The Hemlocks at NOC — Eight Mountainside Escapes Built with the Studio Home Aspect Model

Mon, Aug 10, 2026 By: Studio Home

The Hemlocks at Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) are more than a new place to stay. They are a great example of what Studio Home is built to solve: taking a complicated, multi-part redevelopment and making it simpler, faster, and more predictable.

At NOC’s mountainside site in Bryson City, North Carolina, Studio Home helped bring eight new bungalows to life using the Studio Home Aspect model. Thoughtfully engineered ADUs designed for high-end comfort, efficient layouts, and a smoother build process.

The redevelopment challenge: commercial complexity, hospitality expectations

Commercial lodging projects add layers of complexity fast: multiple subcontractors, code requirements, finish decisions, site logistics, and changing scope.

Studio Home’s role with The Hemlocks was to turn that complexity into a clear path forward, so the NOC team could focus on the guest experience instead of coordinating the build.

How Studio Home helped NOC deliver The Hemlocks (and keep it on track)

Here is what made the project work.

1) One point of contact, fewer moving parts

Instead of NOC managing many subcontractors and timelines, Studio Home condensed the process into one primary point of contact, keeping standards aligned and execution consistent.

2) A proven model, with room for design-program adjustments

Most key decisions were made when NOC selected the product, but the team still had flexibility to work with Studio Home’s construction team to adjust finishes so each bungalow fit the design program and felt right for guests.

Studio Home handled the hard part of the work up front, including layout, function, and flow. NOC could then put the “home away from home” touch on it through furnishings, amenities, and final styling.

3) Predefined scope that protects budget predictability

With Studio Home, the building scope was predefined. Even when there was scope creep with horizontal work like foundations, parking, paving, and landscaping, Studio Home’s building costs stayed consistent, changing only when items were added to the building scope.

4) Code compliance without sacrificing design

The design and field teams worked diligently to meet commercial code requirements without giving up the beauty of the space, which is especially important for guest-facing builds.

5) Creative logistics in a tough-to-access site

Site access was challenging. By working with an experienced field crew and getting creative with delivery planning, Studio Home maintained on-site efficiency. Construction stayed fast, consistent, and predictable.

6) One model that supports multiple stay types

The Aspect model supported a range of needs across the property:

1 Bedroom layouts for couples

2 Bedroom layouts for families

Accessible (ADA) units so more guests can enjoy the experience together

The result: eight bungalows built from one scalable foundation

The Hemlocks show how a repeatable model can unlock a higher-complexity commercial vision. Instead of reinventing the process eight times, NOC received eight consistent builds that still feel like a cohesive, design-forward destination.

That scalability is exactly where the Studio Home Aspect model shines.

Meet the Studio Home Aspect model: modern ADU design

The Aspect is designed as a turnkey backyard guest house or ADU with layout options that fit real-life needs, whether you’re building for family, flexible living, or short-term rental income.

Aspect configuration options

1 Bed / 1 Bath (24' x 24', 576 sq ft)
2 Bed / 2 Bath (24' x 36', 864 sq ft)

It’s engineered for performance and durability, with standard features designed to support guest-ready comfort and long-term value.

Selected standard features

2x6 framing and Zip System weatherproof wall panels
Engineered roof joists with plywood decking and ribbed metal roofing
Double-pane, high efficiency windows and premium door packages
James Hardie fiber cement siding options
Interior comforts like LVT flooring, a ductless mini-split, and ERV ventilation

Explore the Aspect model: https://www.studio-home.com/products/aspect

The best stays do not happen by accident

The Hemlocks at NOC prove a bigger point: unforgettable guest experiences come from smart site placement, thoughtful layouts, and a build system that can deliver quality at scale.

Whether you’re dreaming up a mountainside bungalow collection or a single backyard rental, the path from vision to reality gets a lot clearer when you start with a model built for it.

Explore the Studio Home Aspect model

Ready to turn inspiration into a rental property plan?

If The Hemlocks have you thinking, “I want something like this,” you don’t have to start from scratch. You can experience what it’s like to stay in a Studio Home first, then apply a credit toward your order when you’re ready to build.

Explore Studio BnB stays

Design your own Studio Home (and price it as you go)

Want to move from idea to a real plan? The Design Center lets you select a model, personalize your design, and schedule a free consultation when you’re ready to take next steps.

Start in the Design Center