The Ice Box Challenge is back! After making a splash at the Minnesota State Fair in 2024 and hibernating for a long winter, the Ice Box Challenge is making its way to HOMEARAMA ®.
Read more on AIA Cincinnati’s website.
Process
Two boxes are constructed, one box to the local building requirements, while the other is built to the international Passive House Standard. The two boxes are then placed in a central, high foot-traffic area for a set period of time – usually two weeks.
Both are filled with 2,000 pounds of ice. Monitoring devices and cameras inside the boxes can measure the temperatures and photograph the depleting ice.
The amount of ice left in each box at the end of the display period is then measured, and the level of remaining ice is used to demonstrate how well each ice box kept out the heat.
Learn About Passive House
Engagement
Public events are planned for the placement of the ice and the reveal at the end, with remarks by public and private supporters of the effort.
During the 2-week period of the exhibition, volunteers will engage public visitors and explanatory events can be planned to engage school, camp, or other groups of kids and adults.
A free game to guess the final weights of the ice in each box will offer prizes to the closest guesses. Make your guess here!
Schedule of Events
September 27-October 12 – High Performance Scavenger Hunt (pick up your card at the Ice Box Challenge booth)
September 27, 4-5pm – High Performance Building 101 (for homeowners)
October 5, 2-4pm – Ice Cream Social at the Ice Box Challenge booth
October 9, 4-5 pm – High Performance Building 101 (for builders and contractors)
October 10, 5-6pm – THE REVEAL! Which box preserved the most ice?
NOTE: All programs and events require admission to HOMEARAMA®.
Tickets are $22.00 at the gate. Tickets can be purchased for a discount price of $20.00 on the HOMEARAMA® website. All tickets include parking.
Why Cincinnati?
Cincinnati is poised to be a regional leader in sustainable design. City governance and initiatives are leading the way and local designers are on the forefront of passive house design. This is a opportunity for designers, contractors, developers, and citizens of this city to connect and look towards a more sustainable future.
