Precision-Engineered for Developers
A Shining Example of the Future of Development
Gazing out at the picturesque starry night sky, and into a horizon that shows off the Glover River and ridgelines of mountains in Southeast Oklahoma, a couple enjoys a retreat from the frenetic pace of everyday life.
Each distinctive glass house has 10-foot mirrored glass on the three elevations that provide an unimpeded panorama of sunrises and wildlife, and is complete with a king bed, full kitchen, steam shower and smart bidet. Outside, the luxury continues, with side-by-side outdoor soaking tubs, a fire table and easy access to trails that take you down to the river.
This is not just a splendidly built and eco-friendly oasis though, it is a developer’s dream come true—the opportunity to create a high-end experience that offers remarkable profitability, thanks to an emerging product that is precision engineered and simple to build at a moderate price point.
The Story Behind Whisper Mountain Resort
David and Shannon know what it takes to build and manage a top-ranked resort. As they looked at the possibility of creating an escape about 25 minutes north of Hochatown, Oklahoma the couple decided to develop 34 mountain acres into what they believe will become a haven for many.
The challenge with developing a property that requires a drive up a windy mountain in the “middle of nowhere” is that nature can impose natural limits on what you can do. David and Shannon initially set out to utilize factory finished modular homes that measured 32’x16,’ weighed more than 44,000 pounds and came in at just under $224,000. Those homes are set onto a foundation by a crane that lifts it off of the trailer. There was a problem, though: due to the slope of the mountain roads and the slope of the pads, a crane was not an option.
That’s when David and Shannon learned about Flora Lake’s home shells, constructed of panelized steel and wood that a four-wheel drive telehandler can safely place onto those same pads.
They decided on a custom 17x33 home shell to build the high-service suites they had been dreaming of. Within six weeks the shell was ready to ship, and the materials arrived three days later. After the steel-post foundations were in place, seven workers assembled two units in five days.
Time was of the essence on this project, as with most, because as the old adage goes “time is money.” A team of contractors completed the build out in two months, meaning in roughly four months, these 550 square-foot custom, energy efficient, eco-friendly homes went from concept to fully constructed.
David and Shannon are now reaping the benefits of immaculate suites that rent for $450 on weekdays and $550 on weekends, in part because of the property and experience they have curated, and in part because of the product they chose as the centerpiece.
A Better Build Equals a Better Investment for You
The custom 17x33 home shell was less than $60,000, serving as an affordable and extremely efficient way to jumpstart an investment years in the planning.
David and Shannon spent $205,000 on finishing construction for high-end comforts and finishes, including almost $40,000 on glass. They ended up at $306,900 all in, including the cost of utilities and site allocation.
Today, the couple enjoys a blended average daily rate of $479 on each study. Using an industry accepted occupancy rate of 45 percent occupancy — or 164 nights booked per year—as well as 30% operating costs, they should expect gross revenue of $78,500 per year per unit and $54,950 per year per unit of operating income. That amounts to a 17.9% annual return on each unit and the original investment is paid off in 5.6 years.
With more than 20 original home shell plans to choose from from 400 square feet to more than 2,000 square feet, Flora Lake has the products and systems in place to help shape the future of your development dreams.
Simply put, by integrating structural, energy and building performance systems into a precision-manufactured solution, we simplify construction while delivering homes that are stronger, more efficient, and built to last.
And we do it at a price point that allows for you to ultimately determine the total cost and begin making your money back sooner thanks to our patented design.
