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This Month's Questions
(Click on the question for the answer)

1. How can I get rid of water and water evaporation in my cement walls?

2. How can I protect my windows from errant golf balls?

3. What effect does a "name" designer have on real estate values in a golf communty?

4. What is a patio home?

5. Where is the best place to site a home on a fairway?

6. What are the best books for design ideas?

Click Here for More Questions about protecting windows from golf balls!

Eliminating Efflorescence on Cinder Block Walls

Dear Mr. Architect:

We are getting ready to finish off a 2,200-sq-ft, daylight lower level.  Efflorescence appears on the cinder block walls on the side of the basement covered with earth. It is currently appearing from the floor to about 5 feet high and gets higher every year.

The house was built in 1995, there is no water on the walls or floor, no cracks or bowing anywhere in the foundation.  The house sits halfway down a severe slope and the all-cinder block basement wall acts as a retaining wall and foundation.  

If it must be repaired, what is the best solution? How do we direct the ground water that is building up in the blocks away from the house? 

Linda Todd, Realtor, Broker
Chapel Hill, NC

If you had a real exterior drainage problem along the front (uphill) side or along the sides of your basement, then you’d see puddles in the middle of your recreation room or other visible and constant (or seasonal) signs of water intrusion.

The efflorescence is caused by water migration. To find a solution, begin by testing to determine the moisture content of the walls and the basement space.  The objective is to make sure that the basement is dry and that it is protected, not just from (exterior) water intrusion, but also from latent (interior) moisture sources. 

Then, depending on the moisture levels, you have a number of options:

1. If any moisture that is present is due to an active exterior source (water coming in from the surrounding area), then I would suggest that you examine and install, or repair, a perimeter pipe drain around the foundation.  There is some cost to this, but it is the best solution. 

2. While the foundation walls are exposed, coat them with a good waterproofing compound (and even rigid insulation).

3. If you can avoid it, I would advise that you DO NOT put water sealers on the inside of the basement, (particularly if the source is outside of the building), as this is just a patch job and it does not solve the underlying problem.

4. If the moisture is due to an interior source, look at de-humidifying the interior space. This can be achieved with an appropriate appliance, but also by insulating the perimeter (see above), as well as by introducing a plastic vapor barrier on the inside of the block between the block and any final finishes that you might install in the basement space.

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The Effect of a Name Designer

Dear Mr. Architect:

What is the effect of a "name" golf course architect on real estate values in a golf course community?  I am sure there has been research on this topic. Where is it published?

Rob Waldron
Silver Spring, MD

There’s no doubt about it.  A “name” golf course architect is worth its weight in gold golf balls to a proper golf course development.  If you had to pick between playing on a Jack Nicklaus course versus a Johnny-Around-the-Corner course, what would you do?  And while we’re at it, I’m sure you wouldn’t think much at all about paying just a little bit more (maybe quite a bit more) to do that, as well.

Names Are Brands
The “name” is well deserved, for a lot of reasons more than just fame.  A well-known golf course architect has the experience, the style, and the intimate knowledge not only of the game itself, but also of all of the important aspects of a golf course site, and as a result, his name (fame) is well deserved.  

The “name” is a brand, and it will draw from your target market.  The better, or well known that the brand is, the more of the market it is likely to draw.  It’s simple marketing mathematics.  Of course, you have to pay for the privilege of using that brand, and in this case marketing mathematics also apply.  The better the brand, the more expensive it is (generally) to purchase it.

A Top "Name" Affects Other Areas, Too
All of this will spin off to other aspects of your golf course development.  The clubhouse, the residential development – all of the amenities – can now be tied to the brand name.  So the short answer to your question, after a roundabout way to get there, is that a “name” golf course architect will enhance the value of your golf course development.  The question becomes how much, at what cost, and what’s the upside.

As to research, it’s really a marketing question that is related to not only the “name” effect, but also to all of the other particulars of a golf course.  Most of that information is proprietary, but you can certainly glean some elements that are helpful from a variety of website sources on the Internet.  As a start, you might wish to contact golf course developments that are listed on the www. GolfCourseHome.net website.

Thanks for your interest and Good Luck!

What is a Patio Home?

Dear Mr. Architect:

1. Define "patio home" and where could I find award-winning patio home designs used in golf course settings?
2. Where could I find patio home developers, both with and without golf course settings?

Bonnie Morley
Richmond, TX

“Patio Home” is a term that I have seen on several different occasions and each time it seems to have a different meaning.  In this case I am assuming that you might mean Patio Home, as in a one-story detached structure that sits in its own yard.  The homeowner is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the home (including the exterior), but the developer is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the yard.  (There are a number of variations on this theme, so if I’ve missed the mark a bit, please feel free to re-direct.)

Patio homes at St. James Plantation, NC

I any case, I tend to think of your question in terms of award winning house and residential development designs rather than in terms of just patio homes.  In the end, I think you might be looking for good, solid, and successful design and development solutions in golf and non-golf development settings, and in that regard the award is in the eye of the beholder.  

Don't Be Fooled by Bells & Whistles
When I make a judgment about a particular development, or a house project, or a house style for that matter, I take into account a number of qualifiers.  It starts with quality materials that are of a proven value, and it can go to the strength of the design (façade and plan layout) compositions, all the way to the execution of the minute details.  I’m not often fooled about the “goody bag” of bells and whistles that can find its way into the house in an effort to overcompensate for a lackluster design or layout.  

And award winning in Maine (for example) may not be award winning in Texas.  Successful house designs and residential developments are often particularly suited to specific sites, specific markets, and specific criteria.  The best ones seem to be the ones that respond to that specific need.

 
Reynolds Plantation, GA, has won awards from Southern Living, Golf Magazine and Robb Report

Who's Giving Out the Awards?
And a word of caution.  Anyone can claim that a certain development is “award winning,” so you should look to who is doing the award giving.  If it’s a national organization, then I suspect that the quality is commensurate.  If it’s the Anytown Chamber of Commerce, then you might get less than what you figured on.  

Also, “award winning” can mean very different things based on the criteria used.  (I am reminded of references that I often see of “award winning” house designs in the two-bedroom, $125,000 - $150,000 price category that are situated on a sloped site.  How many were in the running for that award to begin with?)

Contact the American Institute of Architects
So I would suggest the following.   Make contact with your local builders organization, or local chapter of the American Institute of Architects ( Click here to find your local chapter.).  This is a good place to start for access to local or regional professionals.  And meanwhile let your fingers do the walking on the Internet and run some searches on golf course developments, residential developments, and the like.  

(You can also start at www.golfcoursehome.net ).  As you surf, keep a log of the characteristics that appeal to you or your client.  Once you have that information, you are ready to access a design or development professional to begin to realize those qualities into an Award Winning design that you can call your own.

Dear Mr. Architect:

Could you please tell me the ideal location for purchasing a lot and building a house on a golf course fairway? And, conversely, which are the least desirable locations? And why?

Al Heubel 
Cary, NC

Well, I suppose the safest place for a house to be is behind the tee, but even then a creative shot by a weekend golfer might find its way to your doorstep.  All kidding aside, here are some observations that might help you decide on your purchase.  

If it is a townhome, i.e. one of a series of dwelling units that are connected together, then clearly you would want to avoid the end units and think instead about buying an interior unit.  Maybe less desirable from a privacy issue, but at least only two sides of the house (front and back) are exposed rather than three (front, back, and side) for an end unit.

Most times the golf course developer has taken some measures to protect homeowner’s safety as well as the property of adjacent homesteads along a golf course. If you are thinking of purchasing a free standing home along the golf course, here are some other things that you might want to think about.  

Check the house.  If you are on the flight path, make sure that there are durable materials used in the house.  High-end tile roofs may look great on the house, but after the tenth one comes skittering down from an incoming golf ball, you might be re-thinking things. 

This ridge-view home at Redlands Mesa, CO, is safe from errant drives.

Check the surrounding vegetation.  As we all know, trees play a larger part in our golf game than we would like to admit.  They may look light and feathery, but chances are that a ball that encounters one will hit some part of it.  That’s good news for you, except that you might also have to contend with golf balls caroming into your yard from odd angles. 

Longer holes also have definable second and third shot characteristics as well.  The same goes for the greens. If your house is to the left, but to the right is a large water hazard, you can pretty much bet that the golfers will favor your side of the green. 

Thanks for your interest, and good luck with your purchase!

Dear Mr. Architect:

For the first time ever, we’re going to design a new house for ourselves. We’ve never really thought much about what goes into the design of house, so before we get too far, are there any books out there that we might read to begin the process?

David M.
Gladwyne, PA

Dear David:

Yes indeed. In fact, there are so many, that you may not know where to begin. A good idea, of course, is to visit your local library and just browse the subject matter. It’s a good bet that you’ll walk away with something that strikes your fancy.

With all of its styles (French Chateau, Spanish Colonial, Modern or International to name but a few), it is easy to forget that we have a truly indigenous architecture, based on early American examples. There are many, many books of this type out on the market, but for our money we keep coming back to the classic details of the Samuel G. White edition. 

If want visuals, then try the books recommended, which are available from Amazon.com:

Recommended Books on Homes & Styles

Click on the cover(s) of the book(s) to order.

If you describe your favorite room in your house with the words
"cozy," "intimate," and "warm, such as a cheery little breakfast
nook or a friendly window seat, you are talking about elements
of the not-so-big house, in which the more personal spaces in
your home are where comfort, beauty and efficiency meet.

In The Not So Big House, respected architect Sarah Susanka and
coauthor Kira Obolensky address our affinity for the "smaller,
more personal spaces" and propose "clear, workable guidelines
for creating homes that serve both our spiritual needs and our
material requirements."

The Not So Big House
by Sarah Susanka, Kira Obolensky
List Price: $22.95
Amazon.com Price: $16.06
You save: $6.89 (30%)
 

Creating The No So Big House
by Sarah Susanka, Kira Obolensky
List Price: $24.95
Amazon.com Price: $16.97
You save: $7.98 (32%)

                      
Mediterranean Style: Relaxed                    Summer Cottages in the
Living Inspired  by Strong Colors             White Mountains    
and Natural Materials                               by Bryant F. Tolles     
by Catherine Haig                                                       List Price: $50.00
List Price: $35.00                                                      Amazon.com Price: $35.00
Amazon.com Price: $24.50                                       You Save: $15.00 (30%)
You Save: $10.50 (30%)

                              
                                    The Houses of McKim,
                                    Mead & White by Samuel G. White
                                      List Price: $24.95
                                              Amazon.com Price: $17.46
                                              You Save: $7.49 (30%)

Barbara Mayer, The Arts & Crafts Style

Karen Witynski,  The New Hacienda

If you want a short education on the evolution of American architecture, try these books:. 

                                                       
Shingle Styles: Innovation and Tradition in           The Architecture of McKim, Mead,
American Architecture 1874 to 1982                       and White in Photos, Plans, and Elevations
by Leland M Roth                                                     by D. Mead, McKim, Mead, & White
List Price: $49.50                                                                       List Price: $24.95
Amazon.com Price: $34.65                                                     Amazon.com Price: $17.46
You Save: $14.85 (30%)                                                            You Save: $7.49 (30%)

Shingle Style and the Stick Style: 
Architectural Theory & Design from Richardson to the Origins of Wright
by Vincent Scully

Shingle Style: 155 Home Plans from Classic Colonials to Breezy Bungalows 

For Recommended Books about Golf Course Architecture, Click Here!

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Dear Mr. Architect:

We are building a home on a golf course.  Any suggestions on the type of glass we should use on our windows that overlook the fairway? Not only for safety, but privacy? Any unique design ideas we might consider for golf course living?

Theresa M.

If your windows are in danger of being bonked by golf balls, then the first thing I would do is specify tempered glazing for them.  Tempered glass is designed to withstand greater impacts, and when it does break, it does so in many little pieces, just like your automobile windshield.  

Tempered glass is expensive, so you may want to consider doing this only for the larger picture windows instead of the smaller double hung, awning, or casement windows that you might have. (Most codes require that windows be made of tempered glazing when they are within 18” of the floor, so your living room picture window may already have this feature.)

You might also wish to specify a window film for heat control and shading as well as privacy considerations. (See links to window film companies below.) Many window manufacturers integrate the film into their window production process as an option. (You should look for double-glazed, low-e windows as a start, regardless of where your home is located). The film is an added feature that can significantly control heat gain/loss into you house.  

Llumar - Residential Applications

Gila Window Film - Solar Control Protection with Window Tint and Sunshades

VISTA Window Film

Then there are several tinted products that act sort of like sunglasses for your windows.  People can’t see in (during the daytime at least), and you can see out, and the tint makes the view easier on your eyes.  Here are some websites that you might want to have a look at.

Finally, if you’ve got a home directly on the fairway, I am assuming that you will be doing a lot of golfing.  Don’t leave the golf equipment as an afterthought.  I would think that an integrated golf storage center (think of an extra half bay of your garage) would be a wonderful added feature.  This would be the location not only for the clubs and bags and what not, but also a place to store and re-charge your golf cart (everyone needs one). 

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