Situated on an 80’0” bluff overlooking the Conestoga River, 2617 Mondamin Farm Road was the first home built in the Mondamin Farm neighborhood in 1959. Included in the original construction, the lower level recreation room was 25’0” wide and 35’0” long, with the floor to ceiling height only 7’6”. It contained 12” x 12” Armstrong acoustical ceilings, pecky cypress paneling and 2’ x 2’ red quarry tile floors. The room was heated with radiant in floor hot water, which had partially failed.

The homeowners requested Benchmark’s design/build team to renovate the entire lower level of the residence, focusing on creating a family room that would be unique to enjoy with family and friends. The project included expanding the family room 4’0” in length, allowing proper circulation around the newly programmed space, yet not obstructing the river view from the Living Room directly above. This required temporarily supporting the upper level of the residence while a beam was installed in place of the original bearing wall.

To replace the in-floor heating system, removal of the existing quarry tile and concrete floor was required. Installation of the new plastic Wirsbo piping and poured cement were completed before the finished Travertine stone, imported from Turkey, was installed.

The ceiling, plastered and finished in a sand swirl pattern, gained an additional 2” of headroom. To brighten the family room, (20) recessed lights controlled by a 4-preset station panel, were installed. Prairie style chandeliers over the pool table and perimeter track lighting highlighted the assembled artwork and provided a well-lit space.

To create an inviting atmosphere throughout the room, cherry millwork was installed. In addition, cherry raised panel wainscoting with rosewood pegs surrounds the perimeter. A state-of-the-art cherry audio video entertainment center features fluted columns and turned capitals with rosewood dowel accents. The cherry display unit, situated across the room, compliments and mimics the look of the audio video center.

However, the central focus is the cherry and black galaxy granite bar at the end of the room. Raised cherry paneling with rosewood pegs and rosewood turned corners define the perimeter of the bar. The top of the unit is wrapped in black galaxy granite, while a brass foot rail surrounds the bottom. Lighting under the granite top highlights the cherry panels. Above the bar top are two turned cherry column covers, which frame the space and disguise the columns supporting the house. The arched beam above is constructed of cherry raised panel pieces, focusing on a rosewood Keystone in the center. Creative use of lighting enhances the intricate detail of the custom finish carpentry. Behind the bar, a series of cherry base and wall cabinets provide ample storage. Glass doors on the rear bar wall cabinets allow for the display of a unique glass collection, which are attractively lit providing additional warmth to the room. Central in the back bar, a flat screen television allows for viewing of multiple events in the space. The bar features a built-in beverage tapping system with a dispensing tower of hand-painted porcelain and brass, manufactured in Italy.

Completing the finishes, a 54” chiaroscuro wallcovering was installed above the wainscoting and concludes at the cherry crown molding surrounding the space. This pseudo suede material provides an additional warm texture helping to welcome visitors.

Location: Lancaster, PA

Design Professionals: Richard F. Mula´ Architects

Total SF: 1,750 SF

Value: Undisclosed

Awards:  2002 ABC - Keystone Chapter AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Services Provided: General Construction Services

"Benchmark craftsmen are to be commended for their diligent practice of finish carpentry. They cut, fit, scribed and coped all the pre-finished cherry components of the project. The installation is flawless and creates the spectacular appearance of the space." Robert A. Brandt, Jr., President Benchmark Construction Company, Inc.