Living up to its signature status, the new 56,000 square foot, two-story HPIR (Rolex) Training Facility is located on a picturesque setting in Lititz, PA. Designed by world-renowned architect Michael Graves in conjunction with Lancaster-based architect Hammel Associates, the building incorporates Lancaster County influences into the architecture. The barn-like fieldstone buildings, including a silo structure, are surrounded by an array of fountains, lush landscaping and a private pond.

Because expectations were so high, tolerances were so tight and quality of craftsmanship so demanding, Benchmark took it upon themselves to charter a plane and fly a group of 12 of the major subcontractors to the Rolex Headquarters in Dallas, Texas. There, they would see first-hand the level of quality that would be demanded on this project. As you will see, the results of this trip were well worth the cost.

The building construction incorporates a multitude of unique materials from numerous regions of the world. The standing seam Rheinzinc metal roof is manufactured in Germany, the honed slate flooring was imported from Brazil, and the interior Pearwood panel came from Rolex’s home country of Switzerland, just to name a few.

Not only were the materials unique, but as you would expect from the world’s foremost watchmaker, the design also called for exacting tolerances. The interior roof structure integrated exposed Douglas Fir timber trusses and laminated decking. Two timber frame structures are also located in the silo and lobby areas. These structures were required to be set within the patterned space of a single slate tile. Since the grout joints for this tile were only 3/32 of an inch, those tolerances were held for the entire timber frame structure. In addition to this, the design left only an 1/8” of tolerance for the connection points of the roof, stone exterior wall and window units across the length of the entire building.

This new center, called the “Technicum,” houses a state-of-the-art repair facility and administrative offices for Rolex on the upper floor, while the lower level incorporates classrooms, a cafeteria, and other academic support areas in the training and educational area.

With the budget not an object but the schedule of paramount importance, Benchmark went about the task of incorporating the numerous design modifications while maintaining a tight schedule and the highest level of quality. The results have made even the world’s most particular watchmakers proud.

Location: Lititz, PA

Design Professionals: Michael Graves & Associates

Total SF: 56,000 SF

Value: $10.2 Million

Awards:  2002 Mid Atlantic Builders Exchange CRAFTSMANSHIP AWARD

2002 ABC National EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION AWARD

2002 ABC - Keystone Chapter AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Services Provided: General Construction Services

“Benchmark was challenged to live up to very high standards set by both architect and client, and they did. They provided a beautiful functional building, with high-quality interiors, and they did so on schedule, while being excellent professionals to work with.” Patrick Burke, AIA Principal, Michael Graves & Associates, Inc.