Material samples on display on a metal shelving system
Materials Lab

MATERIALS LAB EVENTS

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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, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fall and Spring semesters

FOLLOW THE MATERIALS LAB ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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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

InstagramSee us on Instagram
  • Instagram Post
    This week we highlight wood-plastic composites (WPC’s). WPC’s combine reclaimed wood fibers with waste thermoplastics to create a product that is largely recycled, durable and low-maintenance. Common applications for WPC’s include decking, railing, fencing, cladding, and outdoor furniture.
    @materials_lab

    This week we highlight wood-plastic composites (WPC’s). WPC’s combine reclaimed wood fibers with waste thermoplastics to create a product that is largely recycled, durable and low-maintenance. Common applications for WPC’s include decking, railing, fencing, cladding, and outdoor furniture.

  • Instagram Post
    Introducing our Material of the Week: laminated glass with decorative interlayers that add pattern, color, and depth. @livinglass_inc offers four lines of decorative architectural glazing, including ‘Light’ made from 100% recycled resin and glass.<br />.<br />
    @materials_lab

    Introducing our Material of the Week: laminated glass with decorative interlayers that add pattern, color, and depth. @livinglass_inc offers four lines of decorative architectural glazing, including ‘Light’ made from 100% recycled resin and glass.
    .

  • Instagram Post
    As we welcome this new school year, the Materials Lab would also like to celebrate some new additions! Take some time to check out the current exhibition of innovative materials. Be sure to read about how they focus on sustainability and environmental health.
    @materials_lab

    As we welcome this new school year, the Materials Lab would also like to celebrate some new additions! Take some time to check out the current exhibition of innovative materials. Be sure to read about how they focus on sustainability and environmental health.

  • Instagram Post
    The Materials Lab is now open! Come browse the newly updated collection. Following our big reopening last year, hundreds of new materials have been added. The library is also optimized for browsing + exploring, with ADA-compliant shelving.<br />
    @materials_lab

    The Materials Lab is now open! Come browse the newly updated collection. Following our big reopening last year, hundreds of new materials have been added. The library is also optimized for browsing + exploring, with ADA-compliant shelving.

  • Instagram Post
    Cheers to the end of the semester! 🥳 It's been a busy one with our re-opening and we're thrilled that the new + improved library is a full resource again. Please return any checked-out materials before we close for the summer. We're open from 9-5 this week.
    @materials_lab

    Cheers to the end of the semester! 🥳 It's been a busy one with our re-opening and we're thrilled that the new + improved library is a full resource again. Please return any checked-out materials before we close for the summer. We're open from 9-5 this week.

  • Instagram Post
    It’s been one week since the Materials Lab reopened! Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate with us last Friday. If you weren’t able to make it, swing by to see the new space before the semester ends. We’ll be open weekdays, 9:00 - 5:00, through Friday, May 5th.<br />.
    @materials_lab

    It’s been one week since the Materials Lab reopened! Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate with us last Friday. If you weren’t able to make it, swing by to see the new space before the semester ends. We’ll be open weekdays, 9:00 - 5:00, through Friday, May 5th.
    .

  • Instagram Post
    Join us tomorrow for our grand reopening! We’ll be celebrating with an open house @utsoa “tea time” from 3:00 - 5:00 at the Materials Lab, WMB 3.102 @utaustintx. Swing by for coffee and pastries, and peruse the updated material library.<br />.
    @materials_lab

    Join us tomorrow for our grand reopening! We’ll be celebrating with an open house @utsoa “tea time” from 3:00 - 5:00 at the Materials Lab, WMB 3.102 @utaustintx. Swing by for coffee and pastries, and peruse the updated material library.
    .

  • Instagram Post
    #materialoftheweek: custom-fit, digitally manipulated wallpaper generated from hand marbled patterns. Lunaris evokes the cratered surface of the moon through silvery metallics overlaid on gray backdrops. The collection is one of the first developed by Calico Wallpaper, based in New York.
    @materials_lab

    #materialoftheweek: custom-fit, digitally manipulated wallpaper generated from hand marbled patterns. Lunaris evokes the cratered surface of the moon through silvery metallics overlaid on gray backdrops. The collection is one of the first developed by Calico Wallpaper, based in New York.

  • Instagram Post
    #materialoftheweek: felted wool, CNC-tufted rugs in textures ranging from chunky loops to deep shag. The products featured here are from New-Zealand based CRONZ, which sources their wool from local New Zealand sheep (the world’s largest source for carpet wools).
    @materials_lab

    #materialoftheweek: felted wool, CNC-tufted rugs in textures ranging from chunky loops to deep shag. The products featured here are from New-Zealand based CRONZ, which sources their wool from local New Zealand sheep (the world’s largest source for carpet wools).