Take the STUDIOetc History Tour

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history tour STUDIOetc is committed to bringing new ideas to reality. As you will see throughout our campus, applying a fresh perspective to old methods is part of what makes us uniquely us.

STUDIOetc is a 12,000 sq. ft. design center on three acres. Purchased in 2003, our aim was to preserve the architectural integrity while exercising practical recycling of space.

STUDIOetc is a model green space with 100% renewable electricity, using bio-fuel for energy.

The property was originally home to The Newcomen Society, named as our street is, after Thomas Newcomen, inventor of the atmospheric steam engine and one of the leaders of the Industrial Revolution. The Newcomen Society was an educational, non-profit organization devoted to “the study of material history” and the recognition of achievement in American business and the society it serves.

The buildings on the property were constructed from 1947-1955. The Newcomen Society used this campus to publish informative pamphlets on businesses that had an economic impact on the greater community. People from all over the country and the world came here, as the area was promoted for being a desirable spot between Valley Forge and Brandywine battlefield.

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aerial view

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design room

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storm room

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conference room

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bell tower

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bishop’s garden

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king’s chapel

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pathways

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look for the blue 8

history signs throughout our campus

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1 aerial view Note the view of the area pictured here. It was taken in a time before our neighboring residences filled the fields.

The parking area that you saw when you came in was not here in the era pictured on this wall. However, today it is an example of STUDIOetc’s environmentally thoughtful construction in practice.

The lot was designed so that the island in the center absorbs the rainwater and replenishes for best water management.

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2 design room

This design area originally housed a printing plant, with five automatic printing presses and auxiliary equipment. All the type was handset.

Notice the floor. It is wood set on its end grain to help receive the impact of the old printing presses. There are marks in certain areas, which indicate exactly where the five printing presses were positioned.

Also note the steel doors on both sides of the room. These were for fire protection should there be a mishap with the presses. Today we do large format printing digitally!

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3 storm room Take a look at the fireplace. Our campus has a total of seven fireplaces, all working on propane and remote control.

This particular hearth keeps the heat going while our creatives gather to brainstorm in this room. Contrary to suggestion, the room is named after this creative activity, not after its ability to shelter from the rain. However, it sure is cozy in here on a stormy day!

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4 conference room

This campus building houses the sophisticated mechanism that runs the three clocks on the connected tower. As time has passed, we now use this as a place to gather with clients.

An efficient use of space, this room is our kitchen, conference room, media room, and gathering place, all in one neat little package. Note that the red dividing wall cleverly swings open to reveal plenty of white board for recording fresh ideas and smart strategy. Creativity also abounds as the age-old pulley fan system overhead keeps things circulating.

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5 bell tower Our Westminister Chimes are still in good working order and ring periodically. As usual, we keep things running like clockwork around here.

Also notable, the typesetting letters from the original Newcomen Society presses were stored in the area around the spiral staircase going up to the tower. Now that’s our type of storage!

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6 bishop’s garden

Originally known as the Bishop’s Garden, this garden courtyard is home to a 155 year old American Eagle sculpture, originally acquired by The Newcomen Society from the Philadelphia Customs House.

STUDIOetc did not discover this relic until 13 months after owning the property. The overgrowth of shrubbery had completely hidden it from view. We have since replaced the overgrowth around the entire property with indigenous plantings and trees, and we have unearthed the Eagle, enabling it to once again resume its regal display.

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7 king’s chapel This showroom was originally called King’s Chapel. The philosophy at the time was that there was a spiritual dimension to business. We now use this area to showcase our portable modular systems. If you look up in the choir loft, you’ll see a neon “Spinners” sign – definitely a modern altar-ation.

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8 pathways The paths that run through the campus are constructed from the property’s original flagstone. In reading the old plans, Richard Graf discovered that the main pathway that had existed previously could once again be renewed in the same exact place.

Also part of the past are the homes that surround the campus. They were originally part of the community that The Newcomen Society built and are now privately owned.