Ice Box Challenge – Restoration, Learning & Digital Modelling
To assess the thermal performance of full-scale representation models (test ‘ice’ boxes) built to Passivhaus and Building Regulations standards.
The Ice Box units have been fully restored at NMITE and are being repurposed to support education, research, and skills development in the built environment sector. and create a series of educational outputs related to net-zero housing. Following restoration, the units were filmed for Channel 4’s Guy Martin’s House Without Bills, produced by North One. The Ice Box Challenge was not included in the final broadcast; the filmed content has been made available for use within an educational toolkit.
Who is this for:
Educators/ Training Providers/ Students and learners /Built environment professionals /Organisations
Level / Stage :
Ongoing andProject ends October 2026
What was delivered
Full restoration of Ice Box Challenge units at NMITE
Filming of the units for a national television production
Creation of supporting visual content for educational use
Initial groundwork for digital modelling and performance analysis
Outputs / Resources
Educational toolkit (in development)
Exclusive filmed content from North One (Channel 4 production)
Case study materials based on the Ice Box units
Future digital model informed by live data and sensors
Impact
This project creates a practical bridge between physical construction, digital modelling, and education. By combining restored structures, real-world data, and media content, it supports more engaging and accessible learning around energy efficiency and building performance.
Partners
PassivHaus Trust | NMITE through HCI funding | Edinburgh Napier University | The University of Edinburgh through Scotland Beyond Net Zero Seed Funding | Elemental Solutions | North One | Trimble