Floodbuster 1
Kentucky’s First 3D Concrete Printed (3DCP) Structure
Project Overview
Floodbuster 1 is a first-of-its-kind housing innovation initiative led by Somerset Community College (SCC) that brings together applied research, advanced construction technology, and regional partnerships to address Appalachia’s most urgent housing challenges. Leveraging a decade of leadership in additive manufacturing, SCC has designed a 3D-printed concrete structure with enhanced resilience to natural disasters—marking a significant step toward rethinking how homes are built in the face of workforce shortages, material inflation, and extreme weather. This initiative is supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), which was awarded to SCC to advance the field of concrete 3D printing and develop innovative, resilient housing solutions.
Floodbuster 1 is a response to a growing national crisis: the rising cost, declining durability, and vulnerability of the American housing stock. Across the U.S., affordable housing shortages are costing the economy trillions, while families face repair bills, health issues, and instability tied to homes that are no longer built to last.
This pilot project is being constructed to demonstrate a new path forward—one that leverages the strength of concrete, the speed of automation, and the design power of additive manufacturing. Floodbuster 1 applies cutting-edge engineering to create a structure capable of withstanding floods, tornadoes, and time.
The goal is not just innovation for innovation’s sake—but to show how we can build structures that are stronger, healthier, more cost-effective, and resilient enough to serve generations. By doing so, we aim to catalyze broader investment, policy attention, and scalable adoption across disaster-prone and housing-insecure communities.
Floodbuster 1 demonstrates how targeted innovation can produce structures that are faster to build, stronger by design, and better suited to withstand future threats. The project’s structural features are the result of years of SCC-led research and engineering, combining AI-informed design and advanced materials science with real-world construction practice.
“It is important to realize we are not talking about the distant or even the near future. We already have the [3D printing] technology right here and now to build a cost-effective structure, that compared to wood, might as well be virtually indestructible.”
Eric Wooldridge, PE, RA, MsEng, Director, KCTCS Additive Manufacturing Center
"The Floodbuster is a concrete example—literally—of Professor Wooldridge and SCC’s leadership in next-generation construction technology. We’re excited to support the SCC team as they continue turning their bold vision into practical solutions for families in Appalachia.”
Jen Seifert, PhD, Principal, PROGRESS Appalachia
Project Partners & Contributors
Floodbuster 1 showcases what’s possible when regional innovation, educational leadership, and mission-driven collaboration converge. From hands-on student involvement to advanced robotics and local community support, the project stands as a testament to the collective effort behind meaningful change. We extend our deepest thanks to the partners who contributed their time, expertise, and resources—each playing a vital role in bringing this vision to life. Their contributions are outlined below:
Somerset Community College (SCC): Leading project development, structural design, and 3D printing execution through its Additive Manufacturing team.
RIC Robotics: Providing the advanced 3D concrete printing system and technical expertise to complete the structural print of Floodbuster 1.
PROGRESS Appalachia: Partner on strategic support, communications, and outreach with a focus on scaling regional innovation and long-term housing solutions.
Habitat for Humanity Pulaski County, Kentucky: Participated in the design phase by sharing reference plans and will furnish the completed home with appliances to simulate real-world occupancy.
SCC Heavy Equipment Operations (HEO) Program: Students of the program assisted with excavation of the home’s foundation and footer.
Brandeis Machinery, Boyd CAT, and Martin Contracting, Inc.: Provided equipment and hauling support for site preparation and have long supported SCC’s HEO program.
OBH Renovations: Contributed technical expertise and support during project planning and site preparation.
IMI Concrete: Supplied cost-effective concrete materials used to pour the foundation of the structure.
What's Next: Floodbuster 2
This build marks the beginning of an ongoing series designed to tackle the overlapping challenges of housing scarcity, disaster resilience, and construction workforce development in Appalachia and beyond.
Up next: Floodbuster 2—a fully outfitted structure (including electric, plumbing, HVAC, and interior finishes) that will serve as an on-site office at Bluegrass Veterans Ranch/Connect Community Village, just ten minutes down the road from Floodbuster 1.
Unlike Floodbuster 1, which was built as a demo, Floodbuster 2 will be used daily, proving the long-term viability and adaptability of this construction approach. The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for design and construction of this next build recently closed, and the selected partner will be announced soon.
Work is underway to complete the final stages of Floodbuster 1—including roof installation, window placement, and interior finishes—and we’ll continue sharing the design evolution as new builds launch.
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