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
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
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_lab#materialoftheweek: stabilized aluminum foam (SAF). This product harnesses the unique properties of aluminum in both interior and exterior applications, creating lightweight metallic panels with an eye-catching texture and luster.
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@materials_lab#materialoftheweek: DLT, or Dowel Laminated Timber, is one of several mass timber product options. Most mass timber products are made by bonding small wood members with adhesive, cured under pressure.
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@materials_labThis week we highlight a woven flooring product designed with visual impact and durability in mind. The Truly Collection, from BOLON, is a woven vinyl flooring backed with glass-fiber reinforced vinyl, and contains 20-30% recycled content.
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@materials_labOur #materialoftheweek is a traditional roof garden system designed for moderate soil depths up to 10”.
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@materials_labPicking back up on our #materialoftheweek posts! Watch this space for weekly highlights of some of our favorite materials in the library. Coming soon, we will showcase NEW items added in our 2022-23 collection update.
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@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:
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1/9 - 2/3: Materials Lab mini-library open for material circulation (Mon-Fri, 9:00-5:00)Instagram Post
@materials_labCheck 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.
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@materials_labIf 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!
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@materials_labFusible glass sheet is our #materialoftheweek! One of the most vibrant product categories in our collection, options vary widely by color, pattern, opacity, and texture.