NestBird — Modular Regenerative Housing
From concept to 1:1 pilot in Dubai—an R&D collaboration pathway for developers.
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Project Timeline — Gantt Chart
Milestone Journey Map
Phase 1: Concept Validation
Jan - Feb 2026
Universal chassis & foldable module spec
Goal
Lock the universal chassis concept and foldable module spec for a same-day assembly home.
Key Tasks
Problem/solution framing; preliminary engineering constraints; footprint & load assumptions; containerized shipping envelope; universal foundation interface; basic cost model.
Deliverables
1-page spec (chassis, fold points, anchors), massing drawings, risk log, advisory review notes.
Success Criteria
Advisor sign-off; BOM ±25%; feasibility for 40-ft container or low-bed trailer.
Risks & Mitigations
Over-complex mechanism → keep <5 moving sub-assemblies; tolerance stack-up → define datum references early.
Phase 2: Material R&D
Feb - Apr 2026
Test composites, solar skin, CNC milling
Goal
Prove materials + processes for skin, structure, and solar "power-skin."
Key Tasks
Composite layup trials; sandwich panel tests; robot/CNC milling of molds; fastener & snap-fit trials; glazing and gasket tests; thermal & acoustic tests; fire/UV/sand exposure.
Deliverables
Coupons + test reports; process sheets (CNC, layup, cure); preliminary power-skin output data; preferred vendor list.
Success Criteria
Panels meet target strength/weight; Class A surface achievable; IP rating for exterior seams; solar yield ≥ target W/m².
Dependencies
Phase 1 spec.
Risks & Mitigations
Supply delays → dual-source materials; heat performance → add radiant barrier + ventilated cavity.
Phase 3: Prototype Fabrication
Apr - Aug 2026
Build 1:20 model + 1:1 structure frames
Goal
Build a 1:20 display model and the 1:1 structural frames (chassis + two foldable modules).
Key Tasks
Final CAD; steel/aluminum frame fab; hinges/locks; mold machining; panel production; QA jigs; dry-fit assembly in workshop; transport simulation.
Deliverables
1:20 model for demos; 1:1 chassis + modules assembled in workshop; QA checklist; assembly manual v1.
Success Criteria
Assembly/disassembly cycle < 8 hrs with 6-person crew; transport tie-downs validated; no rework on Class A faces.
Dependencies
Phases 1–2.
Risks & Mitigations
Misalignment on site → precision jigs + datum tags; damage in transit → custom cradles + shock sensors.
Phase 4: Smart Integration
Jul - Sep 2026
Embed NestOS, IoT, solar power systems
Goal
Embed NestOS (control hub), IoT, and power systems; finalize MEP plug-and-play.
Key Tasks
48/230V architecture; DC microgrid with battery; solar MPPT; prefab MEP harnesses; quick-connect plumbing; HVAC mini-split integration; sensors (temp, humidity, CO₂, occupancy); OTA updates; app UI.
Deliverables
Wiring looms & manifolds; IoT gateway; safety docs; UX demo.
Success Criteria
Same-day commissioning; islanded mode ≥24h @ design load; app controls major subsystems reliably.
Dependencies
1:1 prototype frame ready (Phase 3).
Risks & Mitigations
Vendor lock-in → standard protocols (Modbus/MQTT); overheating → thermal zoning + load shedding.
Phase 5: Pilot Construction (Dubai)
Sep - Dec 2026
Universal foundation, same-day assembly test
Goal
Install the pilot unit on a real-estate partner's site; validate "arrive-assemble-handover" in 48 hours.
Key Tasks
Secure pilot plot + permits; pour universal foundation; logistics plan; crane + crew scheduling; on-site assembly; commissioning; snag list; third-party inspection.
Deliverables
Live pilot unit, site method statement, HSE pack, time-lapse + metrics.
Success Criteria
Foundation-to-handover ≤48h; leak-free envelope; grid-tie or off-grid stable; visitor NPS ≥70.
Dependencies
Phases 1–4; partner & site access.
Risks & Mitigations
Permit delays → submit early with R&D positioning; crane availability → reserve backup window.
Phase 6: Showcase & Partnerships
Jan - Mar 2027
CES, LEAP, UAE events; agency demos
Goal
Turn the pilot into demand—secure MOUs/LOIs with developers and public agencies.
Key Tasks
Demo days (Dubai/UAE); CES and LEAP micro-stand or virtual twin; PR with co-branding; investor/agency walkthroughs; pilot data brief; case-study film.
Deliverables
5–10 MOUs/LOIs; press kit; performance report; inbound pipeline CRM.
Success Criteria
3+ qualified partnership pilots; $5M+ indicated demand; 2 EPC/fabrication partners shortlisted.
Dependencies
Phase 5 results.
Risks & Mitigations
Hype without capacity → clearly frame as R&D + controlled rollout; IP exposure → staged disclosures & NDAs.
Phase 7: Commercial Rollout
Mid-2027
Licensing to developers, supply chain
Goal
Shift from one-offs to repeatable licensing + supply chain.
Key Tasks
Module variants (S/M/L); costed BOM v2; certified assembly training; warranty terms; licensing framework; regional fabricator onboarding; finance/leasing options.
Deliverables
License pack; certified installer program; pricing & margin model; production ramp plan.
Success Criteria
2 licensed regions ready; COGS within target; first 25-unit tranche scheduled.
Dependencies
Partner MOUs (Phase 6).
Risks & Mitigations
Quality drift → audit & training; working capital gaps → partner with leasing/green finance.
Detailed R&D Roadmap
| Phase | Milestone | Key Actions | Start | End | Dependencies | Resources | Est. Cost (USD) | Collaboration Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concept Validation | Define universal chassis + foldable module spec; create system architecture | CAD design, spec documentation, architecture blueprints | Jan 2026 | Feb 2026 | None | Design lead, CAD tools | $20,000 | Advisory review |
| Material R&D | Test composites, solar skin, insulation, water systems via CNC/robotic milling of molds | Material testing, mold fabrication, performance validation | Feb 2026 | Apr 2026 | Concept Validation | Composites, CNC, lab techs | $120,000 | Lab/factory access |
| Prototype Fabrication | Build 1:20 model + 1:1 structure frames; integrate modular glazing and joints | Scale model build, full-scale frame assembly, joint integration | Apr 2026 | Aug 2026 | Material R&D | Robotics, workshop lease | $380,000 | Workshop + QA |
| Smart Integration | Embed home OS, lighting, plumbing modules, solar power bank, sensors | IoT setup, electrical/plumbing integration, OS development | Jul 2026 | Sep 2026 | Prototype Fabrication | EE/ME engineers, IoT stack | $160,000 | Smart-home vendor |
| Pilot Construction (Dubai) | Prepare universal foundation, deliver containerized kit, same-day assembly test | Site prep, logistics, assembly execution, testing | Sep 2026 | Dec 2026 | Smart Integration | Temp land, crane, crew | $420,000 | Real estate developer pilot site |
| Showcase & Partnerships | CES (USA), LEAP (KSA), UAE events; demos for agencies/developers | Event participation, demo setup, partnership meetings | Jan 2027 | Mar 2027 | Pilot Construction | Expo budgets | $150,000 | Co-branding/PR |
| Commercial Rollout | Structure licensing to developers; supply chain setup | Licensing agreements, supply chain infrastructure, BD | Mid-2027 | TBD | Showcase & Partnerships | BD/legal | $90,000 | Licensing partners |
Budget Distribution
| Category | Items | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | CNC machine, robotic mill, molds, testing rigs | ~$200,000 |
| Materials | Composites, solar skin, glazing, insulation, water systems | ~$350,000 |
| People | Design lead, structural engineer, EE/ME engineers, fabrication crew, lab techs | ~$450,000 |
| Sites | Workshop lease, pilot land (Dubai), expo booths | ~$250,000 |
| Marketing & Events | CES, LEAP, UAE showcases, PR campaigns | ~$90,000 |
| Total Estimated Budget | $1,340,000 USD | |