We present a strategy for the generation of mixed-element quasi-structured meshes. This strategy is based on the tools of metric-based mesh adaptation. Using metricorthogonal point placement, we can generate a pattern of points following the underlying structure of the metric-field, from which we generate a quasi structured triangular or mixed-element mesh. This paper presents some enhancement of the adaptation loop towards the generation of quad-dominant meshes. Especially, since this method highly depends on the prescribed metric-field, we present a tailored gradation process that favors the formation of structured elements. We also explore two processes to recover the quadrilaterals: an indirect method based on combining right triangles from a preliminary orthogonal triangular mesh, and a quadrilateral detection at the point-placement step.