Developer pitches 3D‑printed homes to Coffey County commissioners

Trident 3D Homes representatives gave commissioners a detailed demonstration of large‑format concrete 3D printing as a tool for building affordable, single‑story workforce homes.

Chris Demler, who said he has worked on the idea since 2022, told the commission the company can print the vertical elements of a labeled floor plan in one to four days under a weather‑controlled tent and that the full home can be finished in weeks rather than months. "We can produce the vertical components of the home once the slab is in the ground...in 1 to 4 days," Demler said.

Demler said the printed walls are monolithic, highly durable and designed to meet modern codes; he described wall compressive strengths and engineering details used to reinforce openings and pilasters. He also described energy advantages: "These houses are going to be about 60% to 70% more efficient to run," he said, citing a firm energy study conducted with an architecture department partner.

The business case presented included start‑up and unit economics. Demler estimated the capital cost for a production printer and support equipment at roughly $1.5 million before trucks, tents and batch plants, and said the company aims to sell finished houses at about $150–$170 per square foot. He said a single printing crew can produce about 50–100 homes a year and asked municipal partners to consider an operating support model of roughly $12,000 per house per year to help stand up a local crew and equipment.

Ashley, Demler's colleague who assists with municipal relationships, said Trident plans to keep as many finishing trades local as possible — plumbers, electricians and cabinetmakers would be subcontracted locally — and offered to bring a demonstration or spec house to Coffey County if the commission was interested. "We're very open to partnerships," she said, noting plans to defer profit on some demonstration homes so municipalities recoup startup contributions if a demo sale occurs.

Commissioners asked detailed questions about storm performance, warranties and site limitations. Demler said the company provides a standard Kansas builder's warranty and offers extended structural warranties for a fee. He described curing practices under plastic and burlap and said the company can include rebar and filled pilasters to meet higher structural requirements.

No formal action was taken. Demler said the firm plans regional deployments including sites in Parsons, Independence and Coffeeville and that the Topeka printer crew will travel to print homes in partner communities once the first projects are complete.