The 92-year-old Franklin, Mich. club created the new year-round training facility under its driving-range tee box, to avoid distruptions to its historic natural grounds. Design features for both the training center and the renovated pro shop include the use of materials that match the club’s Albert Kahn-designed, English Tudor-style clubhouse.
Franklin Hills Country Club in Franklin, Mich., has opened a new indoor training facility designed for year-round use. To avoid creating modifications to the club’s historic natural grounds, the architects for the project, McIntosh Poris Associates of Birmingham, Mich. developed a subterranean structure beneath the driving range tee box to avoid creating any disruptions to the landscape.
The 1,700-sq. ft. training center now enables members to use the facility during winter months and gives members the perspective of hitting on the range while remaining inside. The facility includes simulation technology, video recording capabilities, and a members lounge.
In addition, Franklin Hills CC’s dated pro shop has also received a major renovation with a new façade, gabled roof, a pergola with columns, and a second-level expansion for additional amenity space. The interior of the 3,050-sq. ft. shop features a complete redesign with an expansive ceiling that was raised from seven feet to 12 feet by removing an attic, custom merchandise display units, and a comfortable waiting area. The renovation has provided more retail display space and member golf bag storage, which has been increased by 200 bags.
To access the training center, paths were designed for members to easily drive up to the facility with a golf cart or descend a staircase from the parking lot. The hill supporting the driving range tee box was cut across and excavated approximately 30 feet deep. Once the structure was built, residual dirt from the excavation was used to refill the top of the hill, so the tee box could remain in its original location.
The architects found an unexpected surprise during these initial stages, when it was discovered that the main gas and electrical lines for the entire country club complex were positioned below the area. The architects resolved the issue by rerouting the lines in order to move forward on schedule. In addition, the project followed a deadline-driven timeline as excavation, foundation work, and construction required completion by spring, so members could utilize the driving range.
Fieldstones found during the excavation were re-used along the staircase retaining wall, to connect the club’s history and modern needs. The composite garage doors were painted to mimic timber details seen in other parts of the club. Artificial grass patches directly outside the training center’s doors now allow instructors to transition lessons outside when weather permits. The pedestrian entrance located along the side wall of the training facility has been playfully dubbed “The Underground” by members.
The architects designed the training center’s interior to provide various practice opportunities. Trainers may record practice sessions to analyze swing motion and provide specific tips by replaying video on TVs. White projector screens are hidden within the doorways to be conveniently rolled down for simulation practice. TrackMan Golf Simulator technology enables members to practice indoors by virtually tracking the ball’s velocity at simulated golf courses from around the world.
Members may also practice their swings during winter months by hitting into a net across the door. Beige fabric curtains separate two of the stalls, while the third stall includes a barrier wall for private lessons. Sheer-net curtains protect the walls from wayward shots and harm to the equipment.
Behind the practice area, a small lounge offers space for members to relax and enjoy snacks while they play. Stools along a granite countertop provide seating as players wait their turn to practice. The cabinets, door trimmings, and trainer’s desk are made of stained white oak, to remain consistent with the wood used throughout the original clubhouse. The floor is delineated with artificial turf carpet throughout the practice area and standard carpet within the lounge.
The exterior renovation of the pro shop includes a new façade made of white-painted concrete masonry units. An enlarged entry with stained-wood door features a red-brick and masonry tile frame, to match the materials used throughout the club. To accommodate a second-level expansion, the architects moved a wall, extended the roofline, and installed an exterior window to provide ample daylight in the space.
A gable roof with slate shingles mimics the clubhouse. to create continuity between the appearances of both buildings. A pergola with wood columns highlights the exterior and provides shaded bench seating for caddies and staff, as they wait to assist members.
Inside the shop, added beams and chandeliers mimic the Tudor-style ceiling in the clubhouse, visually connecting the interior spaces of the buildings. The custom-designed register counter, shelving units, and glass display case are made of stained white oak, to link the materials used for the pro shop, training center, and clubhouse.
The golf pro’s office was removed and relocated to the rear of the shop, to provide space for a merchandise display case, corner shelving unit, and top ledge to prominently promote golf bags. A seating arrangement, facing a shelving unit with an inset flat-screen TV and leather armchairs, provides comfort as members relax or await their tee times.
The private Franklin Hills CC opened in 1927 to provide members with grounds for an 18-hole golf course, tennis, swimming, socializing, and entertaining. The club retained foremost American industrial architect Albert Kahn Associates to design its warm and inviting English Tudor-style clubhouse that continues to serve as a beloved amenity for club members and features slate-roof shingles, accents of warm red brick, wood timbers, and fieldstones taken from the property.
Tell Us What You Think!
You must be logged in to post a comment.