Morocco Real Photos: COLORIA MCM Installation Process Step-by-Step

The first day on-site felt like a treasure hunt. The crew arrived at dawn, armed with laser levels, tape measures, and notebooks, ready to map every inch of the building's exterior and interior walls. Morocco's older structures are full of surprises—walls that lean slightly, corners that aren't quite 90 degrees, and hidden pipes or wiring that could derail installation. For example, in the hotel's lobby, a section of wall intended for mcm big slab board series had a bulge from a decades-old plumbing repair. Ignoring it would have meant uneven panels later, so the team marked it for smoothing before any materials arrived.

They also tested the walls for moisture. Morocco's rainy season (yes, it does rain!) can seep into brick or concrete, and MCM needs a dry surface to adhere properly. Using a moisture meter, they checked key areas—like the ground-floor shop walls facing the street, which get splashed during downpours. The readings were good, but to be safe, they planned to apply a waterproofing primer later. Lesson learned: in Morocco, "hope for the best, prepare for the unexpected" isn't just a saying—it's a workflow.

With the site mapped, it was time to finalize materials. The design team had already fallen in love with travertine (starry blue) for the hotel's exterior—a deep, with subtle silver flecks that catch the Moroccan sun like scattered coins. But they needed to pair it with something that wouldn't compete. Enter foamed aluminium alloy board (vintage silver) : its soft, brushed finish echoes the blue's shimmer without overpowering it, and it's tough enough to handle Rabat's coastal breeze. For the co-working space interiors, warmth was key, so they chose rammed earth board (matcha green) —a soft, earthy tone that feels like bringing the Atlas Mountains indoors.

The team also considered installation logistics. mcm flexible stone was chosen for the building's curved entrance arch—traditional stone would have required custom cutting (and a small fortune), but MCM's flexibility let them bend panels to the arch's radius with minimal waste. It's these little wins that make MCM a favorite among local builders: it respects Morocco's love for intricate design without the hassle of traditional materials.

Walls, like people, need a little grooming before they're ready for their close-up. The crew started by cleaning every surface with a stiff brush and mild detergent, scrubbing away dust, dirt, and the occasional pigeon dropping (a Moroccan construction staple). For the exterior walls, they used a pressure washer on low setting—too much force could damage old brick, so they went gentle but thorough.

Next, they tackled uneven spots. The bulging lobby wall? They sanded it down with an electric sander until it was smooth, then filled small cracks with a flexible filler (important, since Moroccan buildings shift slightly with temperature changes). Once the walls were flat and clean, they applied a primer—a water-based, bonding agent that helps MCM panels stick like glue. "Think of it as the 'glue' between the wall and the panel," explained Karim, the lead installer. "Without it, even the best MCM will peel off in a year."

By midday, the primer was dry, and the walls looked like blank canvases—eager for their color. The team took a break, sipping mint tea (another Moroccan essential) and admiring their handiwork. "Smooth walls mean happy panels," Karim joked, and everyone nodded. In this trade, the prep isn't glamorous, but it's the foundation of everything.

Cutting MCM is a bit like cutting cake—you need the right tools and a steady hand. For straight cuts (like the mcm big slab board series panels for the co-working space), the team used a circular saw with a diamond-tipped blade. For curves, like the entrance arch where mcm flexible stone would go, they switched to a jigsaw with a fine-tooth blade, moving slowly to avoid chipping the edges.

One of the most satisfying moments? Cutting the travertine (starry blue) panels. The material is so dense yet lightweight that the saw glided through it, leaving clean edges that showcased the blue's starry pattern. "It's like cutting through a piece of the night sky," said Amina, the youngest installer on the crew, holding up a cut panel to the light. Even the dust was pretty—fine, blue-tinged particles that looked like crushed sapphires.

They also pre-drilled holes for electrical outlets and light fixtures, a step that saved time later. In Morocco, where buildings often have last-minute design tweaks (the client added outdoor sconces to the hotel exterior halfway through), adaptability is key. The crew marked each panel with a number and a quick sketch of where it would go—no fancy software, just old-school organization. "In the chaos of installation, labels are your best friend," Karim said, tapping a panel marked "Lobby Wall, Section C."

Now, let's talk glue. Not the Elmer's kind—MCM requires a high-strength, weather-resistant adhesive that can handle Morocco's temperature extremes. The crew mixed it in small batches (it dries quickly!) using a drill with a mixing paddle, aiming for the consistency of thick honey. "Too runny, and it drips; too thick, and it won't spread evenly," Karim explained, watching as Amina tested a dollop on a scrap panel. "See? It holds its shape but spreads when you press."

They applied the adhesive to the back of each panel in a "snake" pattern—long, continuous lines that ensure full coverage. For larger panels like the mcm big slab board series , they added extra adhesive around the edges to prevent warping. Then, they lifted the panel (two people per slab—even MCM's lightweight, big panels need teamwork!) and pressed it firmly against the wall, starting from the bottom and working up. Using a rubber mallet, they tapped gently to remove air bubbles, a step that feels a bit like playing a drum solo—rhythmic and satisfying.

The foamed aluminium alloy board (vintage silver) panels were a breeze here. Their lightweight nature made them easy to maneuver, and the adhesive bonded instantly to their smooth surface. By sunset, the first row of blue travertine and silver aluminium was up, and the building already looked transformed. Passersby stopped to take photos—"Is that real stone?" one local shopkeeper asked. "Better," Karim grinned. "It's MCM."

With all panels installed, it was time for grouting—the step that turns individual panels into a seamless wall. The design team chose a gray grout that complemented both the starry blue and vintage silver, and the crew mixed it to a creamy texture, then applied it with a rubber float, pressing it into the gaps between panels. "Go slow," Karim advised, "and wipe off excess grout before it dries—otherwise, you'll be scraping it off with a razor blade later."

For the rammed earth board (matcha green) interiors, they used a matching earth-tone grout to keep the look cohesive, making the walls feel like a single slab of polished adobe. After grouting, they let everything dry overnight, and the next morning, they buffed the panels with a soft cloth to remove any haze. The result? Walls that looked like they'd been there for centuries, yet felt fresh and modern.

The final touch? Sealing. For exterior panels, they applied a clear, UV-resistant sealer to protect the travertine (starry blue) and aluminium from sun and rain. For interiors, a quick wipe with a damp cloth was enough—the rammed earth board (matcha green) has a naturally matte finish that doesn't need extra shine. Standing back, the crew couldn't help but smile: the hotel's exterior now glowed with blue and silver, the co-working space felt warm and inviting, and every panel lay flat and secure. "This isn't just construction," Amina said. "It's art."