The Geyser building takes its inspiration from New Zealand’s thermally active geography and is built on sustainable design principles. Designed for Samson Corporation in Auckland’s Parnell, this multi- tenanted, mixed use development is the latest in a series of landmark urban courtyard developments designed by Patterson Associates. The two-storied exterior green wall is a courtyard feature in this first six-star green rated building for New Zealand.
Twenty NZ native species, including several that are rare and endemic, were selected accordingly, so ‘light loving’ plants were positioned at the top and ‘cool shade’ species at the bottom. In total there were 2086 plants used, a lot which are not typically used in landscaping, including the rare Jovellana sinclairii.
"A very original blend of horticultural innovation and aesthetics. This Green Wall represents progress in the use of the indigenous plants within that technology. It integrates beautifully into the building and contributes tangibly to the courtyard,” says the 2014 Landscapes of Distinction judge.
Geyer’s Green Wall has an automated system where irrigation, from harvested rain water, was built into the panels, which have a 25 year structural lifespan.
“The system is modular which enables ease of maintenance and substitution of plants. It is a hydroponic system with no soil which makes it lightweight,” explains Natural Habitats green expert Pete de Jager.
Geyser stakes a claim for the most sustainable building in New Zealand. The underlying assumption of Geyser is that if a building belongs in its ecology, both environmental and social, then the people who use that architecture will feel they belong there also.
Six stand alone ground floor retail, food and showroom tenancies have access to the courtyard laneway or surrounding streets. Each of the sub-buildings are wrapped in a dynamic, semi-reflective white twin walled faade, which opens and closes in order to moderate the tenants thermal environment.
“Important factors of the building for us were intelligent design, tenant desirability, quality of construction and minimised maintenance programmes.
“Geyser offers a thought-provoking example of intriguing design elements intended to cope with future challenges.” -
Judge, NZ Property Council Awards.
