If you’ve ever wondered what a “near zero energy building” (NZEB) looks or feels like, this is your chance to find out. Dozens of them will be open to the public this weekend weekend as part of an EU-wide initiative.

Organised to coincide with the Passive House Association of Ireland's annual "See the Light" conference, Open Doors Ireland will include site visits to houses as well as to commercial, industrial and public buildings.

The list of attractions this year includes a new stillhouse at the Irish Distillers complex in Midleton, Co Cork, the Tesco supermarket at Cabra Cross in north Dublin and a house commissioned by former politician Pat Cox in Blackrock, Co Dublin.

It also includes Ireland’s first factory-built passive house near Clonmel, Co Tipperary, manufactured by Viking-House and erected on site in just two weeks, as well as a pharmacy and apartment in the town centre which meet the rigorous standard.

NZEB Open Doors Ireland co-ordinator Michael Hanratty said building design professionals and citizens would be able to see the clever application of renewable technologies and get first-hand knowledge from both owners and designers of passive house design.

“Many of the exhibitors are delighted to participate as they themselves were inspired by visiting similar projects before they got started. Some of the projects are still at the construction stage, allowing visitors a different perspective.”

For more information about Open Doors Ireland, go to nzeb-opendoors.ie.