Why Energy Efficient Home Builders are Choosing Huber
At Mark D. Williams Custom Homes, we pride ourselves on being energy-efficient home builders. This factors into every part of the process, including choosing energy-efficient building materials and carefully considering which brands to work with.
For our Mysa Hus project, we wanted a wall assembly that would deliver superior comfort, energy efficiency, and durability. That’s why we chose the Huber ZIP System R-12 panel, a high-performance exterior sheathing that perfectly aligns with our philosophy of intentional, wellness-focused construction.
Why Huber?
Most people recognize the ZIP System by its signature green exterior. What you’re seeing isn’t just sheathing—it’s a built-in weather-resistant barrier. The R-12 panel we’re using adds two inches of continuous insulation right to the exterior of the home, improving overall performance by moving insulation outside the building envelope.
This approach is widely used in Scandinavia (a major source of inspiration for the Mysa Hus project), where homes are built to last for generations. It’s a smarter, more energy-efficient way to build—one that results in quieter, healthier homes with better control over air and moisture and long-term savings.
Why It Matters for Mysa Hus
From the very beginning, Mysa Hus was designed to be an energy-efficient home, even before wellness and quality of life became a central theme of the project.
The ZIP System’s ability to create a tight, well-insulated envelope makes the home more efficient, more comfortable, and more resilient to Minnesota’s extreme climate. It's cutting-edge technology that also massively reduces a home's environmental impact!
Huber’s products are some of the most well-engineered materials on the market. Their superior insulation and air sealing, mold resistance, and thermal performance offer a dramatic upgrade compared to traditional wall assemblies. This improves day-to-day comfort and contributes to lower energy usage (and bills), better indoor air quality, and less long-term maintenance.
Get all the details about the Mysa Hus project here!
Building for Generations
In the U.S., homes are often built quickly with the expectation that they’ll be sold within a few years. But we believe in constructing homes that last.
The ZIP System R-12 helps us achieve that sustainable living goal by combining sheathing and rigid insulation into a single panel. It streamlines the construction process while providing continuous exterior insulation that improves efficiency without adding extra time for our framing crew.
This is the kind of intentional building that creates homes capable of serving multiple families over decades with lower household energy consumption, not just a single owner for a few years.
A Partnership That Aligns with Our Values
We first connected with the team at Huber during the International Builders’ Show, where we shared our vision for Mysa Hus. They immediately saw the alignment and partnered with us to provide both the ZIP R-12 panels and the AdvanTech Xtreme subfloor system. It’s been a true collaboration from the start!
When framing begins, we’ll be bringing in Michael Anschel from OA Design + Build to train our crew on-site, ensuring that we’re installing the system to the highest standards. We’ll also be filming the process for The Curious Builder Podcast, giving clients and peers an inside look at why high-performance materials like these matter.
Why Homeowners Should Care
Even though much of the ZIP System’s value is hidden behind the walls, the benefits are tangible. It pushes cold and moisture further away from the home’s envelope, making the house quieter, more secure, and more comfortable overall. The mold and moisture resistance also dramatically reduces maintenance concerns over time—meaning homeowners can rest easy knowing their home is well-protected for the long haul. Choosing Huber guarantees year-round comfort and substantial energy savings
Build with Energy-Efficient Home Builders
At Mark D. Williams Custom Homes, we see every project as an opportunity to rethink what a home should be. For us, that means using materials that prioritize comfort, efficiency, and wellness—not just for today, but for generations to come.
If you’re dreaming of a custom home that blends intentional design with long-term performance, let’s talk!