METRON DESIGN GUIDE 2026

How Contemporary Architectural Trends Translate into Elevator Design 

Elevator design does not start with the cabin. It starts with space, architectural intent, and user experience. The dominant design trends for 2026 like curves, textures, and colors, are now shaping the entire architectural journey, including vertical mobility. Elevators are no longer treated as isolated functional elements, but as integral parts of the spatial narrative.

What follows is a practical guide to selecting the most suitable Metron cabin types, based on the design concept of each project.

1. CURVES & SOFT GEOMETRY 

When space needs flow, not rigidity 

Design trend
Curved forms, rounded corners, and architectural elements that soften geometry and improve movement flow. This approach enhances comfort and a sense of familiarity, performing especially well in spaces with intense daily use.

Ideal for: 

Suitable Metron Cabins 

🔹 Panoramic Cabin

  • Transparency that removes the “heavy” feeling of enclosed spaces
  • Visual continuity and openness
  • Strong architectural connection with the building

🔹 Embrace WF / Embrace PC or Join WF / Join PC

  • Rounded corners and smooth transitions
  • Soft geometry on walls and ceiling
  • Ideal for projects that avoid strict, angular forms

When to propose
When the elevator should integrate discreetly into the space and function as a natural extension of the architecture.  

2. STAINLESS STEEL & TEXTURES  

When design is defined by touch, not shine  

Design trend
Texture returns as a key indicator of quality. Special stainless steel finishes like linen, leather, square combined with matte surfaces and thoughtful material layering create depth and understated luxury.

Unlike mirrors and strong reflections, textured stainless steel absorbs light, offering a refined aesthetic that remains consistent over time.

Suitable Metron Cabins  

🔹 IQ or Tempo Inox or Illusion 

  • Special stainless steel textures emphasizing tactile experience
  • Light interaction without harsh reflections
  • High durability, designed for long-term use
  • Ideal for office buildings, commercial spaces, retail environments, and modern residences.

When to propose
When the elevator must act as a neutral yet premium architectural element rather than a bold design statement.  

Especially recommended: 

  • In high-traffic environments where durability is critical
  • When the concept prioritizes materiality and tactile quality
  • In professional spaces requiring clarity and visual balance
  • When long-term aesthetic stability matters more than trend-driven impact

In these projects, textured stainless steel delivers quiet luxury, present, refined, and resilient.

3. WOOD FINISHES  

When the elevator introduces warmth and familiarity

Design trend

A renewed connection with nature-inspired materials. Wood and wood-effect finishes bring warmth and emotional balance, humanizing contemporary architecture. 

Suitable Metron Cabins

🔹Charm, Master, Join WF, Embrace WF, Silva 

  • Create a welcoming and warm atmosphere
  • Enhance residential, hospitality, and dining spaces
  • Combine ideally with soft, matte lighting

When to propose
When the project aims to create comfort, emotional connection, and a sense of belonging.  

4. COLOURS  

When the elevator gains identity 

Design trend
Pure white and neutral grey are stepping aside. Color returns in a more mature, architectural form but not for impact alone, but to define character and identity. 

Suitable Metron Cabins

🔹 Join PC, Embrace PC, Moon, Colour Up Deluxe, IQ ή Tempo PC 

🔹 Nexus with architectural color combinations 

  • Decorative details with strong visual presence
  • Balanced expression of character and longevity

When to propose
When the elevator must have presence without disrupting architectural cohesion.

5. BRANDING & CORPORATE IDENTITY 

When the elevator becomes a brand touchpoint

Design trend

In branded environments like retail chains, supermarkets, department stores, corporate headquarters, logistics hubs with visitor access, design goes beyond aesthetics. It becomes a matter of consistency, recognition, and brand experience.

As a frequently used and highly visible element, the elevator acts as a physical extension of brand identity.

What this means in practice 

In branded environments, the elevator:

  • Strictly follows the brand manual (colors, materials, finishes)
  • Reproduces brand identity consistently across multiple locations
  • Remains functional and durable under intensive daily use
  • Is designed for easy maintenance and long service life
  • It is not unique per project. It is repeatable with precision.

Suitable Metron Cabins  

🔹 MyLift Cabins  

  • Full customization in colors, textures, lighting, and materials
  • Standardization across multiple installations
  • Consistent outcome across all projects

When to propose 

  • When a brand manual exists
  • For chains and multi-site developments
  • When consistency outweighs uniqueness

Practical design advice  

  • Do not select the elevator cabin at the end of the design process.
  • Integrate it from the very beginning into the architectural concept and brand identity.
  • Think of the elevator as an experience space, not just a means of transport.
  • The earlier it is included in the concept, the more efficient and cost-effective the implementation will be.

The Metron philosophy 

Metron does not treat the elevator cabin as a product, but as a tool of architectural expression.
The goal is to deliver flexibility, consistency, and true integration into each project.

Timeless design is not about following trends. It’s about translating them with precision.

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