PRESS RELEASE
Michael Friedlander Wins Three Prestigious Building Awards
The Geyser in Parnell, Auckland, is New Zealand’s first new-build, six green star rated office building and has been
recognised as an innovation in this field of building. The Geyser is owned by Michael Friedlander’s Sampson Corporation and has 24 offices and six retail/hospitality spaces.
The property consists of several separate buildings and it is this innovation which has scored a six green star rating
from the Green Building Council. Pattersons & Associates director, Andrew Patterson says getting a five green star rating is based on an empirical system, where
buildings got points for features such as bike racks or water recycling capabilities. “But to get that sixth star you
need to have an international innovation. We sliced the building and then ended up with a building of separate parts.
This creates light and air around the whole tenancy.”
This office building is the area's first building to receive six green star certifications for its environmentally
sustainable design. To become sustainable, Samson designed the Geyser building with solar panels, natural light and
modern airflow. In addition, Mr Friedlander has recently become involved with the Auckland Art Gallery and regularly
contributes funds for the arts. Following the death of his wife, Michael also created a residency in her name for an
artist to go to New York City.
The second award received by Mr Friedlander’s company was from the Designers Institute of New Zealand which has given
accolades to the buildings voted the most well-designed of the year at its annual Best Design Awards. The awards,
established in 1988, recognise the best design in products, graphics and interactive designs. Mr Friedlander’s Samson
Corporation’s Ironbank building on Auckland’s Karangahape Rd won in the Built Environment category for the RTA
Studio-designed “sculptural and playful vision.”
And finally, the winners of the New Zealand Institute of Architecture’s Auckland Architecture Awards were recently
announced, with kudos going to the best of sustainable buildings, the most impressive commercial projects and best
refurbishment of a heritage building. Judging panel convenor architect, Mario Madayag said it was of an international
standard, and was particularly keen on its “completely 007 car park” which works on an automatic stacking system.
“Ironbank is great on every level,” said Mr Madayag. “This is what New Zealand is capable of and this is what we should
be doing.”
Michael Friendlander @ Scoop.co.nz