This four-unit building functions as Baccous’ small-building prototype—testing how sensing, automation, robotics, electrification upgrades, and modernization behave in a multi-unit residential property.

It is also part of the Micro-Edge Neighborhood Node™, located just minutes from the two Hillcrest sites.

Purpose

To explore how older multi-unit housing can be upgraded intelligently with minimal disruption, improving comfort, efficiency, and environmental behavior across different residents.

Systems Deployed

Building-Wide Modernization

• Recessed lighting retrofits (3/4 units completed)

• Whole-building Wi-Fi

• Smart hallway light timers

• Basement motion-sensor lighting

• Smart intercom

• Smart locks on all unit doors

• Smart lock on basement door

Comfort & Electrification

• Window AC behavior

• Radiator heat pattern observation

• Gas water heaters per unit

• Boiler comfort patterns per unit

Security & Sensing

• Cameras (exterior and common hallway)

• Exterior light sensors

• Resident-friendly lighting automation

Robotics

• Robot vacuum and mop navigation in common spaces

• Robotics-pathway mapping

• Cleaning cycle behavior across floor types

Research Focus

1. Electrification in Older Small Buildings

Understanding cooling and heating interactions in radiator + window AC setups.

2. Multi-Unit Automation Behavior

Different residents = different environmental signatures.

3. Access Modernization

Smart locks + intercom systems improving resident experience.

4. Robotics in Shared Pathways

Testing robotic navigation in hallways, stairs, and common areas.

5. Lighting & Sensing Modernization

How lighting retrofits improve safety, comfort, and energy patterns.

Early Insights

• Window AC units significantly reduce noise and increase comfort stability.

• Recessed lighting modernizes space identity and improves lighting efficiency.

• Robotics movement is more efficient with reduced hallway clutter.

• Whole-building Wi-Fi enables low-friction automation and monitoring.

• Smart access reduces lockouts and improves resident experience.

• Environmental variation between units creates rich comparative data for Baccous Intelligence™.

Roadmap

• unit #4 recessed lighting upgrade

• window AC → heat pump feasibility mapping

• common-area robotics dock

• micro-edge sensing nodes (Phase 2)

• cross-building environmental synchronization