The Materials Research Collaborative (MRC) at the University of Houston College of Architecture and Design serves as a materials resource for material discovery, innovation, instruction, and research for the 870 students at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design and area professionals. The MRC has developed a web-based database that catalogs the physical materials in its collection. Ongoing work of the MRC includes uncovering new and innovative materials, cataloging the physical samples, and researching and inputting data regarding the specific extrinsic and intrinsic properties of these materials. The MRC is also engaged in specific material research projects such as a database of local materials, LEED v 4 consulting, and carbon emissions analysis of buildings.

This work is funded by our Firm Partner: Page, our Founding Partners: Page Southerland Page,  Kendall/Heaton, and Gensler, and our Supporters: Architecture Center Houston Foundation, the  University of Houston Green Building Components program, Skanska USA, and the University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design.

To learn more about the MRC or to suggest other Houston makers, contact Ophélia Mantz, MRC Director, at omantz@central.uh.edu or 713-743-2400.

MRC Materials Database 

Made In Texas 

Made in Houston

Reuse in Houston 

Local Materials List/H5h (PDF)

Local Materials List/H1h (PDF)

Location