Global demonstration arrives at Trinity College Dublin ahead of new zero-emission building regulations, highlighting the impact of high-performance construction standards
The internationally recognised Ice Box Challenge has arrived in Ireland for the first time, giving the public a unique opportunity to see how building performance affects energy efficiency and thermal comfort in real-world conditions.
The installation, which forms part of ZEB Summit 2026, is now open to visitors at Trinity College Dublin and will remain on display until the end of August. First launched in Brussels in 2007, the Challenge has been staged in more than 17 locations worldwide and is designed to demonstrate the difference that building standards can make to energy use and heat transfer.
“We hope it sparks conversations not only within the construction industry, but among the wider public about the buildings we all live and work in every day”
At the centre of the experiment are two structures, each containing a block of ice weighing more than half a tonne. Both are exposed to the same Irish weather conditions. One structure has been built to current Irish building regulations, while the other has been constructed to the internationally recognised Passivhaus standard.
Over the coming weeks, visitors will be able to observe how the ice melts at different rates, providing a highly visual demonstration of the impact of insulation, airtightness and overall building performance.
Looming changes in Irish construction regulations
Live temperature and humidity data from inside both structures is available through the ZEB Summit website, allowing the public to monitor the experiment in real time. Visitors can also access the data by scanning QR codes displayed at the installation.
The project draws inspiration from the Fram, the Norwegian polar exploration vessel used by explorer Fridtjof Nansen during Arctic expeditions in the 1890s. The ship’s advanced insulation allowed its crew to survive in extreme conditions and is often regarded as an early example of principles that underpin modern Passivhaus design.
The timing of the initiative comes as Ireland’s construction sector prepares for significant regulatory changes. From 2028, all new public buildings will be required to meet Zero Emission Building (ZEB) standards, with whole-life carbon reporting becoming mandatory. By 2030, all new buildings across the European Union must be zero-emission.
Tomás O’Leary, co-founder and managing director of Mosart and a recognised Passivhaus expert, said the installation offers a simple way to demonstrate the importance of building performance.
“Having seen the impact of the Ice Box Challenge across Europe, the US and Canada, we’re delighted to bring this SciArt installation to Dublin for the first time. It’s a powerful way to show how building performance affects energy use, helping people understand, through a simple visual experiment, how better buildings can reduce energy demand, improve comfort, and play a vital role in tackling climate change.
“We hope it sparks conversations not only within the construction industry, but among the wider public about the buildings we all live and work in every day.”
The initiative also highlights technologies and construction methods that can help Ireland meet future energy-performance requirements.
NorDan Vinduer, a key project partner, supplied the windows and doors used in the Passivhaus structure. High-performance glazing systems are designed to reduce heat loss, eliminate draughts and maintain consistent indoor temperatures while lowering energy demand.
The Challenge also showcases the role of modern methods of construction using solid timber. Project partner iDomus supplied the prefabricated timber structure used in the Passivhaus box. The frame stores approximately 1.5 tonnes of biogenic carbon while demonstrating how precision-engineered construction can deliver the airtightness and insulation required for high-performance buildings.
Dr Aimee Byrne, E3 Assistant Professor in Climate Adaptation Engineering at Trinity College Dublin, said the university is pleased to host the project.
“Trinity College Dublin is delighted to partner with Mosart Group and the ZEB Summit to bring the Ice Box Challenge to our campus. We are excited to engage the public in the science of energy-efficient design and spark conversation about how high-performance buildings can shape a sustainable and resilient future. The installation aligns with Trinity’s mission to tackle climate and biodiversity challenges for a healthy planet and healthy people through our educational programmes, research and innovation, and day-to-day operations, in partnership with external collaborators and communities.”
The experiment will conclude on 23 September during ZEB Summit 2026 at the RDS in Dublin, when the remaining ice in both structures will be revealed and compared side by side.
O’Leary said the final reveal will provide a fitting conclusion to a project aimed at increasing understanding of building performance and promoting knowledge-sharing across the construction sector.
“The Ice Box Challenge is only the beginning. On September 23rd, we’ll reveal the final results live at ZEB Summit 2026, where the industry will come together to explore the solutions, technologies and expertise shaping the future of zero-emission buildings. With major regulatory changes fast approaching, I’d encourage professionals from local authorities, housing, architecture, engineering and construction to attend and gain the knowledge they’ll need to deliver the next generation of high-performance buildings.”
ZEB Summit 2026, which is backed by government and industry partners, will be officially opened by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD. The event will bring together leaders from construction, architecture, engineering and sustainability, alongside international experts including Passivhaus founder Professor Wolfgang Feist, sustainability educator Harrison Gardner and KORE Group’s Caroline Ashe-Brady.
Hosted by Mosart, the summit is being delivered in collaboration with Dublin City Council and supported by Cairn, NorDan Vinduer and Partel. Organisers say the event will focus on the technologies, policies and practical solutions needed to accelerate the transition to zero-emission buildings across Ireland and Europe.
Image at top: Tomás O’Leary, co-founder and managing director of Mosart
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