Believe it or not, this is very common in architectural language:

Commentary: The debate over classical vs. contemporary architecture ...
https://www.washingtonpost.com/...architecture.../gJQAo8XUlU...
24 May 2012 - Should the new edifice be white in color and clad in noble materials such ... Deconstructionists are to architecture as anarchists are to the state.
This is the Google result; the Washington Post has a paywall, unfortunately.

"Villas, with facades in noble materials, such as natural French stone"
Encyclopedia of Twentieth Century Architecture
https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=opvy1zGI2EcC&pg=PA179&lp...

"Spencer’s early training at technical school, where he practised woodwork, metalwork and technical drawing, turned him into a fine draughtsman and gave him a love of raw materials. He delights in the integrity of noble materials and loves to work with marble, oak and stone using hand-crafted finishes and interesting natural or historic materials"
http://www.spencerfung.co.uk/about/

"But although most people think that concrete is the ugly stuff of parking lots and communist tower blocks, when properly handled, argues architecture writer Philip Jodidio, concrete is “one of the most noble materials of contemporary architecture.”
https://slate.com/human-interest/2015/08/100-contemporary-co...

"The exterior houses are usually the most recently built, made of more noble materials, such a brick."
Vernacular Heritage and Earthen Architecture
https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=1orSBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA715&lp...

"Two flats are joined to form a duplex apartment. The stair connects kitchen to studio and living room above. Simplicity of details and use of noble materials (walnut, steel, handmade ceramic tiles) achieve architectural richness through the quality of the craftsmanship."
https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:uBMOtc...

"As an Architect, I find how materials are assembled and volumes defined intriguing. And as Photographer, I find shapes, textures and contrasts photogenic. We’ll find classical forms, old walls, noble materials, beautiful shapes, new structures, shiny surfaces, in small or soaring or cute or grandiose architecture."
This is about Vancouver.
https://worldwidephotowalk.com/walk/vancouver-architecture/

And so on. There are many more examples, but I've deliberately selected some that are definitely not translated.

It's probably not a term everyone would use, but in your academic context I think it would be suitable.

I agree with the first part of your translation for the whole phrase,