Materials Lab

Material samples on display on a metal shelving system
Materials Lab

MATERIALS LAB EVENTS

Wednesday, March 27, 2024 - Sunday, September 1, 2024, All day
Event status
Scheduled

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
    Our 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?<br />
    @materials_lab

    Our 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?

  • Instagram Post
    This #materialoftheweek is a classic. Perforated metal is simply metal sheet that’s been punched or cut to create holes of various sizes, shapes and patterns.
    @materials_lab

    This #materialoftheweek is a classic. Perforated metal is simply metal sheet that’s been punched or cut to create holes of various sizes, shapes and patterns.

  • Instagram Post
    Sending love from our Materials Library! 💖 Embracing the vibrant hues of Valentine’s Day with a palette of pinks and reds. 💕<br /><br />.<br />#MaterialsLab #UTSOA #TexasArchitecture #materials
    @materials_lab

    Sending love from our Materials Library! 💖 Embracing the vibrant hues of Valentine’s Day with a palette of pinks and reds. 💕

    .
    #MaterialsLab #UTSOA #TexasArchitecture #materials

  • Instagram Post
    Have you stopped by to view our current exhibition, Inhabitable Skins, curated by Ria Bravo? Be sure to catch it before it closes March 1! Sailcloth, our #materialoftheweek, is just one of the many material products featured.<br />.
    @materials_lab

    Have you stopped by to view our current exhibition, Inhabitable Skins, curated by Ria Bravo? Be sure to catch it before it closes March 1! Sailcloth, our #materialoftheweek, is just one of the many material products featured.
    .

  • Instagram Post
    The Spring 2024 Material Grant Application is open! Fund the project you’ve been dreaming about. <br />
    @materials_lab

    The Spring 2024 Material Grant Application is open! Fund the project you’ve been dreaming about.

  • Instagram Post
    And - we’re back! Our hours this spring are 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday. Come browse through thousands of building materials, and did you know we have books as well? They’re available for checkout to UT students, faculty and staff.<br />.
    @materials_lab

    And - we’re back! Our hours this spring are 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday. Come browse through thousands of building materials, and did you know we have books as well? They’re available for checkout to UT students, faculty and staff.
    .

  • Instagram Post
    Cheers to the end of the semester!  Please return any checked-out materials before we close for the year. We’re open from 10-5 Monday and Tuesday 12/11-12/12. The Materials Lab will be closed over winter break and reopen January 16. Have an awesome break and see you soon!
    @materials_lab

    Cheers to the end of the semester! Please return any checked-out materials before we close for the year. We’re open from 10-5 Monday and Tuesday 12/11-12/12. The Materials Lab will be closed over winter break and reopen January 16. Have an awesome break and see you soon!

  • Instagram Post
    ‘Inhabitable Skins’ is now on view at the Materials Lab! One of the many materials on display is repurposed parachute fabric.
    @materials_lab

    ‘Inhabitable Skins’ is now on view at the Materials Lab! One of the many materials on display is repurposed parachute fabric.

  • Instagram Post
    Our next exhibition opens in just a few days! ‘Inhabitable Skins: Architectural Enclosures Reimagined’ features a collection of materials curated by Assistant Professor Ria Bravo. The collection explores cross-industry membranes that redefine architectural enclosure.
    @materials_lab

    Our next exhibition opens in just a few days! ‘Inhabitable Skins: Architectural Enclosures Reimagined’ features a collection of materials curated by Assistant Professor Ria Bravo. The collection explores cross-industry membranes that redefine architectural enclosure.