Two identical-appearing structures will be placed side by side in a public location, each containing a large block of ice with no mechanical heating or cooling. One follows conventional Irish building standards, while the other adheres to Passive House standards featuring full insulation, eliminated thermal bridges, airtight construction, and high-performance glazing.
The comparison demonstrates real-world performance differences. In previous European and North American installations, the standard box has typically retained as little as 7% of its original ice, while the Passive House box has held approximately 42%.
Why this matters now
The challenge transforms abstract technical concepts into observable phenomena. Rather than discussing U-values theoretically, visitors can witness insulation performance unfold over weeks through direct observation.
Dublin’s installation adds a distinctive element: live sensor data tracking internal temperature and humidity readings from both structures, available online in real time. This technological layer enables continuous performance monitoring beyond visual inspection alone.
For Ireland’s transition toward mandatory zero-emission building standards, this demonstration arrives strategically. As buildings represent substantial portions of national energy consumption and carbon emissions, the visible proof of Passive House effectiveness addresses industry scepticism about performance benefits.
What Mosart is building
Mosart’s architectural team is designing and constructing both boxes using Modern Timber Construction. The design challenge requires creating externally identical structures with dramatically different internal performance, mirroring the broader construction industry’s transition challenge.
The Passive House structure incorporates continuous insulation, thermally optimised junctions, an airtight envelope, and specialised glazing. The conventional box reflects current regulatory minimums rather than performance optimisation.
Event details
Both instrumented structures will be displayed at Trinity College Dublin throughout July, with a formal reveal occurring at ZEB Summit 2026 on September 23 at the RDS, uniting architects, engineers, developers, local authorities, and sustainability professionals from Ireland and internationally.