MetaformmetaformUAE · INDIA
Research & Development

Prototyping in the studio. Accuracy on site.

Every façade and finish system is validated through rapid physical prototyping before fabrication. We test geometry, fixing systems, material behaviour and installation logic to eliminate uncertainty, improve buildability and ensure every component performs exactly as designed.

  • Rammed Earth
  • Hempcrete
  • Terracotta
  • Brick Screens
  • Lime Plaster
  • Metal
  • 3D Printing
  • FEA
  • Mock-Ups
Module prototype study

Fig. R — Module prototype

01 — What we validate

Six areas of study.

/01

Geometry Validation

Verify module dimensions, proportions and façade alignment.

/02

Connection Testing

Evaluate fixing systems, hardware interfaces and assembly methods.

/03

Tolerance Studies

Confirm manufacturing and installation tolerances before production.

/04

Thermal Movement

Assess expansion, contraction and movement allowances.

/05

Material Behaviour

Test edge strength, handling, breakage resistance and fabrication quality.

/06

Weathering Performance

Evaluate finish consistency, ageing and long-term durability.

02 — Prototype gallery

Fabrication studies & material tests.

6 studies
/01

3D Printed Prototyping

Printing precise modules before metal fabrication to validate connectivity, tolerances and electrical integration for kinetic façades.

3D Printed Prototyping — 1
3D Printed Prototyping — 2
3D Printed Prototyping — 3
/02

Lime Plaster

Traditional lime plaster tested as a façade finish — breathability, texture and pigmenting studied on site samples.

Lime Plaster — 1
Lime Plaster — 2
/03

Module Assembly

Testing how materials with different properties — metal and terracotta — behave together in assembled modules.

Module Assembly — 1
Module Assembly — 2
Module Assembly — 3
/04

Module Prototyping

Factory prototyping of extruded terracotta profiles and brick geometries to lock form, texture and firing behaviour.

Module Prototyping — 1
Module Prototyping — 2
/05

Rammed Earth

Rammed earth investigated as a façade surface — stratification, compaction and weathering behaviour recorded from factory trials.

Rammed Earth — 1
Rammed Earth — 2
/06

Hempcrete

Hempcrete evaluated for finish and insulation — mix ratios, curing and surface treatment studied.

Hempcrete — 1
Hempcrete — 2
Hempcrete — 3
03 — Why we prototype

Three layers of validation, engineered before a single component is installed.

01 — Analysis

Design Validation

  • 01Pattern accuracy
  • 02Colour review
  • 03Module sizing
  • 04Visual quality
02 — Technical

Engineering Validation

  • 05Hardware integration
  • 06Structural interfaces
  • 07Joint detailing
  • 08Performance testing
03 — Logistics

Construction Validation

  • 09Installation sequence
  • 10Site tolerances
  • 11Buildability
  • 12Maintenance access
"Every prototype transforms digital intent into construction certainty — reducing risk before fabrication begins."

Researching a material or system?

Talk to the R&D team