Passive House in the Spotlight: Montreal Hosts the Ice Box Challenge 2025
- Kim Cloutier
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
A Global Challenge in the Service of Sustainable Construction
The Ice Box Challenge is an international initiative with a clear purpose: to strikingly demonstrate the effectiveness of Passive House standards compared to conventional construction. Since its inception in 2007 in Brussels, this competition has taken place in more than 17 cities around the world, including Oslo, Delhi, New York, and Vancouver.
Montreal Takes the Stage : A 100% Local Challenge Global Impact
The 2025 edition in Montreal, organized notably with ÉTS and Concordia, will bring together student teams to design two small houses: one built to local codes, the other according to Passive House standards. These will then be showcased under the summer heat at the Old Port of Montreal, in full view of the public, before being opened to measure the melting of the ice — a tangible proof of their thermal performance.
" The concept: design and build micro-buildings capable of preserving a giant block of ice for three weeks, without any artificial cooling. A playful yet educational experiment to raise public awareness about sustainable construction and energy efficiency solutions." — Ice Box Challenge Montreal
The Rules
Objective:
Preserve a massive block of ice for as long as possible.
Requirements:
Each team must design and build a closed structure (Ice Box) capable of housing a block of ice weighing about one ton.
The structure must include at least one window.
No active cooling or air-conditioning systems are allowed.
Maximum dimensions and a set budget are imposed.
Location & Conditions:
The structures will be installed outdoors, in full sunlight, for the entire duration of the challenge.
Evaluation Criteria:
The amount of ice preserved at the end of the three-week competition
The potential for reusing the structure after the event (no structure should end up in the trash)
The originality and aesthetic quality of the design
The 5 Core Principles of Passive House
At the foundation of the Passive House (or Passivhaus) standard are five key building principles that, when combined, can reduce heating and cooling energy needs by up to 90%:
Solar Orientation
Maximize passive solar gains through optimal building orientation.
Enhanced Insulation
Use high-performance insulation to minimize heat loss.
High-Performance Windows
Install triple-glazed windows with insulated frames to reduce heat transfer.
Airtight Building Envelope
Limit air infiltration to prevent drafts and increase energy efficiency.
Balanced Ventilation with Heath Recovery
Ensure healthy, efficient air renewal while recovering heat from exhaust air.
Together, these principles create healthy, comfortable, and ultra-efficient buildings that consume very little energy.
GRAPHIQUE 1: The Value of a Well-Insulated Home
Average Heat Gains and Losses by House Type in kWh/m²a
Want to learn more? Discover our article The Principles of a Passive House
Why We Chose to Sponsor This Event
Alignment with Our Certified Expertise
As Passive House–trained and accredited architects, we know these principles are essential for building a sustainable future. This challenge highlights them in both an educational and striking way.
Major Educational Impact
Students gain hands-on experience, from design to construction. This commitment supports the next generation of talent.
Public and Media Visibility
Hosting this challenge outdoors in an iconic location like the Old Port offers a unique platform to raise awareness among the general public, professionals, and decision-makers.
More articles will follow to dive deeper into the behind-the-scenes of the project, the work of the teams, and the local impact. Stay tuned!
Join Us and Follow the Journey
In summary, the Ice Box Challenge 2025 in Montreal is much more than a competition: it’s a manifesto for energy efficiency, hands-on education, and environmental awareness. We are proud to support it and look forward to celebrating with you the results of this icy challenge… one that carries the promise of a more sustainable future.
Don’t Miss: Ask the Experts – July 25
On July 25, our team will take part in an “Ask the Experts” session open to the public. Come meet us, ask your questions, and exchange ideas on the challenges and solutions of sustainable construction.
See you this summer, from July 10 to 30 at Montreal’s Old Port to discover the two constructions, witness the ice melt reveal, and take part in public events!
Follow the teams on social media:
Instagram : @IceBoxChallenge_MTL
Concordia : Facebook - IceBox Challenge Concordia
For more information, visit the official site: www.iceboxmontreal.com
