Custom expanded materials respond to environmental inputs through directional deformation. Expanding meshes increase the overall coverage of a sheet, while producing a perforated product without "slugs", waste products from punch holes. Rather than uniform distribution expanded sheets, CNC technology allows for customizable expanded products to respond specifically to its locale.

Digital simulations allow designers to visualize and test the form according to a wide range of design criteria. Parametric modeling software is implemented to "pre-expand" mesh geometries and accurately define the outcome in a computer model. Using GenerativeComponents software, genetic apertures are modeled based on length, shape and spacing of the aperture incision, formed from RhinoScripting methods.

Across a building surface, the expanded skin panels "respond" digitally to performative inputs of solar-gain, wind-channeling or rain-screening by adjusting the aperture openings through the length and proportioning of the aperture relative to global orientation. The directional qualities exhibited by meshes act as small "hoods" covering the surface of a roof or wall system. These modifications are built into the parametric design geometry and the apertures update automatically as the parent geometry (building surface) alters.

Meshes also provide shade for artificial light as well in a ceiling system similar to the roof system mentioned above, where the hoods are reversed to direct light towards specific areas and away from others. A smaller mesh will result in a lighting effect that appears to emit from a surface, rather than a fixture. Fine, directional meshes can allow view to a direction without compromising wind or sound blocking from another. Wider meshes retain gravel, stones and earth in gabion systems and these earthen retainers can offset erosion or harbor plant life in its expanded apertures. Earth retention can be applied as a "green-surface", holding soil and vegetation onto steeply sloped building skins.