Top building products for May 2025
Building Design+Construction editors bring you the top building products for the month of May. Collected across a variety of building sectors, these products provide function and form, drive efficiency, and achieve thermal performance.
From Cedar Renditions aluminum accent siding to the EnergyShield XR, here are 15 products being used in the industry today.
May 2025 Top 15 Building Products
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UniQuad translucent wall and roof systems
by Kingspan Light + Air
The UniQuad system is a high-performance translucent daylighting solution designed to provide superior thermal insulation, impact resistance, and architectural versatility. Its unitized multiwall panel design enhances natural light diffusion while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic and durable building envelope. The system supports a wide range of performance options, including insulation options, sound control and systems designed for protection from extreme weather events. With customizable colors, graphic capabilities and LED backlighting options, UniQuad also allows for creative flexibility in high-performance spaces.
Cedar Renditions aluminum accent siding
by Westlake Royal Building Products
An expansion of its design versatility, Cedar Renditions aluminum accent siding adds five solid colors and a premium woodgrain color to its offerings. Ideal as an accent material for low-level commercial and multifamily homes, the sleek, modern siding is crafted from lightweight, nonflammable, recyclable aluminum, making it resistant to rust, water, insects, and harsh climates. It is available in 6” Siding, 6” Soffit or Board & Batten, plus trim and accessories are available in matching woodgrain patterns.
Cool Roof Tile collection
by Brava
With an emphasis on increasing the energy efficiency of the building envelope while providing options that suit a range of styles, the Cool Roof Tile collection is designed to reduce heat transfer and lower indoor temperature. The collection includes CRRC-compliant Cedar Shake, Slate profiles and Spanish Barrel composite roof tiles, which meet California’s Title 24 and Title 31 standards. Made from 100% recycled materials, the roof tiles are all offered with fresh Cool Color options, like Cool White, Cool Terra Cotta, and more.
Artofix acoustical panel system
by G&S Acoustics
Ideal for interiors that demand both function and form, Artofix acoustical panel system features modular layouts and sculptural, 3D surface designs to combine high acoustic performance with visual impact. As a fully modular system, designers can create custom compositions using the collection of felt-based panels while addressing sound clarity in large and small spaces. The line is now available across North America, with G&S Acoustics as the exclusive U.S. distributor.
Lightwall 3440 system
by EXTECH/Exterior Technologies
As part of its first phase of a long-range plan to provide public amenities and sustainable access around the Beaverdam Reservoir, the 60-acre park project includes a shared bike and pedestrian path, welcome center, several pavilions, rental boathouse, educational exhibits, trails and more. One of the park’s main goals is to balance ecological health with recreation and human well-being, and the selection of the Lightwall 3440 system as the cladding for the boathouse on the edge of the reservoir complements the eco-friendly park. The translucent wall system allows natural light to illuminate the boathouse during the day and for it to act as a lantern during other times of day. Used on all four sides of the building, including for the building’s bi-fold door systems, the polycarbonate cladding panels are lightweight while maintaining impact resistance and insulative properties.
Wall Grazer optic
by Birchwood Lighting, a Leviton company
Compatible with all ceilings and wall types, the Wall Grazer optic creates dramatic lighting effects that enhance wall textures and create striking visuals for commercial and residential spaces. Available in two BW165 Recessed configuration options, the Perimeter Flush offers seamless installation and an integrated look, while the Perimeter 3-inch Regressed delivers a defined architectural edge with a subtle reveal. Both options maintain a compact 1.65-inch profile to remain discreetly tucked away and ensure a consistent, uniform beam of light. Part of the customizable BW165 Recessed family, the wall grazer system’s modular design allows for a variety of configurations to suit a wide array of lighting applications.
Thermiser Max-Low U Door
by Cornell
Constructed with an insulated curtain, perimeter seal and thermally-broken guide, the Thermiser Max-Low U Door is engineered to deliver energy efficiency and climate control. The insulated rolling door—also includes mineral wool insulation and a CPVC backer in its construction—offers a U-factor rating of 0.532 for the full assembly while also carrying a Sound Transmission Rating of 27 for the full assembly when configured with 18GA steel front slats for more control over interior and exterior noise levels. Because of its design for exterior applications, the door can be configured to meet a maximum operational wind load of 20 PSF.
Plaza Cloud
by Kirei by Carnegie
A cloud and a grid in one, Plaza Cloud brings modularity and acoustic performance to ceiling design. Measuring 36 by 36 inches, each square unit can stand alone or be combined with others to create striking ceilings of any scale. Made from recycled PET containing at least 60% post-consumer recycled plastic, the cloud delivers an array-NRC of 1.05 and comes in 35 standard color options. It is part of the Carnegie Acoustic Solutions Mezzo Collection, which aims to bring harmony to interior environments.
EnergyShield XR
by Atlas Roofing
To support safe and even more versatile building designs, EnergyShield XR is now approved for even more NFPA 285 assemblies due to its latest fire performance test results. According to DrJ TER 1306-03, the one-size-fits-all product now suits exterior cladding assemblies like metal panels and fiber cement, plus additional WRB and sheathing options. EnergyShield XR is a polyiso continuous insulation board that delivers a strong sustainability profile while delivering flexibility for above- and below-ground needs in residential or commercial applications.
Model GKC kitchen ventilation hood
by Greenheck
Factory-installed Model GKC kitchen ventilation controls are now available as an enhanced option for the company’s kitchen hoods. These hood-mounted temperature and optics sensors respond up to five times faster than duct-mounted temperature sensors to modulate airflow and can detect smoke and steam within seconds to trigger exhaust fans. An optional variable volume system capable of turning down fan speeds by up to 50% can be included, which may result in energy savings that meet ASHRAE 90.1, IECC 2024 and California Title 24 energy standards. Add a color touchscreen display to each hood section for precise control of fans, make-up air and lights.
LIGOS A 9210 all-acrylic latex binder
by Trinseo
Offering a reliable solution for demanding flooring applications, LIGOS A 9210 delivers superior adhesion, plasticizer migration resistance and dimensional stability. The all-acrylic latex binder for flexible flooring adhesives also provides rapid adhesion build up that allows flooring installations, especially Luxury Vinyl Tile systems, to be ready for use more quickly. Produced using processes that minimize VOC residue, the high-performance binder allows for extended open working time to support smooth, efficient installations.
Lighted Blades LED lighting
by Construction Specialties
Balancing performance and aesthetics for façade solutions, the Lighted Blades are the latest addition to the company’s integration of LED lighting into nearly an extrusion, joining standard airfoils, tubes and demi-fin offerings. With the LED light incorporated into the end, designers can use the sunshade blades to shade a building during the day and light it up with colorful detail at night. Available in a maximum length of 16 feet, the blades can be mounted in vertical or horizontal orientations.
NCC199CDV Pro Condensing Tankless Water Heater
by Noritz America
Part of the company’s program to enhance its product offering throughout 2025, the NCC199CDV Pro Condensing Tankless Water Heater has been enhanced with several installer- and end-user friendly features. Engineered for a wide range of heavy-duty commercial applications, the upgraded water heater delivers a Uniform Energy Factor of 0.98, translating into even fewer harmful emissions from the high-efficiency condensing combustion process. All Pro models include a built-in display on the front panel that shows current temperature, operational status and error codes, and Bluetooth connectivity delivers greater control over water heater functionality as well as easy set up from a smartphone. Up to six units can be connected as a single system, plus up to 12 units in a single application can be common-vented to minimize wall penetrations.
OPTIM-R E encapsulated vacuum insulation panel
by Kingspan Insulation
An evolution of the OPTIM-R Series vacuum insulation panels line, the OPTIM-R E encapsulated vacuum insulation panel achieves optimum thermal performance in tight spaces without increasing roof height. The rigid vacuum insulation panel has a fumed silica core that is encased and sealed in a thin, gas-tight envelope which is encapsulated in a coating that increases durability and reduces risk of handling on site. Aiming to address the demand for energy-efficient roofing solutions in new build and retrofit applications, the center of the panel achieves an R-value of 34.2 per inch, delivering not only one of the thinnest solutions but also low thermal conductivity.
Invi Air Round Exhaust Fan Cover (R15E)
by Invi Air Diffusers
Complementing any bathroom aesthetic with its minimalist design, the Invi Air Round Exhaust Fan Cover (R15E) is fully compatible with the most common bathroom exhaust fans and various ceiling types, including gypsum and some specialty ceilings. Its magnetically latched face allows for easy access to the fan for maintenance and cleaning, even for bath fan models with motion sensors, without sacrificing the clean look. In addition to being easy to paint to match virtually any ceiling color and texture, the exhaust fan cover is ASTM E84 Class A rated and complies with California Air Resources Board Phase II standards.
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