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, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fall and Spring semesters

Spring 2023 key dates:

2/6 – 3/10:  In-person browsing limited (please request materials and arrange class visits in advance)
3/13 – 4/7:  Closed for spring break and library reinstallation
4/10 – 4/14:  Anticipated reopening of the updated library

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
    …and we’re back! The Materials Lab is currently open to visitors, but access will be limited in the lead-up to our FULL reopening at the end of the semester. Here are some key upcoming dates:<br />.<br />1/9 - 2/3: Materials Lab mini-library open for material circulation (Mon-Fri, 9:00-5:00)
    @materials_lab

    …and we’re back! The Materials Lab is currently open to visitors, but access will be limited in the lead-up to our FULL reopening at the end of the semester. Here are some key upcoming dates:
    .
    1/9 - 2/3: Materials Lab mini-library open for material circulation (Mon-Fri, 9:00-5:00)

  • Instagram Post
    Check out our latest shelving prototypes! This year, in addition to updating our material collection holdings, we’re putting a lot of work into improving the library layout.
    @materials_lab

    Check out our latest shelving prototypes! This year, in addition to updating our material collection holdings, we’re putting a lot of work into improving the library layout.

  • Instagram Post
    If you’re flying out of Austin-Bergstrom @ausairport during fall break, keep your eyes open for a new installation from @utsoa faculty @Kory_Bieg and Clay Odom @studiomodo!
    @materials_lab

    If you’re flying out of Austin-Bergstrom @ausairport during fall break, keep your eyes open for a new installation from @utsoa faculty @Kory_Bieg and Clay Odom @studiomodo!

  • Instagram Post
    Fusible glass sheet is our #materialoftheweek! One of the most vibrant product categories in our collection, options vary widely by color, pattern, opacity, and texture.
    @materials_lab

    Fusible glass sheet is our #materialoftheweek! One of the most vibrant product categories in our collection, options vary widely by color, pattern, opacity, and texture.

  • Instagram Post
    A beta version of the @mindfulmaterials portal launched this week at the @greenbuildexpo! The mM Portal is a product database filtered by the Common Materials Framework (CMF), a new, industry-wide standard for assessing sustainability holistically.
    @materials_lab

    A beta version of the @mindfulmaterials portal launched this week at the @greenbuildexpo! The mM Portal is a product database filtered by the Common Materials Framework (CMF), a new, industry-wide standard for assessing sustainability holistically.

  • Instagram Post
    Today we are spotlighting the material library of local firm @mf.architecture! <br />.
    @materials_lab

    Today we are spotlighting the material library of local firm @mf.architecture!
    .

  • Instagram Post
    Here’s a fun find from the library! Cork wall tiles from AmCork are made from 84 - 93% post-industrial recycled cork and can be used for wall and ceiling applications.
    @materials_lab

    Here’s a fun find from the library! Cork wall tiles from AmCork are made from 84 - 93% post-industrial recycled cork and can be used for wall and ceiling applications.

  • Instagram Post
    If you’ve visited the Materials Lab lately, it was probably hard to miss all the construction! Two of the four @utsoa buildings, the West Mall Building and Battle Hall, are buried under scaffolding as they undergo much-needed façade renovations.
    @materials_lab

    If you’ve visited the Materials Lab lately, it was probably hard to miss all the construction! Two of the four @utsoa buildings, the West Mall Building and Battle Hall, are buried under scaffolding as they undergo much-needed façade renovations.

  • Instagram Post
    This semester we’re sharing some favorite finds, rediscovered as we inventory each section of the Materials Lab library.
    @materials_lab

    This semester we’re sharing some favorite finds, rediscovered as we inventory each section of the Materials Lab library.