Team LNU – Linneuniversitet Växjö:
Group Leader: Nathalie Svensson
We see this as a unique opportunity to learn more about passive houses and energy-efficient building design, gaining hands-on experience with sustainable construction. We’re excited to observe how a passive building performs in real-life conditions and to support a good cause by raising awareness about the building industry’s climate impact. This challenge allows us to demonstrate how passive house principles can maintain optimal conditions without heavy reliance on active heating or cooling, thus reducing energy consumption.
We look forward to applying our skills, learning new building technologies, and gaining hands-on experience with passive house standards that will benefit our future careers. As students in a sustainability-focused master’s program, we are committed to creating functional, sustainable designs and are excited to go beyond classroom learning by designing and building something ourselves.
With our combined knowledge, teamwork, and the support of Linnaeus University’s resources—such as a well-equipped lab, mentors, and valuable industry contacts—we feel well-prepared to develop innovative, practical solutions that showcase the effectiveness of passive house construction.
LTU – Luleå tekniska universitet:
Group Leader Team 1: Nelly Cedergren
We are a group of six enthusiastic students, participating in the Ice Box Challenge as one of the teams from Luleå Tekniska Universitet! We are studying architectural engineering and want to test our knowledge and skills in this challenge. We see this as an opportunity to combine our theoretical knowledge with practical experience and to create something genuine for a more sustainable future.
The Ice Box Challenge appeals to us, as its focus on sustainability and energy-efficiency requires innovative thinking. Our team consists of a diverse group of students with a wide variety of skills, making us a force to be reckoned with! By working together as a group and with the support from our advisors, we can create innovative designs and solutions that are functional, sustainable and aesthetically pleasing!
We strongly believe that we have what it takes to win the Ice Box Challenge. With the combination of our knowledge, creativity and commitment, we want to prove that we, as future engineers, are ready and able to create the energy-efficient and sustainable buildings that the future needs.
LTU – Luleå tekniska universitet:
Group Leader Team 2: Valentin Romero
Luleå University of Technology (LTU) is the northernmost university participating in the Ice Box Challenge in Sweden. Our team, composed of nine dedicated and passionate M.Sc. students in architectural engineering, is driven by a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability. We excel in creating impactful designs with a strong focus on circular construction practices. Each member brings unique expertise and curiosity to the project, from advanced material selection and energy-efficient design to construction techniques.
We are participating in the Ice Box Challenge to explore the boundaries of passive house design and to demonstrate our ability to create a structure that excels in both performance and aesthetics. Our diverse skill set and collaborative spirit enable us to approach the challenge from multiple angles, ensuring a well-rounded and thoughtful solution.
We believe that our well-suited education for this task, combined with our enthusiasm and teamwork, positions us as strong contenders in this competition. Additionally, we are supported by our advisors with expertise in the field and our extensive network both locally and within the industry. Our strategic approach to design, construction, and sustainability will not only preserve the ice block but also showcase the potential of innovative building practices in extreme climates.
We are hopeful that our unique perspective and dedicated effort will help us perform well in the Ice Box Challenge.
Team KTH – Stockholm:
Group Leader: Christine Anne Nordqvist
We are the KTH team competing in the Ice Box Challenge, bringing together a diverse mix of students specializing in building physics, construction, architecture, and simulation—staying true to the KTH motto, Science and Art. With our combined expertise, we aim to design and build the optimal Ice Box by leveraging advanced simulations to make informed, energy-efficient design choices. Together, we’re working toward a sustainable future!
Team Mittuniversitet Östersund:
Group Leader: TBD
Högskolan Borlänge:
Group Leader: Mascha Drogt
We are a mix of bachelor and masterstudents, which means we bring a lot of different ideas and experiences. Some of us are relatively local, know cold climates and are training up as Swedish byggingenjörer. Others have trained in Asia and Africa, and know about working with materials and techniques that can tame summer sun. We share a passion for reducing the environmental impacts of modern life, in Sweden and elsewhere. None of us has ever built an ice store!
To demonstrate that high insulation standards are perfectly achievable. To help show people that while sustainability has many different aspects, consuming less – throughout a building’s lifecycle – is an important factor.
We’re not saying much, but Dalarna is a part of Sweden where industry and agriculture sit closely side by side. And where snölagring is a thing. And the university does have its own experimental passive house up on the roof. In fact Högskolan has an impressive track record of training up designers, constructors and project managers. In a previous engineering challenge, Dalarna claimed an energy efficiency world record.