Research Guides: Architecture: Materials

Quick Links

Material ConneXion Database
A searchable/browseable database of innovative and new materials.

MatWeb
A searchable database of material properties, including over 95,000 metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites.

Library Catalog
Catalog for materials owned by the University of Michigan Library
Art, Architecture & Engineering Library

Books on Materials

The reference collection on the second floor of the Art, Architecture & Engineering Library contains a wealth of resources related to building and construction materials, including handbooks, cost data, and product information.

Here is a sampling of what is available. Please feel free to browse the reference collection for more information.

Building Design and Construction Handbook
Call Number: TH 151 .B8251 1994
Building Estimator's Reference Book
Call Number: TH 435 .F83 2008
Green Building Products: The GreenSpec Guide to Residential Building Materials
Call Number: TH 455 .G74 2006
Means Square Foot Costs: Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Institutional
Call Number: TH 435 .M52
Olin’s Construction: Principles, Materials, and Methods
Call Number: TH 145 .S513 2007
Sweets Repair & Remodel Cost Guide
Call Number: TH 437 .D641

Material ConneXion Materials IN THE LIBRARY!

The library has onsite access to over 800 innovative and truly cool materials from Material ConneXion. You'll find the materials on the 2nd floor of the Art, Architecture & Engineerng Library. The Materials Collection space is open whenever the Reserve Desk is open.

Stop by to see and touch the materials!

Product Information on the Web for Building and Designing

ARCAT - Building Materials
Building product information for the architectural and spec writing communities.
Architonic: the independent resource for architecture and design
Click on the Materials link for a sampling and access to new materials.
The A to Z of Materials
Materials information source for the engineering and design community.
Building Materials (by McGraw-Hill Sweets)
The Sweets directory of building product information can be searched by manufacturer, product, or product type.
CMD (formerly Reed Construction Data)
CMD provides commercial construction information. Browse product information and search construction data, news, and building codes. Some parts of the site require free registration.
International Molybdenum Association: Architectural Design Resources for Stainless Steel
Case studies in stainless steel uses in architecture published by the Int'l Molybdenum Association.
Materia
Materia, based in the Netherlands, is a global network of innovative materials.
Materials Lab, UT Austin
This is a web directory of materials and building products websites created by a student at UT-Austin School of Architecture.
Materials Library at Institute of Making
Descriptions and images of materials curated by the Institute of Making in London.
Sustainable Sources - Green Building Materials
Listing of typical building materials with discussion about aspects of sustainability.
Thomas Register of American Manufacturers
A searchable catalog of industrial products and services.

More Info on Materials

See our Materials Collection Research Guide for more information about materials here in the Library.