MATERIALS LAB EVENTS
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?
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!
FOLLOW US
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@materials_labCheers 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! 🎓🎉
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@materials_labPlant-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.
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@materials_labOnly 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.
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@materials_labThis 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.
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@materials_labOur #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.
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@materials_labHere’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.
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@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).
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@materials_labWe’re excited to announce our next exhibition, “Looks Like, But Isn’t”, opening in one week!
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@materials_labOur most recent exhibition, curated by Ria Bravo, closed last week. “Inhabitable Skins” challenged us to explore various outdoor membranes with the potential to redefine architectural enclosure— and what better material to test this on than humble building wrap?