Ice Box Challenge Comes to New Mexico
Groundbreaking Project Aims to Showcase Energy Efficient Building Science, Open Trades Pathways for Local Youth, and Offer a Housing Solution for Northern New Mexicans in Need.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2025
Contact: Miles D. Conway
Phone: 505-455-2853
Miles@BuildNewMexico.com
Santa Fe, NM — A coalition of housing, educational, and community care organizations, including Santa Fe Area Home Builders Association, Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity, Esperanza Shelter, Santa Fe Community College, Youth Works, Early College Opportunities, B. Public Prefab, and National Association of Home Builders, announce the Northern New Mexico Ice Box Challenge for 2025.
Major support for the project came from Housing New Mexico/ MFA, the Regional Development Corporation (RDC), the Foundation for Building, Builders First Source, and many other partners. The Northern New Mexico Ice Box Challenge is set to take place August 8-17 2025.
The building science demonstration project highlights energy-efficient building practices, opens pathways to trades careers for local youth, and offers one solution for urgent housing needs. As part of a global initiative, Santa Fe will join a list of cities worldwide that have hosted this innovative event.
CLICK HERE for informational packet & sponsoring opportunities
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The IceBox Challenge will feature three tiny homes constructed and exhibited by youth with coaching by local trade professionals. Each tiny home will be constructed to different building efficiency standards – from ultra-efficient passive house standards to a 2021 modern code, and a 1950’s era construction standard.
All three tiny homes will be displayed near the NM State Capital building and loaded with approximately one ton of ice for the demonstration. Exposed to the summer sun, the amount of ice left in each house after the exhibition will demonstrate how different construction methods drastically impact energy consumption and how changes to building codes contribute to climate solutions.
EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION
For the first time in IceBox Challenge history, high school-aged youth will participate in the construction work, gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge energy-efficient construction techniques. The challenge not only educates but also opens up pathways toward careers in construction, design, and skilled trades.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Post-challenge, the tiny homes will serve as safe emergency housing for the Esperanza Shelter, reinforcing the project’s commitment to social impact and community well-being.
A COLLABORATIVE
The IceBox Challenge unites a diverse team of contributors:
- ECO High School: Constructing a tiny home that meets New Mexico Residential Building Codes (2021)
- YouthWorks and Habitat for Humanity (1) Building a tiny home to the Passive House standards using advanced construction and insulation techniques, and (2) Building and then retrofitting (after the exhibition) a lower-performing 1950s-era home with energy-saving upgrades.
This hands-on public event invites the community to witness the power of energy-efficient design, helps open pathways into the trades for young people, and assists with emergency housing for Esperanza Domestic Violence Crisis Shelter that services families – men, women, and children – throughout northern New Mexico. Sponsorship opportunities are available to support youth involvement and sustainable housing initiatives.
Subject Matter Contacts for Press – Ice Box Challenge-related topics:
Subject Matter Experts for Press – Ice Box Challenge-related topics contacts on:
Workforce Development
Thomas Treece
2023 SFAHBA/NNMBA President
505.690.3804
arpadbuildersllc@comcast.net
Geneva Look
Academic Director School Trades, Advanced Technology, and Sustainability
Santa Fe Community College
505.428.1235
Geneva.Look@sfcc.edu
Johnny Gee
YouthBuild Program Manager
YouthWorks
505.989.1855
Johnny@santafeyouthworks.org
Rob Lochner
Interim Executive Director
Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity
505.986.5880
rob@santafehabitat.org
Eugene Doyle
Construction Teacher
Early College Opportunities High School
edoyle@sfps.k12.nm.us
Green Building Science
David Best
Senior Trainer
Energy Smart Academy
Santa Fe Community College
505.428.1049
david.best1@sfcc.edu
Edie Dillman
CEO & Co-Founder
B. Public Prefab
Info@bpublicprefab.com
505.230.4010
Housing Security & Affordability Issues
Jan McCray
Chief Executive Officer
Esperanza Shelter ceo@esperanzashelter.org
813.695.6593
Miles Conway
CEO
New Mexico Home Builders Association
505.455.2853
Miles@NMHBA.org
Rob Lochner
Interim Executive Director
Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity
505.986.5880
rob@santafehabitat.org
