Materials Lab

Material samples on display on a metal shelving system
Materials Lab

MATERIALS LAB EVENTS

Monday, September 2, 2024 - Monday, December 9, 2024, All day
Event status
Scheduled

LATEST NEWS

Fall 2024 Mini Material Grants

September 6, 2024

The Materials Lab is a resource dedicated to in-depth material investigation in design. Our circulating, ever-expanding library of material product samples and assemblies was founded in 2001. By supporting advanced and interdisciplinary material research, development, and fabrication, the Materials Lab provides the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to design and construct a better built environment.

In addition to our material library, the Materials Lab houses a rotating exhibition space, an extensive collection of circulating books, a “free samples” section of surplus materials, and individual and group workspaces. The Materials Lab also organizes a diverse range of programming including hands-on workshops, lectures, and other events.

STAFF

LOOKING FOR MATERIALS?

Concrete samples on a shelf on display in the Materials Lab

Browse the online database or visit our collection of 29,000+ samples in person. Material samples can be loaned for hands-on inspiration and presentations. Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to check out material samples with a UT EID.

TOUR THE MATERIALS LAB

Location + Contact

West Mall Office Building (WMB) 3.102
The University of Texas at Austin
(512) 232-5969
materialslab@austin.utexas.edu

OPERATING HOURS
Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fall and Spring semesters

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Click the images below for more information.

COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS

​​​​​​​The material library is ever-growing and our material researchers are always on the lookout for new materials. If you come across a product that you think we should add, email us

  • Instagram Post
    Exciting News! The FALL 2024 Materials Grant Application is NOW OPEN! <br><br>We’re offering a total of $750 in funding for innovative materials for your studio, seminar, or independent study projects at UTSOA. Apply by October 13th for a chance to bring your creative ideas to life! <br>
    @materials_lab

    Exciting News! The FALL 2024 Materials Grant Application is NOW OPEN!

    We’re offering a total of $750 in funding for innovative materials for your studio, seminar, or independent study projects at UTSOA. Apply by October 13th for a chance to bring your creative ideas to life!

  • Instagram Post
    The Materials Lab is open for the semester!<br>&nbsp;<br>Welcome to all new and continuing students, staff, and faculty. We encourage you to explore our extensive collection of building materials, books and assemblies. Our doors are open from 9:00 - 5:00, M-F (WMB 3.100).<br>&nbsp;
    @materials_lab

    The Materials Lab is open for the semester!
     
    Welcome to all new and continuing students, staff, and faculty. We encourage you to explore our extensive collection of building materials, books and assemblies. Our doors are open from 9:00 - 5:00, M-F (WMB 3.100).
     

  • Instagram Post
    Cheers to the end of the semester! The Materials Lab will be closed over the summer. See you all in the fall. Congrats to all the @utsoa graduates! 🎓🎉
    @materials_lab

    Cheers to the end of the semester! The Materials Lab will be closed over the summer. See you all in the fall. Congrats to all the @utsoa graduates! 🎓🎉

  • Instagram Post
    Plant-based apparel insulation from @ponda.bio is our #materialoftheweek. BioPuff® is made of fibers harvested from Typha latifolia (broadleaf cattail), a low-maintenance plant suitable for paludiculture, or “marsh-farming,” on rewetted peatlands.<br>
    @materials_lab

    Plant-based apparel insulation from @ponda.bio is our #materialoftheweek. BioPuff® is made of fibers harvested from Typha latifolia (broadleaf cattail), a low-maintenance plant suitable for paludiculture, or “marsh-farming,” on rewetted peatlands.

  • Instagram Post
    Only 1% of synthetic textiles are ultimately recycled. One solution to this challenge is the development of biodegradable textiles. Canadian manufacturer @duvaltex produces a line of polyester (PET) textiles that break down in 3.5 years in landfill conditions, a rate comparable to that of wool.
    @materials_lab

    Only 1% of synthetic textiles are ultimately recycled. One solution to this challenge is the development of biodegradable textiles. Canadian manufacturer @duvaltex produces a line of polyester (PET) textiles that break down in 3.5 years in landfill conditions, a rate comparable to that of wool.

  • Instagram Post
    This biocomposite contains 30 - 75% meadow grass fibers, bound by post-industrial recycled plastics. It’s made by Biowert in Brensbach, Germany, in a “grass factory” that demonstrates a localized, circular method of production.
    @materials_lab

    This biocomposite contains 30 - 75% meadow grass fibers, bound by post-industrial recycled plastics. It’s made by Biowert in Brensbach, Germany, in a “grass factory” that demonstrates a localized, circular method of production.

  • Instagram Post
    Our #materialoftheweek is HempWood! HempWood is a composite material derived from domestically grown hemp fibers and soy-based bonding agents. The resulting product is comparable to wood, but comes from a source that is more quickly regenerative.
    @materials_lab

    Our #materialoftheweek is HempWood! HempWood is a composite material derived from domestically grown hemp fibers and soy-based bonding agents. The resulting product is comparable to wood, but comes from a source that is more quickly regenerative.

  • Instagram Post
    Here’s another fascinating material from “Looks Like But Isn’t”: Bio-Block™, generated by microalgae that run on just water, sunlight, and CO2. The blocks look and perform like Portland cement-based CMUs, but are made with a 90% reduction in embodied carbon.
    @materials_lab

    Here’s another fascinating material from “Looks Like But Isn’t”: Bio-Block™, generated by microalgae that run on just water, sunlight, and CO2. The blocks look and perform like Portland cement-based CMUs, but are made with a 90% reduction in embodied carbon.

  • Instagram Post
    “Looks Like But Isn’t” opens today! Amadou, our #materialoftheweek, is one of many fascinating materials featured. Join us for the opening reception at 6:00 in the Materials Lab (WMB 3.102).<br>
    @materials_lab

    “Looks Like But Isn’t” opens today! Amadou, our #materialoftheweek, is one of many fascinating materials featured. Join us for the opening reception at 6:00 in the Materials Lab (WMB 3.102).