Project Profile: Swarthmore, PA

The Swarthmore Soundscape: A Historic Main Line Farmhouse Reimagined

A Home with History—and Heart

Nestled in the quiet charm of Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, on Philadelphia's Main Line, this historic farmhouse had stood for generations. With multiple buildings on the property and a family ready to make it their forever home, the challenge was clear: preserve its heritage while infusing it with the magic of modern living.

From the beginning, the client’s wish was simple yet profound—music everywhere, seamless connectivity, and effortless enjoyment. The result? A living, breathing soundscape that ties every room, every moment, and every memory together.

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Project Scope & Team

Systems Integrator: World Wide Stereo

Architect: Mamo Architecture

Interior Designer: Stephanie Kraus Designs

Lighting: Rittenhouse Electric

  • Whole-home multi-zone audio system
  • Custom color-matched in-ceiling speakers
  • Audio integration across kitchen, dining, living spaces, bedrooms, kids’ media room, family media room, wine cellar, and spa shower
  • Family media room with high-performance surround sound
  • Ultra-slim ceiling speakers for duct-restricted areas
  • Custom soundbar in primary suite with hidden equipment enclosures
  • Wine cellar display and audio system
  • Enterprise-grade Wi-Fi network
  • Buried fiber connecting main house, guest house, and future pool house
  • Indoor and outdoor access points
  • Centralized basement racks for amplification, power, and network infrastructure
  • SmartCare 24/7/365 live system monitoring and remote diagnostics
  • Future poolhouse custom home cinema and terrace outdoor audio music system
 

Design Meets Technology 

Blending modern performance with timeless character, this reimagined Main Line farmhouse presented a unique opportunity to integrate today’s technology within the charm and constraints of a historic structure. Like many homes on Philadelphia’s Main Line, its thick stone walls and solid construction required thoughtful planning to ensure seamless performance without compromising the home’s integrity.

The homeowners wanted the comfort and control of a whole-home music and entertainment system—technology that would disappear into the architecture while enhancing the way their family lives and gathers.

Working in collaboration with Mamo Architecture and Stephanie Kraus Designs, our team approached this Main Line project with deep respect for the home’s original character. From its handcrafted millwork to the preserved stone walls, every detail was carefully considered to ensure that the technology complemented—rather than competed with—the design.

Connected Living, Without Compromise

In a home built long before Wi-Fi existed, achieving seamless connectivity was essential. An enterprise-grade network now links the main house, guest house, and future pool house via buried fiber, providing reliable coverage across the entire property. Inside, hidden access points ensure strong, uninterrupted signal from basement to attic.

Whether streaming music, gaming upstairs, or watching a movie in the media room, the family enjoys effortless access to technology—always ready, never intrusive.

Music Everywhere

A whole-home audio system brings music to every corner—from the kitchen, dining, and living spaces to the media rooms, wine cellar, bedrooms, and even the spa shower. Each zone was designed with purpose and brought to life through sound.

Custom-painted in-ceiling speakers were integrated into a mix of drywall and natural wood ceilings, paired with small-aperture lighting fixtures that disappear into the architecture while filling each space with warmth and clarity. The result is music for every mood, wherever you are.

The "Cauldron Room" & Wine Cellar

A nod to the farmhouse’s history, this cozy gathering space still holds the property’s original iron cauldron. It serves as both a hub for game nights and a quiet place for conversation, complete with hidden speakers that deliver rich, full sound without distracting from the aesthetic.

Downstairs, the wine cellar doubles as an intimate retreat, with a discreet TV and audio system designed for evenings that pair great bottles with great playlists.

The Media Rooms

The family enjoys two distinct media spaces—one designed for immersive movie nights, the other tailored just for the kids. The main media room features an 83" OLED display and a high-performance surround system with ultra-slim ceiling speakers chosen to fit within existing ductwork, creating a cinematic yet refined experience that feels perfectly at home within the architecture.

The Primary Suite

In the primary suite, a custom soundbar—finished in fabric selected by the design team—complements the décor, while hidden equipment enclosures preserve clean lines. Even the steam shower includes a marine-grade in-ceiling speaker for everyday luxury.

The Kitchen & Dining Space 

The heart of the home hums with life. From morning playlists to holiday feasts, this space transforms seamlessly for every occasion. The speakers are custom-painted to match the wood detailing, blending art and audio in perfect balance. 

As family and friends gather around the island, music flows—beautifully balanced and crystal clear—connecting every laugh and every toast. 

Command Central 

Behind the beauty lies the brain. In the basement, the network rack room houses neatly organized and accessible equipment racks with amplification, source components, power management, and structured wiring that power the entire ecosystem. Every wire is labeled, every rack wall-mounted and meticulously managed—all supported by our SmartCare 24/7/365 monitoring program for proactive service, remote diagnostics, and total peace of mind.

This isn’t just tech—it’s the foundation of a home that works as beautifully as it looks. 

A Perfect Harmony of Past and Present 

A thoughtful collaboration between architecture, interior design, and technology, this reimagined Main Line farmhouse in Swarthmore, PA proves that innovation and heritage can coexist beautifully—creating a home that looks timeless, sounds extraordinary, and works flawlessly for the modern family.

 

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