This paper describes the development and evaluation of a range of metaheuristic search algorithms applied to the optimal design of two-dimensional layout problems, with the particular application on residential building construction. Results are presented to allow the performance of the different algorithms to be compared in the pareto-optimal solution space, with resulting solutions identified and analysed in the objective space. These results show that all of the algorithms investigated have the potential to be applied to optimise material layout and improve the design processes used during building construction.