The Best Building Materials for Architects in 2025: A Primer

As the construction industry continues to evolve, architects are constantly searching for innovative materials and solutions to enhance building performance, sustainability, and overall design efficiency. With an emphasis on durability, energy efficiency, and ease of installation, here are some of the top materials and products making waves in 2025.

1. Huber: ZIP System, Sheathing, SIP Tape, SIP Stretch Tape, and ZIP Tape VP

Huber’s ZIP System and its associated products continue to be a favorite choice for architects and builders due to their efficiency and versatility. The ZIP System Sheathing is a high-performance, engineered wood product that serves as a combination of sheathing and weather barrier in one step. Their Zip-R Sheathing adds a layer of insulation value, giving an exterior insulation jacket around the entire perimeter of the building in one step. Its ease of installation and excellent moisture resistance make it a reliable choice for residential and commercial projects.

• ZIP Tape is designed to create seamless, airtight, and weather-resistant seals at joints, helping to improve the overall energy efficiency of a structure.
• SIP Stretch Tape is particularly useful for adding an extra layer of protection in areas that experience harsh weather conditions, preventing water infiltration and air leaks.
• ZIP Tape VP (Vapor Permeable) offers increased moisture protection, making it suitable for applications where managing humidity and condensation is critical to the building’s longevity.

These products are known for their high performance in improving energy efficiency and reducing air and moisture infiltration, making them ideal for sustainable building projects.

2. Prosoco: Air Dam and CAT5

Prosoco has been a leader in the development of innovative air and moisture control products, and their Air Dam and CAT5 sealants are no exception.

• Air Dam is a versatile sealant that creates an airtight barrier, improving a building’s energy performance by minimizing air leakage.
• CAT5 is a high-performance sealant designed to bridge gaps between different materials, ensuring a continuous air and moisture barrier that is durable and reliable.

Both products help architects maintain the integrity of a building’s envelope, reducing energy costs and improving overall comfort.

3. Pro-clima: Intello Plus and Tescon Vana Tape

Pro-clima is a well-regarded name in the building materials industry, known for its commitment to high-performance air and vapor barriers.

• Intello Plus is an intelligent vapor control membrane designed to optimize moisture management in buildings. Its adaptive vapor permeability allows it to respond to changing moisture levels within the building, providing enhanced protection for walls and roofs.
• Tescon Vana Tape is a high-performance adhesive tape designed to seal overlaps in membranes and provide airtight seals. Its easy application and ability to resist environmental stress make it an excellent choice for air sealing.

These Pro-clima products are particularly favored in green building projects where managing moisture and airtightness is key to achieving high-performance standards.

4. Cor-a-vent

Cor-a-vent offers effective ventilation solutions, with products designed to enhance airflow and moisture management in buildings. Their systems are integral to maintaining a healthy indoor environment by preventing excess moisture and air quality issues.

• Coravent Ventilation Products help architects design structures with proper airflow, reducing the risk of mold and mildew while maintaining a comfortable indoor climate.

5. SIGA: Fentrim Tape

SIGA offers high-performance sealing solutions, and their Fentrim Tape is a top choice for creating airtight and moisture-resistant seals on windows, doors, and other openings.

• Fentrim Tape is easy to apply, ensuring that air and water infiltration is minimized while contributing to a structure’s overall energy efficiency. In particular it will bond to concrete in nearly any temperature condition without requiring a primer. It should be used at the bottom of sheathing, where it meets the stemwall, as a general detail in any quality construction.

SIGA products are ideal for creating airtight building envelopes, which are essential for reducing heating and cooling costs while maintaining indoor comfort.

6. StegoWrap

StegoWrap is a trusted brand for vapor barriers, and Visqueen-StejoHome is one of their most advanced products.

• StejoHome is a high-quality vapor barrier that protects structures from moisture-related damage. It’s especially useful in foundation applications where moisture control is critical to preserving the integrity of the building.

By providing superior protection against moisture, StegoWrap ensures that buildings stay dry and structurally sound over time.

7. Delta: Delta Dry and Delta SA WRB

Delta is known for its innovative water and air barrier systems, with products like Delta Dry and Delta SA WRB leading the way.

• Delta Dry is a high-performance foundation waterproofing membrane that prevents water from penetrating the structure, ensuring that basements and foundations stay dry.
• Delta SA WRB (Water Resistive Barrier) is a self-adhesive membrane that provides excellent protection against water infiltration while allowing for vapor diffusion.

Both of these Delta products are highly durable and ideal for creating moisture-resistant building envelopes.

8. Insulation: Halo GPS, Blown-In Cellulose, and Blown-In Fiberglass

Proper insulation is a cornerstone of energy-efficient building design, and is becoming more and more important when complying with energy codes. There are several options that stand out in 2025:

• Halo Sub-Tera GPS Insulation is a cutting-edge, rigid insulation material that offers superior thermal resistance and moisture control, making it a top choice for both residential and commercial buildings.
• Blown-In Cellulose is a sustainable and cost-effective insulation option that is highly effective at filling gaps and voids in walls, ceilings, and attics. Problems with Cellulose are weight, availability, and does not do well with bulk water failure.
• Blown-In Fiberglass is another great insulation choice, and is more widely available, known for its excellent thermal performance and soundproofing qualities.

Each of these insulation options helps architects reduce a building’s energy consumption while promoting sustainability.

9. Ventilation: Vents US ERV and Panasonic Bathroom Vents

Effective ventilation is crucial to maintaining healthy indoor air quality. Two products that are particularly useful in this area are:

• Vents US ERV: A highly efficient ventilation system that ensures consistent airflow throughout the building. It’s particularly useful in areas with high humidity, such as basements and kitchens. Code requires continuous ventilation in new homes, and this is an affordable, targeted solution to achieve compliance. The heat exchange unit ensures that as little energy is wasted as possible bringing in outside air, by warming it with the exhausting air.
• Panasonic Bathroom Vents: These ventilation fans are designed to provide quiet, effective moisture removal in bathrooms, preventing mold and mildew growth and improving overall air quality. They are the quietest on the market, without getting into premium brands. 

10. DenDecks/DensGlass

• DensDecks/DensGlass offers high-performance building materials that help improve the structural integrity and safety of a project. These products are crucial when working with single membrane roofs, and fire-wall separations that require exterior gypsum board.

11. : Titen Anchor Bolts and New Brackets by Simpson Strong-Tie

• Titen Anchor Bolts – These have quickly become an industry standard as an easy, affordable way to do post-install anchors without having to rely on epoxys. It is important to know the difference between Stainless, Hot Dip Galvanized, and Mechanically Galvanized Versions, as they are rated for different conditions.
• Simpson makes the industry standard brackets for all manner of connections. It is always worth looking through their yearly catalog to see what new brackets, hangers, and solutions are available.

Conclusion

As architects in 2025, you have access to a wide range of high-performance materials that are designed to enhance the durability, energy efficiency, and overall quality of your projects. Whether you are focusing on building envelopes, moisture control, or thermal performance, the right materials can make a significant difference in the success of your designs. From advanced sheathing systems and insulation materials to airtight seals and efficient ventilation solutions, these products will help you create buildings that are not only functional but also sustainable and resilient for years to come.

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