’s Practice.” The New York Times [New York, NY], 18 Feb. 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/18/t-magazine/double-diamond-house-design.html.
Ted Kruckel. “A Rough Ride For Geller’s ‘Double Diamond’ House.” 23east.Com, 25 June 2015, https://www.27east.com/real-estate-news/a-rough-ride-for-gellers-double-diamond-house-1410746/.