diff --git a/benches/Cargo.toml b/benches/Cargo.toml
index 9854204a..3e6372eb 100644
--- a/benches/Cargo.toml
+++ b/benches/Cargo.toml
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ honeycomb.workspace = true
 rayon.workspace = true
 
 [dev-dependencies]
-honeycomb-core = { workspace = true, features = ["utils"] }
+honeycomb-core.workspace = true
 criterion = { workspace = true, features = ["html_reports"] }
 iai-callgrind.workspace = true
 rand = { workspace = true, features = ["small_rng"] }
diff --git a/examples/Cargo.toml b/examples/Cargo.toml
index 9644836b..573dfb06 100644
--- a/examples/Cargo.toml
+++ b/examples/Cargo.toml
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ publish = false
 autoexamples = false
 
 [dev-dependencies]
-honeycomb-core = { workspace = true, features = ["utils", "io"] }
+honeycomb-core = { workspace = true, features = ["io"] }
 honeycomb-render = { workspace = true }
 honeycomb-kernels = { workspace = true }
 rand = { workspace = true, features = ["small_rng"] }
@@ -33,12 +33,6 @@ path = "examples/io/read.rs"
 name = "io_write"
 path = "examples/io/write.rs"
 
-# memory usage
-
-[[example]]
-name = "memory_usage"
-path = "examples/memory_usage/compute.rs"
-
 # parallelization
 
 [[example]]
diff --git a/examples/examples/memory_usage/compute.rs b/examples/examples/memory_usage/compute.rs
deleted file mode 100644
index 45b03631..00000000
--- a/examples/examples/memory_usage/compute.rs
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,27 +0,0 @@
-use honeycomb_core::prelude::{CMap2, CMapBuilder, DartIdType};
-
-pub fn main() {
-    // create a 3x3 grid & remove the central square
-    let mut cmap: CMap2<f64> = CMapBuilder::unit_grid(3).build().unwrap();
-    // darts making up the central square
-    let (d1, d2, d3, d4): (DartIdType, DartIdType, DartIdType, DartIdType) = (17, 18, 19, 20);
-    // separate the square from the rest
-    cmap.force_two_unsew(d1);
-    cmap.force_two_unsew(d2);
-    cmap.force_two_unsew(d3);
-    cmap.force_two_unsew(d4);
-    // separate dart individually
-    cmap.force_one_unsew(d1);
-    cmap.force_one_unsew(d2);
-    cmap.force_one_unsew(d3);
-    cmap.force_one_unsew(d4);
-    // remove darts
-    cmap.remove_free_dart(d1);
-    cmap.remove_free_dart(d2);
-    cmap.remove_free_dart(d3);
-    cmap.remove_free_dart(d4);
-    // dump memory usage
-    cmap.used_size("memusage_example").unwrap();
-    cmap.allocated_size("memusage_example").unwrap();
-    cmap.effective_size("memusage_example").unwrap();
-}
diff --git a/examples/examples/memory_usage/plot.py b/examples/examples/memory_usage/plot.py
deleted file mode 100644
index e8f5cacd..00000000
--- a/examples/examples/memory_usage/plot.py
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,259 +0,0 @@
-import csv
-import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
-import sys
-
-
-# Parse command line input
-def parseCommandLine():
-    opts = [opt for opt in sys.argv[1:] if opt.startswith("-")]
-    args = [arg for arg in sys.argv[1:] if not arg.startswith("-")]
-
-    if len(args) > 1:
-        print("E: Multiple arguments provided when only one is needed")
-        print("Usage: $ python3 plot_memory_usage.py <CSVFILE> <OPTIONS>")
-        exit(-1)
-
-    if len(args) == 0:
-        print("E: No input file specified")
-        print("Usage: $ python3 plot_memory_usage.py <CSVFILE> <OPTIONS>")
-        exit(-2)
-
-    filename = args[0]
-
-    show = False
-    overview = False
-    detailed = False
-    all_cats = False
-
-    if ".csv" not in filename:
-        print("W: Specified file may not have the correct format")
-
-    if "--help" in opts or "-h" in opts:  # --help / -h -- prints a help message
-        print("Usage: $ python3 plot_memory_usage.py <CSVFILE> <OPTIONS>")
-        print("Available options:")
-        print("  --help       -h  --  prints this message")
-        print("  --overview   -o  --  generates a plot exclusively using total category values")
-        print("  --detailed   -d  --  generates a plot using all values of each category")
-        print("  --all        -a  --  generates a zoomed-in plot for each category")
-        exit(0)
-
-    if "--show" in opts:
-        show = True
-    if "--overview" in opts or "-o" in opts:
-        overview = True
-    if "--detailed" in opts or "-d" in opts:
-        detailed = True
-    if "--all" in opts or "-a" in opts:
-        all_cats = True
-
-    return (filename, show, overview, detailed, all_cats)
-
-
-# Parse file input
-def parseDataFromFile(filename: str):
-    beta = []
-    geometry = []
-    others = []
-    totals = []
-
-    with open(filename, newline='') as csvfile:
-        rdr = csv.reader(csvfile, delimiter=',')
-        for row in rdr:
-            print(row)
-            if "beta_" in row[0]:
-                if "total" in row[0]:
-                    totals.append(int(row[1]))
-                else:
-                    beta.append(int(row[1]))
-            elif "geometry_" in row[0]:
-                if "total" in row[0]:
-                    totals.append(int(row[1]))
-                else:
-                    geometry.append(int(row[1]))
-            elif "others" in row[0]:
-                if "total" in row[0]:
-                    totals.append(int(row[1]))
-                else:
-                    others.append(int(row[1]))
-    return (beta, geometry, others, totals)
-
-
-# Main code
-def run():
-    filename, show, overview, detailed, all_cats = parseCommandLine()
-    beta, geometry, others, totals = parseDataFromFile(filename)
-
-    category_labels = ["Beta", "Attributes", "Others"]
-    beta_labels = ["β0", "β1", "β2"]
-    geometry_labels = ["vertex"]
-    others_labels = ["freedarts", "counters"]
-    explode = [0.02, 0.02, 0.02]
-
-    save_file = filename[0:-4]
-
-    if overview:
-        ofig, oax = plt.subplots()
-        oax.pie(totals,
-                explode=explode,
-                wedgeprops={"edgecolor": "white"},
-                autopct='%1.1f%%')
-        plt.legend(
-            title="Categories",
-            ncol=1,
-            labels=category_labels,
-            loc="center right",
-            bbox_to_anchor=(1.3, 0.5),
-            draggable=True)
-        plt.title("Memory Usage: Overview")
-        if show:
-            plt.show()
-        else:
-            plt.savefig(save_file + "_overview.svg")
-
-    if detailed:
-        dfig, dax = plt.subplots()
-
-        size = 0.3
-        vals = beta + geometry + others
-
-        cmap = plt.colormaps["tab20c"]
-        outer_colors = cmap([0, 4, 8])
-        inner_colors = cmap([1, 2, 3, 5, 9, 10])
-
-        dax.pie(totals,
-                radius=1,
-                colors=outer_colors,
-                autopct='%1.1f%%',
-                pctdistance=1.25,
-                explode=explode,
-                wedgeprops=dict(width=size, edgecolor='w'))
-
-        dax.pie(vals,
-                radius=1 - size,
-                colors=inner_colors,
-                labels=beta_labels + geometry_labels + others_labels,
-                labeldistance=.65,
-                textprops={'size': 'xx-small'},
-                explode=[0.02, 0.02, 0.02, 0.02, 0.02, 0.02],
-                wedgeprops=dict(width=size, edgecolor='w'))
-
-        plt.title("Memory Usage: Detailed")
-        plt.legend(
-            title="Categories",
-            ncol=1,
-            labels=category_labels,
-            loc="center right",
-            bbox_to_anchor=(1.3, 0.5),
-            draggable=True)
-        if show:
-            plt.show()
-        else:
-            plt.savefig(save_file + "_detailed.svg")
-
-    if all_cats:
-        cmap = plt.colormaps["tab20c"]
-        pie_colors = cmap([0, 4, 8, 12])
-        beta_colors = cmap([1, 2, 3])
-        geometry_colors = cmap([5])
-        others_colors = cmap([9, 10])
-
-        # --- beta chart ---
-        beta_afig, (beta_aax1, beta_aax2) = plt.subplots(1, 2, figsize=(9, 5))
-        beta_afig.subplots_adjust(wspace=0)
-
-        beta_aax1.pie(totals,
-                      labels=category_labels,
-                      explode=explode,
-                      colors=pie_colors,
-                      wedgeprops={"edgecolor": "white"},
-                      autopct='%1.1f%%')
-        plt.title("Memory Usage: Beta functions")
-
-        beta_ratios = [b / totals[0] for b in beta]
-        bottom = 1
-        width = .2
-
-        for j, (height, label) in enumerate(reversed([*zip(beta_ratios, beta_labels)])):
-            bottom -= height
-            bc = beta_aax2.bar(0, height, width, bottom=bottom, color=beta_colors, label=label,
-                               alpha=0.1 + 0.25 * j)
-            beta_aax2.bar_label(bc, labels=[f"{height:.0%}"], label_type='center')
-
-        beta_aax2.set_title("Beta functions")
-        beta_aax2.legend()
-        beta_aax2.axis('off')
-        beta_aax2.set_xlim(- 2.5 * width, 2.5 * width)
-
-        if show:
-            plt.show()
-        else:
-            plt.savefig(save_file + "_beta.svg")
-
-        # --- geometry chart ---
-        geometry_afig, (geometry_aax1, geometry_aax2) = plt.subplots(1, 2, figsize=(9, 5))
-        geometry_afig.subplots_adjust(wspace=0)
-
-        geometry_aax1.pie(totals,
-                          labels=category_labels,
-                          explode=explode,
-                          colors=pie_colors,
-                          wedgeprops={"edgecolor": "white"},
-                          autopct='%1.1f%%')
-        plt.title("Memory Usage: Attributes")
-
-        geometry_ratios = [g / totals[1] for g in geometry]
-        bottom = 1
-        width = .2
-
-        for j, (height, label) in enumerate(reversed([*zip(geometry_ratios, geometry_labels)])):
-            bottom -= height
-            bc = geometry_aax2.bar(0, height, width, bottom=bottom, color=geometry_colors, label=label,
-                                   alpha=0.1 + 0.25 * j)
-            geometry_aax2.bar_label(bc, labels=[f"{height:.0%}"], label_type='center')
-
-        geometry_aax2.set_title("Attributes")
-        geometry_aax2.legend()
-        geometry_aax2.axis('off')
-        geometry_aax2.set_xlim(- 2.5 * width, 2.5 * width)
-
-        if show:
-            plt.show()
-        else:
-            plt.savefig(save_file + "_attributes.svg")
-
-        # --- others chart ---
-        others_afig, (others_aax1, others_aax2) = plt.subplots(1, 2, figsize=(9, 5))
-        others_afig.subplots_adjust(wspace=0)
-
-        others_aax1.pie(totals,
-                        labels=category_labels,
-                        explode=explode,
-                        colors=pie_colors,
-                        wedgeprops={"edgecolor": "white"},
-                        autopct='%1.1f%%')
-        plt.title("Memory Usage: Miscellaneous data")
-
-        others_ratios = [o / totals[2] for o in others]
-        bottom = 1
-        width = .2
-
-        for j, (height, label) in enumerate(reversed([*zip(others_ratios, others_labels)])):
-            bottom -= height
-            bc = others_aax2.bar(0, height, width, bottom=bottom, color=others_colors, label=label,
-                                 alpha=0.1 + 0.25 * j)
-            others_aax2.bar_label(bc, labels=[f"{height:.0%}"], label_type='center')
-
-        others_aax2.set_title("Miscellaneous data")
-        others_aax2.legend()
-        others_aax2.axis('off')
-        others_aax2.set_xlim(- 2.5 * width, 2.5 * width)
-
-        if show:
-            plt.show()
-        else:
-            plt.savefig(save_file + "_others.svg")
-
-
-# Main
-if __name__ == "__main__":
-    run()
diff --git a/honeycomb-core/Cargo.toml b/honeycomb-core/Cargo.toml
index 6fc2d111..b06939f7 100644
--- a/honeycomb-core/Cargo.toml
+++ b/honeycomb-core/Cargo.toml
@@ -14,7 +14,6 @@ publish = true
 
 [features]
 io = ["dep:vtkio"]
-utils = []
 
 # deps
 
diff --git a/honeycomb-core/src/attributes/collections.rs b/honeycomb-core/src/attributes/collections.rs
index 36843c22..22df8172 100644
--- a/honeycomb-core/src/attributes/collections.rs
+++ b/honeycomb-core/src/attributes/collections.rs
@@ -204,24 +204,3 @@ impl<A: AttributeBind + AttributeUpdate> AttributeStorage<A> for AttrSparseVec<A
         self.remove_core(trans, &id)
     }
 }
-
-#[cfg(feature = "utils")]
-impl<T: AttributeBind + AttributeUpdate> AttrSparseVec<T> {
-    /// Return the amount of space allocated for the storage.
-    #[must_use = "returned value is not used, consider removing this method call"]
-    pub fn allocated_size(&self) -> usize {
-        self.data.capacity() * std::mem::size_of::<Option<T>>()
-    }
-
-    /// Return the total amount of space used by the storage.
-    #[must_use = "returned value is not used, consider removing this method call"]
-    pub fn effective_size(&self) -> usize {
-        self.data.len() * std::mem::size_of::<Option<T>>()
-    }
-
-    /// Return the amount of space used by valid entries of the storage.
-    #[must_use = "returned value is not used, consider removing this method call"]
-    pub fn used_size(&self) -> usize {
-        self.n_attributes() * size_of::<TVar<Option<T>>>()
-    }
-}
diff --git a/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/grid/building_routines.rs b/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/grid.rs
similarity index 58%
rename from honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/grid/building_routines.rs
rename to honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/grid.rs
index c1c9179b..42e910bb 100644
--- a/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/grid/building_routines.rs
+++ b/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/grid.rs
@@ -1,19 +1,167 @@
-//! Internal grid-building routines
-//!
-//! Grids are built from left to right (ascending X), from bottom to top (ascending Y). We rely on
-//! this logic to compute the value of each beta function entry, as well as bind orbits to vertices.
-//!
-//! See [`CMapBuilder::unit_grid`] and [`CMapBuilder::unit_triangles`] documentation entries.
+use crate::prelude::{BuilderError, CMap2, DartIdType, Vector2, Vertex2};
+use crate::{attributes::AttrStorageManager, geometry::CoordsFloat};
 
-// ------ IMPORTS
+// --- grid descriptor
 
-#[cfg(doc)]
-use crate::prelude::CMapBuilder;
+/// Grid description used to generate maps via the map builder.
+///
+/// The user must specify two out of these three characteristics:
+///
+/// - `n_cells: [usize; 3]` -- The number of cells per axis
+/// - `len_per_cell: [T; 3]` -- The dimensions of cells per axis
+/// - `lens: [T; 3]` -- The dimensions of the grid per axis
+///
+/// # Generics
+///
+/// - `T: CoordsFloat` -- Generic type of the future map object.
+#[derive(Default, Clone)]
+pub struct GridDescriptor<T: CoordsFloat> {
+    pub(crate) origin: Vertex2<T>,
+    pub(crate) n_cells: Option<[usize; 3]>,
+    pub(crate) len_per_cell: Option<[T; 3]>,
+    pub(crate) lens: Option<[T; 3]>,
+    pub(crate) split_quads: bool,
+}
 
-use crate::prelude::{CMap2, DartIdType, Vector2, Vertex2};
-use crate::{attributes::AttrStorageManager, geometry::CoordsFloat};
+macro_rules! setters {
+    ($fld: ident, $fldx: ident, $fldy: ident, $fldz: ident, $zero: expr, $fldty: ty) => {
+        /// Set values for all dimensions
+        #[must_use = "unused builder object, consider removing this method call"]
+        pub fn $fld(mut self, $fld: [$fldty; 3]) -> Self {
+            self.$fld = Some($fld);
+            self
+        }
+
+        /// Set x-axis value
+        #[must_use = "unused builder object, consider removing this method call"]
+        pub fn $fldx(mut self, $fld: $fldty) -> Self {
+            if let Some([ptr, _, _]) = &mut self.$fld {
+                *ptr = $fld;
+            } else {
+                self.$fld = Some([$fld, $zero, $zero]);
+            }
+            self
+        }
+
+        /// Set y-axis value
+        #[must_use = "unused builder object, consider removing this method call"]
+        pub fn $fldy(mut self, $fld: $fldty) -> Self {
+            if let Some([_, ptr, _]) = &mut self.$fld {
+                *ptr = $fld;
+            } else {
+                self.$fld = Some([$zero, $fld, $zero]);
+            }
+            self
+        }
+
+        /// Set z-axis value
+        #[must_use = "unused builder object, consider removing this method call"]
+        pub fn $fldz(mut self, $fld: $fldty) -> Self {
+            if let Some([_, _, ptr]) = &mut self.$fld {
+                *ptr = $fld;
+            } else {
+                self.$fld = Some([$zero, $zero, $fld]);
+            }
+            self
+        }
+    };
+}
+
+impl<T: CoordsFloat> GridDescriptor<T> {
+    // n_cells
+    setters!(n_cells, n_cells_x, n_cells_y, n_cells_z, 0, usize);
+
+    // len_per_cell
+    setters!(
+        len_per_cell,
+        len_per_cell_x,
+        len_per_cell_y,
+        len_per_cell_z,
+        T::zero(),
+        T
+    );
+
+    // lens
+    setters!(lens, lens_x, lens_y, lens_z, T::zero(), T);
+
+    /// Set origin (most bottom-left vertex) of the grid
+    #[must_use = "unused builder object, consider removing this method call"]
+    pub fn origin(mut self, origin: Vertex2<T>) -> Self {
+        self.origin = origin;
+        self
+    }
+
+    /// Indicate whether to split quads of the grid
+    #[must_use = "unused builder object, consider removing this method call"]
+    pub fn split_quads(mut self, split: bool) -> Self {
+        self.split_quads = split;
+        self
+    }
+}
+
+// --- parsing routine
+
+macro_rules! check_parameters {
+    ($id: ident, $msg: expr) => {
+        if $id.is_sign_negative() | $id.is_zero() {
+            return Err(BuilderError::InvalidGridParameters($msg));
+        }
+    };
+}
+
+impl<T: CoordsFloat> GridDescriptor<T> {
+    /// Parse provided grid parameters to provide what's used to actually generate the grid.
+    #[allow(clippy::type_complexity)]
+    pub(crate) fn parse_2d(self) -> Result<(Vertex2<T>, [usize; 2], [T; 2]), BuilderError> {
+        match (self.n_cells, self.len_per_cell, self.lens) {
+            // from # cells and lengths per cell
+            (Some([nx, ny, _]), Some([lpx, lpy, _]), lens) => {
+                if lens.is_some() {
+                    eprintln!("W: All three grid parameters were specified, total lengths will be ignored");
+                }
+                #[rustfmt::skip]
+                check_parameters!(lpx, "length per x cell is null or negative");
+                #[rustfmt::skip]
+                check_parameters!(lpy, "length per y cell is null or negative");
+                Ok((self.origin, [nx, ny], [lpx, lpy]))
+            }
+            // from # cells and total lengths
+            (Some([nx, ny, _]), None, Some([lx, ly, _])) => {
+                #[rustfmt::skip]
+                check_parameters!(lx, "grid length along x is null or negative");
+                #[rustfmt::skip]
+                check_parameters!(ly, "grid length along y is null or negative");
+                Ok((
+                    self.origin,
+                    [nx, ny],
+                    [lx / T::from(nx).unwrap(), ly / T::from(ny).unwrap()],
+                ))
+            }
+            // from lengths per cell and total lengths
+            (None, Some([lpx, lpy, _]), Some([lx, ly, _])) => {
+                #[rustfmt::skip]
+                check_parameters!(lpx, "length per x cell is null or negative");
+                #[rustfmt::skip]
+                check_parameters!(lpy, "length per y cell is null or negative");
+                #[rustfmt::skip]
+                check_parameters!(lx, "grid length along x is null or negative");
+                #[rustfmt::skip]
+                check_parameters!(ly, "grid length along y is null or negative");
+                Ok((
+                    self.origin,
+                    [
+                        (lx / lpx).ceil().to_usize().unwrap(),
+                        (ly / lpy).ceil().to_usize().unwrap(),
+                    ],
+                    [lpx, lpy],
+                ))
+            }
+            (_, _, _) => Err(BuilderError::MissingGridParameters),
+        }
+    }
+}
 
-// ------ CONTENT
+// --- building routines
 
 /// Internal grid-building routine
 #[allow(clippy::too_many_lines)]
diff --git a/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/grid/descriptor.rs b/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/grid/descriptor.rs
deleted file mode 100644
index 91a940c5..00000000
--- a/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/grid/descriptor.rs
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,171 +0,0 @@
-//! Main grid descriptor implementation
-
-// ------ IMPORTS
-
-use crate::geometry::CoordsFloat;
-use crate::prelude::{BuilderError, Vertex2};
-
-#[cfg(doc)]
-use crate::prelude::CMapBuilder;
-
-// ------ CONTENT
-
-/// Grid description used to generate maps via the map builder.
-///
-/// The user must specify two out of these three characteristics:
-///
-/// - `n_cells: [usize; 3]` -- The number of cells per axis
-/// - `len_per_cell: [T; 3]` -- The dimensions of cells per axis
-/// - `lens: [T; 3]` -- The dimensions of the grid per axis
-///
-/// # Generics
-///
-/// - `T: CoordsFloat` -- Generic type of the future map object.
-#[derive(Default, Clone)]
-pub struct GridDescriptor<T: CoordsFloat> {
-    pub(crate) origin: Vertex2<T>,
-    pub(crate) n_cells: Option<[usize; 3]>,
-    pub(crate) len_per_cell: Option<[T; 3]>,
-    pub(crate) lens: Option<[T; 3]>,
-    pub(crate) split_quads: bool,
-}
-
-// --- setters
-
-macro_rules! setters {
-    ($fld: ident, $fldx: ident, $fldy: ident, $fldz: ident, $zero: expr, $fldty: ty) => {
-        /// Set values for all dimensions
-        #[must_use = "unused builder object, consider removing this method call"]
-        pub fn $fld(mut self, $fld: [$fldty; 3]) -> Self {
-            self.$fld = Some($fld);
-            self
-        }
-
-        /// Set x-axis value
-        #[must_use = "unused builder object, consider removing this method call"]
-        pub fn $fldx(mut self, $fld: $fldty) -> Self {
-            if let Some([ptr, _, _]) = &mut self.$fld {
-                *ptr = $fld;
-            } else {
-                self.$fld = Some([$fld, $zero, $zero]);
-            }
-            self
-        }
-
-        /// Set y-axis value
-        #[must_use = "unused builder object, consider removing this method call"]
-        pub fn $fldy(mut self, $fld: $fldty) -> Self {
-            if let Some([_, ptr, _]) = &mut self.$fld {
-                *ptr = $fld;
-            } else {
-                self.$fld = Some([$zero, $fld, $zero]);
-            }
-            self
-        }
-
-        /// Set z-axis value
-        #[must_use = "unused builder object, consider removing this method call"]
-        pub fn $fldz(mut self, $fld: $fldty) -> Self {
-            if let Some([_, _, ptr]) = &mut self.$fld {
-                *ptr = $fld;
-            } else {
-                self.$fld = Some([$zero, $zero, $fld]);
-            }
-            self
-        }
-    };
-}
-
-impl<T: CoordsFloat> GridDescriptor<T> {
-    // n_cells
-    setters!(n_cells, n_cells_x, n_cells_y, n_cells_z, 0, usize);
-
-    // len_per_cell
-    setters!(
-        len_per_cell,
-        len_per_cell_x,
-        len_per_cell_y,
-        len_per_cell_z,
-        T::zero(),
-        T
-    );
-
-    // lens
-    setters!(lens, lens_x, lens_y, lens_z, T::zero(), T);
-
-    /// Set origin (most bottom-left vertex) of the grid
-    #[must_use = "unused builder object, consider removing this method call"]
-    pub fn origin(mut self, origin: Vertex2<T>) -> Self {
-        self.origin = origin;
-        self
-    }
-
-    /// Indicate whether to split quads of the grid
-    #[must_use = "unused builder object, consider removing this method call"]
-    pub fn split_quads(mut self, split: bool) -> Self {
-        self.split_quads = split;
-        self
-    }
-}
-
-// --- parsing routine
-
-macro_rules! check_parameters {
-    ($id: ident, $msg: expr) => {
-        if $id.is_sign_negative() | $id.is_zero() {
-            return Err(BuilderError::InvalidGridParameters($msg));
-        }
-    };
-}
-
-impl<T: CoordsFloat> GridDescriptor<T> {
-    /// Parse provided grid parameters to provide what's used to actually generate the grid.
-    #[allow(clippy::type_complexity)]
-    pub(crate) fn parse_2d(self) -> Result<(Vertex2<T>, [usize; 2], [T; 2]), BuilderError> {
-        match (self.n_cells, self.len_per_cell, self.lens) {
-            // from # cells and lengths per cell
-            (Some([nx, ny, _]), Some([lpx, lpy, _]), lens) => {
-                if lens.is_some() {
-                    eprintln!("W: All three grid parameters were specified, total lengths will be ignored");
-                }
-                #[rustfmt::skip]
-                check_parameters!(lpx, "length per x cell is null or negative");
-                #[rustfmt::skip]
-                check_parameters!(lpy, "length per y cell is null or negative");
-                Ok((self.origin, [nx, ny], [lpx, lpy]))
-            }
-            // from # cells and total lengths
-            (Some([nx, ny, _]), None, Some([lx, ly, _])) => {
-                #[rustfmt::skip]
-                check_parameters!(lx, "grid length along x is null or negative");
-                #[rustfmt::skip]
-                check_parameters!(ly, "grid length along y is null or negative");
-                Ok((
-                    self.origin,
-                    [nx, ny],
-                    [lx / T::from(nx).unwrap(), ly / T::from(ny).unwrap()],
-                ))
-            }
-            // from lengths per cell and total lengths
-            (None, Some([lpx, lpy, _]), Some([lx, ly, _])) => {
-                #[rustfmt::skip]
-                check_parameters!(lpx, "length per x cell is null or negative");
-                #[rustfmt::skip]
-                check_parameters!(lpy, "length per y cell is null or negative");
-                #[rustfmt::skip]
-                check_parameters!(lx, "grid length along x is null or negative");
-                #[rustfmt::skip]
-                check_parameters!(ly, "grid length along y is null or negative");
-                Ok((
-                    self.origin,
-                    [
-                        (lx / lpx).ceil().to_usize().unwrap(),
-                        (ly / lpy).ceil().to_usize().unwrap(),
-                    ],
-                    [lpx, lpy],
-                ))
-            }
-            (_, _, _) => Err(BuilderError::MissingGridParameters),
-        }
-    }
-}
diff --git a/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/grid/mod.rs b/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/grid/mod.rs
deleted file mode 100644
index dab33e64..00000000
--- a/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/grid/mod.rs
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,106 +0,0 @@
-//! Utility for sample map generation
-//!
-//! This module contains code used to generate maps that represent grids. These have a variety
-//! of usages, most notably in tests, benchmarks, and specific algorithms.
-
-// ------ MODULE DECLARATIONS
-
-pub mod building_routines;
-pub mod descriptor;
-
-// ------ RE-EXPORTS
-
-use crate::geometry::CoordsFloat;
-use crate::prelude::{CMapBuilder, GridDescriptor};
-
-// ------ CONTENT
-
-// --- impl items for CMapBuilder
-
-impl<T: CoordsFloat> CMapBuilder<T> {
-    #[cfg(feature = "utils")]
-    /// Set the [`GridDescriptor`] that will be used when building the map.
-    #[must_use = "unused builder object, consider removing this method call"]
-    pub fn grid_descriptor(mut self, grid_descriptor: GridDescriptor<T>) -> Self {
-        self.grid_descriptor = Some(grid_descriptor);
-        self
-    }
-}
-/// Create a [`CMapBuilder`] from a [`GridDescriptor`].
-///
-/// This implementation is roughly equivalent to the following:
-///
-/// ```rust
-/// # use honeycomb_core::prelude::{CMapBuilder, GridDescriptor};
-/// // setup grid descriptor
-/// let gridd = GridDescriptor::default();
-/// // ...
-///
-/// // `CMapBuilder::from(gridd)`, or:
-/// let builder = CMapBuilder::<f64>::default().grid_descriptor(gridd);
-/// ```
-#[cfg(feature = "utils")]
-impl<T: CoordsFloat> From<GridDescriptor<T>> for CMapBuilder<T> {
-    fn from(value: GridDescriptor<T>) -> Self {
-        CMapBuilder {
-            grid_descriptor: Some(value),
-            ..Default::default()
-        }
-    }
-}
-
-// --- predefinite grid setups for CMapBuilder
-
-impl<T: CoordsFloat> CMapBuilder<T> {
-    /// Create a [`CMapBuilder`] with a predefinite [`GridDescriptor`] value.
-    ///
-    /// # Arguments
-    ///
-    /// - `n_square: usize` -- Number of cells along each axis.
-    ///
-    /// # Return
-    ///
-    /// This function return a builder structure with predefinite parameters to generate
-    /// a specific map.
-    ///
-    /// The map generated by this predefinite value corresponds to an orthogonal mesh, with an
-    /// equal number of cells along each axis.
-    ///
-    /// ![`CMAP2_GRID`](https://lihpc-computational-geometry.github.io/honeycomb/images/bg_grid.svg)
-    #[must_use = "unused builder object, consider removing this function call"]
-    pub fn unit_grid(n_square: usize) -> Self {
-        GridDescriptor::default()
-            .n_cells([n_square; 3])
-            .len_per_cell([T::one(); 3])
-            .into()
-    }
-
-    /// Create a [`CMapBuilder`] with a predefinite [`GridDescriptor`] value.
-    ///
-    /// # Arguments
-    ///
-    /// - `n_square: usize` -- Number of cells along each axis.
-    ///
-    /// # Return
-    ///
-    /// This function return a builder structure with predefinite parameters to generate
-    /// a specific map.
-    ///
-    /// The map generated by this predefinite value corresponds to an orthogonal mesh, with an
-    /// equal number of cells along each axis. Each cell will be split across their diagonal (top
-    /// left to bottom right) to form triangles.
-    ///
-    /// ![`CMAP2_GRID`](https://lihpc-computational-geometry.github.io/honeycomb/images/bg_grid_tri.svg)
-    #[must_use = "unused builder object, consider removing this function call"]
-    pub fn unit_triangles(n_square: usize) -> Self {
-        GridDescriptor::default()
-            .n_cells([n_square; 3])
-            .len_per_cell([T::one(); 3])
-            .split_quads(true)
-            .into()
-    }
-}
-
-// ------ TESTS
-#[cfg(test)]
-mod tests;
diff --git a/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/grid/tests.rs b/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/grid/tests.rs
deleted file mode 100644
index 5fc9baad..00000000
--- a/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/grid/tests.rs
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,354 +0,0 @@
-// ------ IMPORTS
-
-use crate::prelude::{CMap2, CMapBuilder, GridDescriptor};
-
-// ------ CONTENT
-
-// --- descriptor
-
-#[test]
-fn build_nc_lpc_l() {
-    let descriptor = GridDescriptor::default()
-        .n_cells([4, 4, 0])
-        .len_per_cell([1.0_f64, 1.0_f64, 1.0_f64])
-        .lens([4.0_f64, 4.0_f64, 4.0_f64]);
-    assert!(descriptor.clone().parse_2d().is_ok());
-    assert!(descriptor.split_quads(true).parse_2d().is_ok());
-}
-
-#[test]
-fn build_nc_lpc() {
-    let descriptor = GridDescriptor::default()
-        .n_cells([4, 4, 0])
-        .len_per_cell([1.0_f64, 1.0_f64, 1.0_f64]);
-    assert!(descriptor.clone().parse_2d().is_ok());
-    assert!(descriptor.split_quads(true).parse_2d().is_ok());
-}
-
-#[test]
-fn build_nc_l() {
-    let descriptor = GridDescriptor::default()
-        .n_cells_x(4)
-        .n_cells_y(4)
-        .lens([4.0_f64, 4.0_f64, 4.0_f64]);
-    assert!(descriptor.clone().parse_2d().is_ok());
-    assert!(descriptor.split_quads(true).parse_2d().is_ok());
-}
-
-#[test]
-fn build_lpc_l() {
-    let descriptor = GridDescriptor::default()
-        .len_per_cell_x(1.0_f64)
-        .len_per_cell_y(1.0_f64)
-        .lens_x(4.0)
-        .lens_y(4.0);
-    assert!(descriptor.clone().parse_2d().is_ok());
-    assert!(descriptor.split_quads(true).parse_2d().is_ok());
-}
-
-#[test]
-fn build_incomplete() {
-    assert!(GridDescriptor::default()
-        .len_per_cell([1.0_f64, 1.0_f64, 1.0_f64])
-        .parse_2d()
-        .is_err());
-    assert!(<GridDescriptor<f64>>::default()
-        .n_cells([4, 4, 0])
-        .parse_2d()
-        .is_err());
-    assert!(GridDescriptor::default()
-        .lens([4.0_f64, 4.0_f64, 4.0_f64])
-        .parse_2d()
-        .is_err());
-}
-
-#[test]
-#[should_panic(expected = "length per y cell is null or negative")]
-fn build_neg_lpc() {
-    let tmp = GridDescriptor::default()
-        .n_cells([4, 4, 0])
-        .len_per_cell([1.0_f64, -1.0_f64, 1.0_f64])
-        .parse_2d();
-    let _ = tmp.unwrap(); // panic on Err(BuilderError::InvalidParameters)
-}
-
-#[test]
-#[should_panic(expected = "grid length along x is null or negative")]
-fn build_null_l() {
-    let tmp = GridDescriptor::default()
-        .n_cells([4, 4, 0])
-        .lens([0.0_f64, 4.0_f64, 4.0_f64])
-        .parse_2d();
-    let _ = tmp.unwrap(); // panic on Err(BuilderError::InvalidParameters)
-}
-
-#[test]
-#[should_panic(expected = "length per x cell is null or negative")]
-fn build_neg_lpc_neg_l() {
-    // lpc are parsed first so their panic msg should be the one to pop
-    // x val is parsed first so ...
-    let tmp = GridDescriptor::default()
-        .len_per_cell([-1.0_f64, -1.0_f64, 1.0_f64])
-        .lens([0.0_f64, 4.0_f64, 4.0_f64])
-        .parse_2d();
-    let _ = tmp.unwrap(); // panic on Err(BuilderError::InvalidParameters)
-}
-
-// --- grid building
-
-#[test]
-fn square_cmap2_correctness() {
-    let descriptor = GridDescriptor::default()
-        .n_cells([2, 2, 2])
-        .len_per_cell([1., 1., 1.]);
-    let cmap: CMap2<f64> = CMapBuilder::from(descriptor).build().unwrap();
-
-    // hardcoded because using a generic loop & dim would just mean
-    // reusing the same pattern as the one used during construction
-
-    // face 0
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(1), 1);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(2), 1);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(3), 1);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(4), 1);
-
-    // i-cell uses beta 0 to ensure correctness, so the iterator is BFS-like
-    let mut face = cmap.i_cell::<2>(1);
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(1));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(2)); // b1
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(4)); // b0
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(3)); // b1b1
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), None);
-
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(1), 2);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(2), 3);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(3), 4);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(4), 1);
-
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(1), 0);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(2), 8);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(3), 9);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(4), 0);
-
-    // face 1
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(5), 5);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(6), 5);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(7), 5);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(8), 5);
-
-    let mut face = cmap.i_cell::<2>(5);
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(5));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(6));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(8));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(7));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), None);
-
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(5), 6);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(6), 7);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(7), 8);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(8), 5);
-
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(5), 0);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(6), 0);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(7), 13);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(8), 2);
-
-    // face 2
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(9), 9);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(10), 9);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(11), 9);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(12), 9);
-
-    let mut face = cmap.i_cell::<2>(9);
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(9));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(10));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(12));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(11));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), None);
-
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(9), 10);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(10), 11);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(11), 12);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(12), 9);
-
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(9), 3);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(10), 16);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(11), 0);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(12), 0);
-
-    // face 3
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(13), 13);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(14), 13);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(15), 13);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(16), 13);
-
-    let mut face = cmap.i_cell::<2>(13);
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(13));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(14));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(16));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(15));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), None);
-
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(13), 14);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(14), 15);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(15), 16);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(16), 13);
-
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(13), 7);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(14), 0);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(15), 0);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(16), 10);
-}
-
-#[allow(clippy::too_many_lines)]
-#[test]
-fn splitsquare_cmap2_correctness() {
-    let cmap: CMap2<f64> = CMapBuilder::unit_triangles(2).build().unwrap();
-
-    // hardcoded because using a generic loop & dim would just mean
-    // reusing the same pattern as the one used during construction
-
-    // face 1
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(1), 1);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(2), 1);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(3), 1);
-
-    let mut face = cmap.i_cell::<2>(1);
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(1));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(2));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(3));
-
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(1), 2);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(2), 3);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(3), 1);
-
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(1), 0);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(2), 4);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(3), 0);
-
-    // face 4
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(4), 4);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(5), 4);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(6), 4);
-
-    let mut face = cmap.i_cell::<2>(4);
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(4));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(5));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(6));
-
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(4), 5);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(5), 6);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(6), 4);
-
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(4), 2);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(5), 9);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(6), 13);
-
-    // face 7
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(7), 7);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(8), 7);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(9), 7);
-
-    let mut face = cmap.i_cell::<2>(7);
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(7));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(8));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(9));
-
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(7), 8);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(8), 9);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(9), 7);
-
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(7), 0);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(8), 10);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(9), 5);
-
-    // face 10
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(10), 10);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(11), 10);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(12), 10);
-
-    let mut face = cmap.i_cell::<2>(10);
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(10));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(11));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(12));
-
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(10), 11);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(11), 12);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(12), 10);
-
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(10), 8);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(11), 0);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(12), 19);
-
-    // face 13
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(13), 13);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(14), 13);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(15), 13);
-
-    let mut face = cmap.i_cell::<2>(13);
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(13));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(14));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(15));
-
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(13), 14);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(14), 15);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(15), 13);
-
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(13), 6);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(14), 16);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(15), 0);
-
-    // face 16
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(16), 16);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(17), 16);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(18), 16);
-
-    let mut face = cmap.i_cell::<2>(16);
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(16));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(17));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(18));
-
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(16), 17);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(17), 18);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(18), 16);
-
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(16), 14);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(17), 21);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(18), 0);
-
-    // face 19
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(19), 19);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(20), 19);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(21), 19);
-
-    let mut face = cmap.i_cell::<2>(19);
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(19));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(20));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(21));
-
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(19), 20);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(20), 21);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(21), 19);
-
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(19), 12);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(20), 22);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(21), 17);
-
-    // face 22
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(22), 22);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(23), 22);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(24), 22);
-
-    let mut face = cmap.i_cell::<2>(22);
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(22));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(23));
-    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(24));
-
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(22), 23);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(23), 24);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(24), 22);
-
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(22), 20);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(23), 0);
-    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(24), 0);
-}
diff --git a/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/mod.rs b/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/mod.rs
index 14cbefb9..dd4e59c5 100644
--- a/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/mod.rs
+++ b/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/mod.rs
@@ -2,16 +2,15 @@
 
 // ------ MODULE DECLARATIONS
 
-#[cfg(feature = "utils")]
 pub mod grid;
+pub mod structure;
+
 #[cfg(feature = "io")]
 pub mod io;
-pub mod structure;
 
 // ------ RE-EXPORTS
 
-#[cfg(feature = "utils")]
-pub use grid::descriptor::GridDescriptor;
+pub use grid::GridDescriptor;
 pub use structure::{BuilderError, CMapBuilder};
 
 // ------ CONTENT
diff --git a/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/structure.rs b/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/structure.rs
index 8fbe5c99..a75fba37 100644
--- a/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/structure.rs
+++ b/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/structure.rs
@@ -1,23 +1,14 @@
-//! Module short description
-//!
-//! Should you interact with this module directly?
-//!
-//! Content description if needed
-
 // ------ IMPORTS
 
-#[cfg(feature = "utils")]
-use super::GridDescriptor;
-use crate::prelude::{AttributeBind, CMap2};
+use crate::prelude::{AttributeBind, CMap2, GridDescriptor};
 use crate::{attributes::AttrStorageManager, geometry::CoordsFloat};
+
 use thiserror::Error;
 #[cfg(feature = "io")]
 use vtkio::Vtk;
 
 // ------ CONTENT
 
-// --- common error enum
-
 /// Builder-level error enum
 ///
 /// This enum is used to describe all non-panic errors that can occur when using a builder
@@ -40,8 +31,6 @@ pub enum BuilderError {
     UnsupportedVtkData(&'static str),
 }
 
-// --- main struct
-
 /// Combinatorial map builder structure.
 ///
 /// # Example
@@ -66,13 +55,73 @@ where
 {
     #[cfg(feature = "io")]
     pub(super) vtk_file: Option<Vtk>,
-    #[cfg(feature = "utils")]
     pub(super) grid_descriptor: Option<GridDescriptor<T>>,
     pub(super) attributes: AttrStorageManager,
     pub(super) n_darts: usize,
     pub(super) coordstype: std::marker::PhantomData<T>,
 }
 
+// --- `From` impls & predefinite values
+
+impl<T: CoordsFloat> From<GridDescriptor<T>> for CMapBuilder<T> {
+    fn from(value: GridDescriptor<T>) -> Self {
+        CMapBuilder {
+            grid_descriptor: Some(value),
+            ..Default::default()
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+impl<T: CoordsFloat> CMapBuilder<T> {
+    /// Create a [`CMapBuilder`] with a predefinite [`GridDescriptor`] value.
+    ///
+    /// # Arguments
+    ///
+    /// - `n_square: usize` -- Number of cells along each axis.
+    ///
+    /// # Return
+    ///
+    /// This function return a builder structure with predefinite parameters to generate
+    /// a specific map.
+    ///
+    /// The map generated by this predefinite value corresponds to an orthogonal mesh, with an
+    /// equal number of cells along each axis.
+    ///
+    /// ![`CMAP2_GRID`](https://lihpc-computational-geometry.github.io/honeycomb/images/bg_grid.svg)
+    #[must_use = "unused builder object, consider removing this function call"]
+    pub fn unit_grid(n_square: usize) -> Self {
+        GridDescriptor::default()
+            .n_cells([n_square; 3])
+            .len_per_cell([T::one(); 3])
+            .into()
+    }
+
+    /// Create a [`CMapBuilder`] with a predefinite [`GridDescriptor`] value.
+    ///
+    /// # Arguments
+    ///
+    /// - `n_square: usize` -- Number of cells along each axis.
+    ///
+    /// # Return
+    ///
+    /// This function return a builder structure with predefinite parameters to generate
+    /// a specific map.
+    ///
+    /// The map generated by this predefinite value corresponds to an orthogonal mesh, with an
+    /// equal number of cells along each axis. Each cell will be split across their diagonal (top
+    /// left to bottom right) to form triangles.
+    ///
+    /// ![`CMAP2_GRID`](https://lihpc-computational-geometry.github.io/honeycomb/images/bg_grid_tri.svg)
+    #[must_use = "unused builder object, consider removing this function call"]
+    pub fn unit_triangles(n_square: usize) -> Self {
+        GridDescriptor::default()
+            .n_cells([n_square; 3])
+            .len_per_cell([T::one(); 3])
+            .split_quads(true)
+            .into()
+    }
+}
+
 // --- setters
 
 impl<T: CoordsFloat> CMapBuilder<T> {
@@ -83,6 +132,13 @@ impl<T: CoordsFloat> CMapBuilder<T> {
         self
     }
 
+    /// Set the [`GridDescriptor`] that will be used when building the map.
+    #[must_use = "unused builder object, consider removing this method call"]
+    pub fn grid_descriptor(mut self, grid_descriptor: GridDescriptor<T>) -> Self {
+        self.grid_descriptor = Some(grid_descriptor);
+        self
+    }
+
     /// Add the specified attribute that the created map will contain.
     ///
     /// Each attribute must be uniquely typed, i.e. a single type or struct cannot be added twice
@@ -127,20 +183,14 @@ impl<T: CoordsFloat> CMapBuilder<T> {
             // this routine should return a Result instead of the map directly
             return super::io::build_2d_from_vtk(vfile, self.attributes);
         }
-        #[cfg(feature = "utils")]
         if let Some(gridb) = self.grid_descriptor {
             // build from grid descriptor
             let split = gridb.split_quads;
             return gridb.parse_2d().map(|(origin, ns, lens)| {
                 if split {
-                    super::grid::building_routines::build_2d_splitgrid(
-                        origin,
-                        ns,
-                        lens,
-                        self.attributes,
-                    )
+                    super::grid::build_2d_splitgrid(origin, ns, lens, self.attributes)
                 } else {
-                    super::grid::building_routines::build_2d_grid(origin, ns, lens, self.attributes)
+                    super::grid::build_2d_grid(origin, ns, lens, self.attributes)
                 }
             });
         }
diff --git a/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/tests.rs b/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/tests.rs
index 5fc4c9f9..a80e213b 100644
--- a/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/tests.rs
+++ b/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/builder/tests.rs
@@ -1,8 +1,6 @@
-// ------ IMPORTS
+use crate::prelude::{CMap2, CMapBuilder, GridDescriptor};
 
-use crate::prelude::{CMap2, CMapBuilder};
-
-// ------ CONTENT
+// --- basic
 
 #[test]
 fn example_test() {
@@ -10,3 +8,352 @@ fn example_test() {
     let cmap: CMap2<f64> = builder.build().unwrap();
     assert_eq!(cmap.n_darts(), 11);
 }
+
+// --- grid
+
+#[test]
+fn build_nc_lpc_l() {
+    let descriptor = GridDescriptor::default()
+        .n_cells([4, 4, 0])
+        .len_per_cell([1.0_f64, 1.0_f64, 1.0_f64])
+        .lens([4.0_f64, 4.0_f64, 4.0_f64]);
+    assert!(descriptor.clone().parse_2d().is_ok());
+    assert!(descriptor.split_quads(true).parse_2d().is_ok());
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn build_nc_lpc() {
+    let descriptor = GridDescriptor::default()
+        .n_cells([4, 4, 0])
+        .len_per_cell([1.0_f64, 1.0_f64, 1.0_f64]);
+    assert!(descriptor.clone().parse_2d().is_ok());
+    assert!(descriptor.split_quads(true).parse_2d().is_ok());
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn build_nc_l() {
+    let descriptor = GridDescriptor::default()
+        .n_cells_x(4)
+        .n_cells_y(4)
+        .lens([4.0_f64, 4.0_f64, 4.0_f64]);
+    assert!(descriptor.clone().parse_2d().is_ok());
+    assert!(descriptor.split_quads(true).parse_2d().is_ok());
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn build_lpc_l() {
+    let descriptor = GridDescriptor::default()
+        .len_per_cell_x(1.0_f64)
+        .len_per_cell_y(1.0_f64)
+        .lens_x(4.0)
+        .lens_y(4.0);
+    assert!(descriptor.clone().parse_2d().is_ok());
+    assert!(descriptor.split_quads(true).parse_2d().is_ok());
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn build_incomplete() {
+    assert!(GridDescriptor::default()
+        .len_per_cell([1.0_f64, 1.0_f64, 1.0_f64])
+        .parse_2d()
+        .is_err());
+    assert!(<GridDescriptor<f64>>::default()
+        .n_cells([4, 4, 0])
+        .parse_2d()
+        .is_err());
+    assert!(GridDescriptor::default()
+        .lens([4.0_f64, 4.0_f64, 4.0_f64])
+        .parse_2d()
+        .is_err());
+}
+
+#[test]
+#[should_panic(expected = "length per y cell is null or negative")]
+fn build_neg_lpc() {
+    let tmp = GridDescriptor::default()
+        .n_cells([4, 4, 0])
+        .len_per_cell([1.0_f64, -1.0_f64, 1.0_f64])
+        .parse_2d();
+    let _ = tmp.unwrap(); // panic on Err(BuilderError::InvalidParameters)
+}
+
+#[test]
+#[should_panic(expected = "grid length along x is null or negative")]
+fn build_null_l() {
+    let tmp = GridDescriptor::default()
+        .n_cells([4, 4, 0])
+        .lens([0.0_f64, 4.0_f64, 4.0_f64])
+        .parse_2d();
+    let _ = tmp.unwrap(); // panic on Err(BuilderError::InvalidParameters)
+}
+
+#[test]
+#[should_panic(expected = "length per x cell is null or negative")]
+fn build_neg_lpc_neg_l() {
+    // lpc are parsed first so their panic msg should be the one to pop
+    // x val is parsed first so ...
+    let tmp = GridDescriptor::default()
+        .len_per_cell([-1.0_f64, -1.0_f64, 1.0_f64])
+        .lens([0.0_f64, 4.0_f64, 4.0_f64])
+        .parse_2d();
+    let _ = tmp.unwrap(); // panic on Err(BuilderError::InvalidParameters)
+}
+
+// --- grid building
+
+#[test]
+fn square_cmap2_correctness() {
+    let descriptor = GridDescriptor::default()
+        .n_cells([2, 2, 2])
+        .len_per_cell([1., 1., 1.]);
+    let cmap: CMap2<f64> = CMapBuilder::from(descriptor).build().unwrap();
+
+    // hardcoded because using a generic loop & dim would just mean
+    // reusing the same pattern as the one used during construction
+
+    // face 0
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(1), 1);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(2), 1);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(3), 1);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(4), 1);
+
+    // i-cell uses beta 0 to ensure correctness, so the iterator is BFS-like
+    let mut face = cmap.i_cell::<2>(1);
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(1));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(2)); // b1
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(4)); // b0
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(3)); // b1b1
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), None);
+
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(1), 2);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(2), 3);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(3), 4);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(4), 1);
+
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(1), 0);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(2), 8);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(3), 9);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(4), 0);
+
+    // face 1
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(5), 5);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(6), 5);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(7), 5);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(8), 5);
+
+    let mut face = cmap.i_cell::<2>(5);
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(5));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(6));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(8));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(7));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), None);
+
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(5), 6);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(6), 7);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(7), 8);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(8), 5);
+
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(5), 0);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(6), 0);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(7), 13);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(8), 2);
+
+    // face 2
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(9), 9);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(10), 9);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(11), 9);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(12), 9);
+
+    let mut face = cmap.i_cell::<2>(9);
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(9));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(10));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(12));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(11));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), None);
+
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(9), 10);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(10), 11);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(11), 12);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(12), 9);
+
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(9), 3);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(10), 16);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(11), 0);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(12), 0);
+
+    // face 3
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(13), 13);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(14), 13);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(15), 13);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(16), 13);
+
+    let mut face = cmap.i_cell::<2>(13);
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(13));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(14));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(16));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(15));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), None);
+
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(13), 14);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(14), 15);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(15), 16);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(16), 13);
+
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(13), 7);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(14), 0);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(15), 0);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(16), 10);
+}
+
+#[allow(clippy::too_many_lines)]
+#[test]
+fn splitsquare_cmap2_correctness() {
+    let cmap: CMap2<f64> = CMapBuilder::unit_triangles(2).build().unwrap();
+
+    // hardcoded because using a generic loop & dim would just mean
+    // reusing the same pattern as the one used during construction
+
+    // face 1
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(1), 1);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(2), 1);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(3), 1);
+
+    let mut face = cmap.i_cell::<2>(1);
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(1));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(2));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(3));
+
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(1), 2);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(2), 3);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(3), 1);
+
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(1), 0);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(2), 4);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(3), 0);
+
+    // face 4
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(4), 4);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(5), 4);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(6), 4);
+
+    let mut face = cmap.i_cell::<2>(4);
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(4));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(5));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(6));
+
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(4), 5);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(5), 6);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(6), 4);
+
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(4), 2);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(5), 9);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(6), 13);
+
+    // face 7
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(7), 7);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(8), 7);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(9), 7);
+
+    let mut face = cmap.i_cell::<2>(7);
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(7));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(8));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(9));
+
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(7), 8);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(8), 9);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(9), 7);
+
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(7), 0);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(8), 10);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(9), 5);
+
+    // face 10
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(10), 10);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(11), 10);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(12), 10);
+
+    let mut face = cmap.i_cell::<2>(10);
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(10));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(11));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(12));
+
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(10), 11);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(11), 12);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(12), 10);
+
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(10), 8);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(11), 0);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(12), 19);
+
+    // face 13
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(13), 13);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(14), 13);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(15), 13);
+
+    let mut face = cmap.i_cell::<2>(13);
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(13));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(14));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(15));
+
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(13), 14);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(14), 15);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(15), 13);
+
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(13), 6);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(14), 16);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(15), 0);
+
+    // face 16
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(16), 16);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(17), 16);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(18), 16);
+
+    let mut face = cmap.i_cell::<2>(16);
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(16));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(17));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(18));
+
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(16), 17);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(17), 18);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(18), 16);
+
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(16), 14);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(17), 21);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(18), 0);
+
+    // face 19
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(19), 19);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(20), 19);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(21), 19);
+
+    let mut face = cmap.i_cell::<2>(19);
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(19));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(20));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(21));
+
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(19), 20);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(20), 21);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(21), 19);
+
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(19), 12);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(20), 22);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(21), 17);
+
+    // face 22
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(22), 22);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(23), 22);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.face_id(24), 22);
+
+    let mut face = cmap.i_cell::<2>(22);
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(22));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(23));
+    assert_eq!(face.next(), Some(24));
+
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(22), 23);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(23), 24);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<1>(24), 22);
+
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(22), 20);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(23), 0);
+    assert_eq!(cmap.beta::<2>(24), 0);
+}
diff --git a/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/components/betas.rs b/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/components/betas.rs
index e58db941..467ffd66 100644
--- a/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/components/betas.rs
+++ b/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/components/betas.rs
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ fn new_beta_entry<const N: usize>() -> [TVar<DartIdType>; N] {
         .unwrap()
 }
 
+#[allow(unused)]
 impl<const N: usize> BetaFunctions<N> {
     /// Constructor
     pub fn new(n_darts: usize) -> Self {
diff --git a/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/components/unused.rs b/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/components/unused.rs
index 5d85baad..b3b3ba13 100644
--- a/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/components/unused.rs
+++ b/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/components/unused.rs
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ use super::identifiers::DartIdType;
 /// Unused dart tracking structure.
 pub struct UnusedDarts(Vec<TVar<bool>>);
 
+#[allow(unused)]
 impl UnusedDarts {
     /// Constructor
     pub fn new(n_darts: usize) -> Self {
diff --git a/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/dim2/mod.rs b/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/dim2/mod.rs
index 9e8efd7b..6d5c57a9 100644
--- a/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/dim2/mod.rs
+++ b/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/dim2/mod.rs
@@ -13,13 +13,11 @@ pub mod links;
 pub mod orbits;
 pub mod sews;
 pub mod structure;
+pub mod utils;
 
 #[cfg(feature = "io")]
 pub mod io;
 
-#[cfg(feature = "utils")]
-pub mod utils;
-
 // ------ CONTENT
 
 /// Number of beta functions defined for [`CMap2`].
diff --git a/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/dim2/utils.rs b/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/dim2/utils.rs
index adc33354..ab2731ae 100644
--- a/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/dim2/utils.rs
+++ b/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/dim2/utils.rs
@@ -1,20 +1,10 @@
 //! [`CMap2`] utilities implementations
-//!
-//! <div class="warning">
-//!
-//! **This code is only compiled if the `utils` feature is enabled.**
-//!
-//! </div>
-//!
-//! This module contains utility code for the [`CMap2`] structure that is gated behind the `utils`
-//! feature.
 
 // ------ IMPORTS
 
 use super::CMAP2_BETA;
 use crate::geometry::CoordsFloat;
 use crate::prelude::{CMap2, DartIdType};
-use std::{fs::File, io::Write};
 use stm::atomically;
 
 // ------ CONTENT
@@ -25,13 +15,10 @@ impl<T: CoordsFloat> CMap2<T> {
     ///
     /// # Arguments
     ///
+    /// - `const I: u8` -- Beta function to edit.
     /// - `dart_id: DartIdentifier` -- ID of the dart of interest.
     /// - `val: DartIdentifier` -- Value of the image of `dart_id` through the beta `I` function.
     ///
-    /// ## Generic
-    ///
-    /// - `const I: u8` -- Beta function to edit.
-    ///
     pub fn set_beta<const I: u8>(&self, dart_id: DartIdType, val: DartIdType) {
         atomically(|trans| self.betas[(I, dart_id)].write(trans, val));
     }
@@ -53,230 +40,4 @@ impl<T: CoordsFloat> CMap2<T> {
             Ok(())
         });
     }
-
-    /// Computes the total allocated space dedicated to the map.
-    ///
-    /// # Arguments
-    ///
-    /// - `rootname: &str` -- root of the filename used to save results.
-    ///
-    /// # Return / Panic
-    ///
-    /// The results of this method is saved as a csv file named `<rootname>_allocated.csv`.
-    /// The csv file is structured as follows:
-    ///
-    /// ```text
-    /// key, memory (bytes)
-    /// cat1_member1, val
-    /// cat1_member2, val
-    /// cat1_total, val
-    /// cat2_member1, val
-    /// cat2_member2, val
-    /// cat2_member3, val
-    /// cat2_total, val
-    /// cat3_member1, val
-    /// cat3_total, val
-    /// ```
-    ///
-    /// It is mainly designed to be used in dedicated scripts for plotting & analysis.
-    ///
-    /// The metod may panic if, for any reason, it is unable to write to the file.
-    ///
-    /// # Example
-    ///
-    /// An example going over all three `size` methods is provided in the `honeycomb-utils`
-    /// crate. You can run it using the following command:
-    ///
-    /// ```shell
-    /// cargo run --example memory_usage
-    /// ```
-    ///
-    /// The output data can be visualized using the `memory_usage.py` script.
-    ///
-    /// # Errors
-    ///
-    /// The method will return an error if:
-    /// - the file cannot be created,
-    /// - at any point, the program cannot write into the output file.
-    pub fn allocated_size(&self, rootname: &str) -> Result<(), std::io::Error> {
-        let mut file = File::create(rootname.to_owned() + "_allocated.csv")?;
-        writeln!(file, "key, memory (bytes)")?;
-
-        // beta
-        let mut beta_total = 0;
-        for beta_id in 0..3 {
-            let mem = self.betas.capacity() * std::mem::size_of::<DartIdType>();
-            writeln!(file, "beta_{beta_id}, {mem}")?;
-            beta_total += mem;
-        }
-        writeln!(file, "beta_total, {beta_total}")?;
-
-        // cells
-        // using 2 * sizeof(f64) bc sizeof(array) always is the size of a pointer
-        let geometry_vertex = self.vertices.allocated_size();
-        let geometry_total = geometry_vertex;
-        writeln!(file, "geometry_vertex, {geometry_vertex}")?;
-        writeln!(file, "geometry_total, {geometry_total}")?;
-
-        // others
-        let others_freedarts = self.unused_darts.len();
-        let others_counters = 2 * std::mem::size_of::<usize>();
-        let others_total = others_freedarts + others_counters;
-        writeln!(file, "others_freedarts, {others_freedarts}")?;
-        writeln!(file, "others_counters, {others_counters}")?;
-        writeln!(file, "others_total, {others_total}")?;
-        Ok(())
-    }
-
-    /// Computes the total used space dedicated to the map.
-    ///
-    /// # Arguments
-    ///
-    /// - `rootname: &str` -- root of the filename used to save results.
-    ///
-    /// # Return / Panic
-    ///
-    /// The results of this method is saved as a csv file named `<rootname>_allocated.csv`.
-    /// The csv file is structured as follows:
-    ///
-    /// ```text
-    /// key, memory (bytes)
-    /// cat1_member1, val
-    /// cat1_member2, val
-    /// cat1_total, val
-    /// cat2_member1, val
-    /// cat2_member2, val
-    /// cat2_member3, val
-    /// cat2_total, val
-    /// cat3_member1, val
-    /// cat3_total, val
-    /// ```
-    ///
-    /// It is mainly designed to be used in dedicated scripts for plotting & analysis.
-    ///
-    /// The metod may panic if, for any reason, it is unable to write to the file.
-    ///
-    /// # Example
-    ///
-    /// An example going over all three `size` methods is provided in the `honeycomb-utils`
-    /// crate. You can run it using the following command:
-    ///
-    /// ```shell
-    /// cargo run --example memory_usage
-    /// ```
-    ///
-    /// The output data can be visualized using the `memory_usage.py` script.
-    ///
-    /// # Errors
-    ///
-    /// The method will return an error if:
-    /// - the file cannot be created,
-    /// - at any point, the program cannot write into the output file.
-    pub fn effective_size(&self, rootname: &str) -> Result<(), std::io::Error> {
-        let mut file = File::create(rootname.to_owned() + "_effective.csv")?;
-        writeln!(file, "key, memory (bytes)")?;
-
-        // beta
-        let mut beta_total = 0;
-        for beta_id in 0..3 {
-            let mem = self.n_darts * std::mem::size_of::<DartIdType>();
-            writeln!(file, "beta_{beta_id}, {mem}")?;
-            beta_total += mem;
-        }
-        writeln!(file, "beta_total, {beta_total}")?;
-
-        // cells
-        // using 2 * sizeof(f64) bc sizeof(array) always is the size of a pointer
-        let geometry_vertex = self.vertices.effective_size();
-        let geometry_total = geometry_vertex;
-        writeln!(file, "geometry_vertex, {geometry_vertex}")?;
-        writeln!(file, "geometry_total, {geometry_total}")?;
-
-        // others
-        let others_freedarts = self.unused_darts.len();
-        let others_counters = 2 * std::mem::size_of::<usize>();
-        let others_total = others_freedarts + others_counters;
-        writeln!(file, "others_freedarts, {others_freedarts}")?;
-        writeln!(file, "others_counters, {others_counters}")?;
-        writeln!(file, "others_total, {others_total}")?;
-        Ok(())
-    }
-
-    /// Computes the actual used space dedicated to the map.
-    ///
-    /// *Actual used space* refers to the total used space minus empty spots in the structure.
-    ///
-    /// # Arguments
-    ///
-    /// - `rootname: &str` -- root of the filename used to save results.
-    ///
-    /// # Return / Panic
-    ///
-    /// The results of this method is saved as a csv file named `<rootname>_allocated.csv`.
-    /// The csv file is structured as follows:
-    ///
-    /// ```text
-    /// key, memory (bytes)
-    /// cat1_member1, val
-    /// cat1_member2, val
-    /// cat1_total, val
-    /// cat2_member1, val
-    /// cat2_member2, val
-    /// cat2_member3, val
-    /// cat2_total, val
-    /// cat3_member1, val
-    /// cat3_total, val
-    /// ```
-    ///
-    /// It is mainly designed to be used in dedicated scripts for plotting & analysis.
-    ///
-    /// The metod may panic if, for any reason, it is unable to write to the file.
-    ///
-    /// # Example
-    ///
-    /// An example going over all three `size` methods is provided in the `honeycomb-utils`
-    /// crate. You can run it using the following command:
-    ///
-    /// ```shell
-    /// cargo run --example memory_usage
-    /// ```
-    ///
-    /// The output data can be visualized using the `memory_usage.py` script.
-    ///
-    /// # Errors
-    ///
-    /// The method will return an error if:
-    /// - the file cannot be created,
-    /// - at any point, the program cannot write into the output file.
-    pub fn used_size(&self, rootname: &str) -> Result<(), std::io::Error> {
-        let mut file = File::create(rootname.to_owned() + "_used.csv")?;
-        writeln!(file, "key, memory (bytes)").unwrap();
-
-        let n_used_darts = self.n_darts - self.unused_darts.len();
-
-        // beta
-        let mut beta_total = 0;
-        for beta_id in 0..3 {
-            let mem = n_used_darts * std::mem::size_of::<DartIdType>();
-            writeln!(file, "beta_{beta_id}, {mem}")?;
-            beta_total += mem;
-        }
-        writeln!(file, "beta_total, {beta_total}")?;
-
-        // cells
-        // using 2 * sizeof(f64) bc sizeof(array) always is the size of a pointer
-        let geometry_vertex = self.vertices.used_size();
-        let geometry_total = geometry_vertex;
-        writeln!(file, "geometry_vertex, {geometry_vertex}")?;
-        writeln!(file, "geometry_total, {geometry_total}")?;
-
-        // others
-        let others_freedarts = self.unused_darts.len();
-        let others_counters = 2 * std::mem::size_of::<usize>();
-        let others_total = others_freedarts + others_counters;
-        writeln!(file, "others_freedarts, {others_freedarts}")?;
-        writeln!(file, "others_counters, {others_counters}")?;
-        writeln!(file, "others_total, {others_total}")?;
-        Ok(())
-    }
 }
diff --git a/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/mod.rs b/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/mod.rs
index e1138a8a..32489a70 100644
--- a/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/mod.rs
+++ b/honeycomb-core/src/cmap/mod.rs
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ mod components;
 mod dim2;
 mod error;
 
-pub use builder::{BuilderError, CMapBuilder};
+pub use builder::{BuilderError, CMapBuilder, GridDescriptor};
 pub use components::{
     identifiers::{
         DartIdType, EdgeIdType, FaceIdType, VertexIdType, VolumeIdType, NULL_DART_ID, NULL_EDGE_ID,
@@ -15,6 +15,3 @@ pub use components::{
 };
 pub use dim2::{orbits::Orbit2, structure::CMap2};
 pub use error::{CMapError, CMapResult};
-
-#[cfg(feature = "utils")]
-pub use builder::GridDescriptor;
diff --git a/honeycomb-core/src/lib.rs b/honeycomb-core/src/lib.rs
index ffd3bb5e..fc32e2da 100644
--- a/honeycomb-core/src/lib.rs
+++ b/honeycomb-core/src/lib.rs
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@
 // --- enable doc_auto_cfg feature if compiling in nightly
 #![allow(unexpected_cfgs)]
 #![cfg_attr(nightly, feature(doc_auto_cfg))]
-// --- some though love for the code
+// --- some tough love for the code
 #![warn(missing_docs)]
 #![warn(clippy::pedantic)]
 // --- some tolerance
diff --git a/honeycomb-core/src/prelude.rs b/honeycomb-core/src/prelude.rs
index 92d470bf..b0c45d89 100644
--- a/honeycomb-core/src/prelude.rs
+++ b/honeycomb-core/src/prelude.rs
@@ -2,13 +2,8 @@
 
 pub use crate::attributes::{AttributeBind, AttributeUpdate};
 pub use crate::cmap::{
-    BuilderError, CMap2, CMapBuilder, CMapResult, DartIdType, EdgeIdType, FaceIdType, Orbit2,
-    OrbitPolicy, VertexIdType, VolumeIdType, NULL_DART_ID, NULL_EDGE_ID, NULL_FACE_ID,
-    NULL_VERTEX_ID, NULL_VOLUME_ID,
+    BuilderError, CMap2, CMapBuilder, CMapResult, DartIdType, EdgeIdType, FaceIdType,
+    GridDescriptor, Orbit2, OrbitPolicy, VertexIdType, VolumeIdType, NULL_DART_ID, NULL_EDGE_ID,
+    NULL_FACE_ID, NULL_VERTEX_ID, NULL_VOLUME_ID,
 };
 pub use crate::geometry::{CoordsError, CoordsFloat, Vector2, Vertex2};
-
-// ------ FEATURE-GATED RE-EXPORTS
-
-#[cfg(feature = "utils")]
-pub use crate::cmap::GridDescriptor;
diff --git a/honeycomb-kernels/Cargo.toml b/honeycomb-kernels/Cargo.toml
index df0075d7..2b7c9416 100644
--- a/honeycomb-kernels/Cargo.toml
+++ b/honeycomb-kernels/Cargo.toml
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ authors.workspace = true
 publish = true
 
 [dependencies]
-honeycomb-core = { workspace = true, features = ["io", "utils"] }
+honeycomb-core = { workspace = true, features = ["io"] }
 num-traits.workspace = true
 rayon = "1.10.0"
 thiserror.workspace = true
diff --git a/honeycomb/Cargo.toml b/honeycomb/Cargo.toml
index 7f11138f..a4655b30 100644
--- a/honeycomb/Cargo.toml
+++ b/honeycomb/Cargo.toml
@@ -18,6 +18,6 @@ kernels = ["dep:honeycomb-kernels"]
 render = ["dep:honeycomb-render"]
 
 [dependencies]
-honeycomb-core = { workspace = true, features = ["io", "utils"] }
+honeycomb-core = { workspace = true, features = ["io"] }
 honeycomb-kernels = { workspace = true, optional = true }
 honeycomb-render = { workspace = true, optional = true }