March 2026 | Blog | Reading time: 3 minutes | Author: Caroline Kruit

For several years now, Metadecor has been using the line 'Together we create remarkable façades'. And for now, we see no reason to change it. Especially that first word: together, captures the essence of how we work and how our projects come to life.

Building in 2026 is about making choices, exploring possibilities, and continuously improving. It’s about finding solutions that stand the test of time. And that only works when you do it together — in multidisciplinary teams where each discipline is respected for its expertise and perspective.

What sets Metadecor apart from an average façade contractor? We often say: our approach. Others might point to our engineering capabilities. But in reality, our façades are the result of a much broader team — from engineering and project management to production and installation. Every project is unique. Each design asks for a different kind of expertise. And every project is built on a new collaboration with all parties involved — a collaboration we prefer to start as early as possible, to achieve the best possible result.

Dutch Photomuseum Pakhuis SANTOS Rotterdam. Architect: Renner Hainke Wirth Zirn Architekten & WDJArchitecten

Joining forces: Pakhuis Santos, Rotterdam

I happened to be involved in one of the early sessions for the extension of the Santos warehouse in Rotterdam (now home to the Dutch Photo Museum). Contractor Burgy was responsible for the renovation and restoration, and was looking for a partner to help realise the architect’s vision: a “golden” anodised perforated aluminium crown on top of the historic building.

Together with our colleagues at Metadecor, the architects (Renner Hainke Wirth Zirn Architekten and WDJA), and the client, the first steps were taken in a workshop setting. One key discipline was initially missing: structural engineering. That had consequences — but also opportunities. By integrating structure and façade early on, a significant amount of steel could be saved. And for a historic building like Santos, every kilo less truly matters. The collaboration had to expand — and it did. The building, now completed with its distinctive crown in MD Designperforation, has recently opened to the public. A tangible result of what collaboration can achieve.

Project: Ter Hoeven Verfgroep Apeldoorn. Architect: COURAGE.

Playing with colour and pattern: Ter Hoeven Verfgroep, Apeldoorn

What happens when an architect who typically works with large glass surfaces and a predominantly black palette decides to design a bright red building with a perforated façade? Lars Courage and his team set out to translate the client’s identity into a striking architectural statement. Bold red. Brighter than a fire truck.

Together with Metadecor, a unique pattern was developed in MD Formatura — not only functioning as solar shading, but also expressing the company’s identity at scale. Through mock-ups and test panels, both client and planning authorities were convinced — of both pattern and colour. The façade is now complete, and the building is currently being fitted out. If you happen to pass by the Matenpoort in Apeldoorn, you won’t miss it. It’s hard not to smile when you see it.

Pavilion SOMBRA. From left to right: Martin Elslo (Head-engineering Metadecor), Yayun Liu and Bertrand Schippan (MVRDV) and Nikola Znaor (Airshade Technologies).

Exploring new ideas together: SOMBRA Pavilion

Collaborating with startups brings a different dynamic altogether. The lessons we learn here often feed back into other projects. Developing solutions that haven’t been applied before requires close collaboration and constant adjustment.

The partnership with Airshade Technologies is a good example. It started with the development of a prototype, commissioned to Metadecor by engineering firm ARUP. International teams, working in English, discussing concepts at a highly abstract level — and then bringing them into reality. In our workshop in Kampen, the concept is continuously tested and refined. What works, what doesn’t — step by step. Today, the collaboration has grown into multiple projects and ongoing development. Nikola and Joe from Airshade regularly visit to work on full-scale mock-ups for projects in Southern Europe. Progress isn’t always linear. But together, we move forward.

Discover the power of shadow and pattern at our HQ in Kampen.

Let’s move ideas forward: together

And, as any blog should end: a genuine call to action. Challenge us with your ideas. We are energised by projects that haven’t been done before. What’s more interesting than taking an idea that raises eyebrows — and developing it together into something that ultimately works?

Very little.

So bring your ideas. We’re ready to explore them with you, and to make them work.