The Best of Innovation

Products changing the way we build

As building standards and construction methods evolve, building performance is becoming increasingly important. A well-sealed building envelope, combined with effective ventilation, can help improve energy efficiency, moisture management and comfort.

These were key themes across many innovative products showcased at the Bowens Building + Innovation Expo 2026. They highlight a bigger shift in how we can build more energy-efficient and comfortable homes. So, how do airtightness and ventilation affect a building’s performance?

A well-sealed building envelope helps reduce unwanted air movement and can improve energy efficiency. However, as buildings become more airtight, controlling fresh air intake and moisture removal through ventilation becomes increasingly important.

At Expo 2026, builders and trades saw innovative solutions designed to help achieve this balance.  Here are some standout products changing the way we build.

Fantech

Fantech’s mechanical ventilation and heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems are designed to provide controlled airflow and support indoor air quality.

“A standard family home can generate anywhere between 10 and 20 litres of condensation per day,” Andrew Healey, Bowens Product Innovation & Business Development Manager, said. “The HRV system extracts warm, moist air from high-risk areas of a home, such as bathrooms, laundries and kitchens, where the majority of the condensation forms and extracts it to the external envelope of the home.”

Learn more about HRV systems by visiting our virtual Rethink Building Hub and navigating to the Fantech stand.

OptiSeal

Airtightness relies on effective sealing around the building envelope, particularly where different materials, components and penetrations meet.

“OptiSeal uses technologies so advanced they’ve got solutions for just about every space of the home,” Andrew Healey said. “People need to understand that these are highly advanced construction tapes.”

OptiSeal tapes are designed to help create reliable seals across key areas of the building envelope. From thermal break and flashing tapes to solutions for membranes, joints and penetrations, OptiSeal offers a range of tapes for different construction applications.

Explore Bowens’ range of OptiSeal construction tapes online.

Performance Membranes

The building envelope is key in managing air and moisture movement throughout the building. Performance Membranes offers airtight and weathertight wall and roof membranes, high-performance sealing systems, and cavity closers designed to support healthier, longer-lasting, and more energy-efficient homes.

However, airtightness isn’t achieved by a single product. It depends on how the different components of the building envelope work together, particularly at junctions and openings. And this is what Performance Membranes do best.

Learn more about cavity closers and Pro Clima wall wraps on our blog or visit the virtual Rethink Building Hub to discover more.

Jenius Denim Insulation

Insulation is another key component of building performance, helping improve thermal efficiency and internal comfort. Jeanius Denim Insulation provides a recycled denim insulation option for builders looking to improve the thermal and acoustic performance of their projects. However, this unique product has other benefits;

• Complies with AS/NZS 4859.1 and AS/NZS 1530.3 standards
• Free from irritants, VOCs, and harmful chemicals
• No-itch composition
• Available in R-values up to R6
• Batts are produced in multiple sizes
• Superior Thermal and Acoustic Performance
• Made in Australia
• Reduces environmental impact.

‘You can really feel it as you walk into the building. It’s not just the thermal properties, it has some amazing acoustic properties too,’ Andrew said.

Read our blog to learn more about Jeanius Denim Insulation.

The Rethink Building Hub

Missed Bowens Building + Innovation Expo 2026? You can still discover key suppliers and solutions for ventilation, airtightness and moisture management at the Rethink Building Hub in Hastings.

Explore the virtual Rethink Building Hub to see what’s on offer. For questions or bookings, contact our Rethink Building team.