Hektar by Parametric
Hektar by Parametric is a web-based generative planning application that produces early-stage building massing and volume studies from site inputs, map-backed context, and housing typologies, with scenario comparison and export to OBJ, 3DM, and CSV.
Early in a project, teams need quick ways to test how much can fit on a site and how massing might perform before detailed BIM work. Hektar targets that phase with server-side generative runs that evolve proposals from your framework toward more detailed layouts while keeping quantities and ratios for review (Parametric, 2025).
The workflow centers on a map with worldwide coverage through Mapbox and OpenStreet Map data, site boundaries, and overlays such as images or CAD linework. You can steer parking, greenery, non-buildable zones, access points, and typology mixes, then filter and compare scenarios and share links with collaborators instead of sending static printouts alone.
Generative methods combine evolutionary algorithms with generative intelligence so the tool can surface options a team might not sketch by hand, including early consideration of light and sun in the geometry pipeline. Imports include JPG or PNG, DWG or DXF, and zoning plan inputs where applicable; exports include OBJ, 3DM, and CSV for downstream use.
Pricing is published as a free tier with a daily generation cap and a paid tier with unlimited generations and exports. The vendor states more than six thousand users on the product site, which signals active adoption for architecture, development, and public-sector planning workflows (Parametric, 2025).
Specifications
Pricing
Platforms
Used for
Used by
Tasks
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clear focus on early volume studies before detailed modeling
- Published free tier plus a monthly paid tier with unlimited generations
- Map-backed workflow with CAD and image import options
- Sharing and compare views for team and client review
Cons
- Web app entry point shows authentication screens rather than a long public marketing page at the same URL
- Export formats are OBJ, 3DM, and CSV rather than native IFC-first exchange
- Generation limits on the free tier require upgrading for heavy daily use
Key features
Map-based sites: Draw site boundaries and work with Mapbox and OpenStreet Map context for projects in many locations.
Generative scenarios: Evolutionary algorithms and generative intelligence propose massing options from typologies and numerical targets you set.
Site controls: Adjust parking, greenery, buildable depth, non-buildable zones, streets, and related inputs to match local intent.
Compare and share: Filter scenarios, build compare views, invite viewers, and share links for feedback.
Exports: Download proposals as OBJ or 3DM and tabular data as CSV on eligible plans.
Imports: Bring in JPG or PNG, DWG or DXF, and zoning plan material to align the study with your references.
Pricing
Free
per month
Free
Three generations per day. Verify limits on the vendor pricing page.
Early bird
per month
€25.00
Unlimited generations and exports per public pricing. Confirm region and tax on the vendor site.
Frequently asked questions
What is Hektar by Parametric used for?
It is used for early-stage urban and building volume studies. Teams define a site, set typologies and targets, and generate multiple massing scenarios to compare before deeper BIM authoring.
How much does Hektar cost per month?
The vendor lists a free tier with three generations per day and a paid Early bird tier at 25 EUR per user per month with unlimited generations and exports. Confirm current pricing on the Parametric pricing page before purchase.
Does Hektar export to Revit or IFC?
The public pricing and product pages highlight export to OBJ, 3DM, and CSV. Treat BIM exchange as downstream: verify any Revit or openBIM workflow on official docs or support if you need a specific bridge.
Can Hektar import CAD or images for a site?
Yes. Getting started documentation describes importing JPG or PNG images and DWG or DXF linework as overlays to guide the site boundary and study setup.
Is Hektar only for housing projects?
The product emphasizes multi-family and single-family typologies and urban-scale studies. You should confirm fit for non-residential programs against your brief using the typology documentation on the vendor site.
How does Hektar handle collaboration?
You can invite people with accounts, use shareable links for controlled viewing, and create compare views so stakeholders review scenarios without exporting everything to static files alone.