Ironbank (Auckland) facts for kids
Ironbank is a very cool and modern building in Auckland City, New Zealand. It's located on a busy street called Karangahape Road. This building has six levels and is used for both shops (retail) and offices. It's known for its unique look and smart design.
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What Makes Ironbank Special?
A Building Like No Other
Ironbank stands out because it looks like a stack of "rusting containers." Some people have loved this design, calling it brave and exciting. Others have found it a bit unusual, with one expert saying it looked like a "kindergarten day in a shipping yard." The building was designed by RTA Studio for Samson Corporation. It covers a large area of about 4,500 square meters.
Smart Parking System
One of the most amazing features of Ironbank is its special car park. It uses a robotic system called a car stacker. This system can store up to 96 cars in a four-level wall. It's like a giant puzzle where robots move cars into their spots, saving a lot of space!
Eco-Friendly Design
Ironbank was built with the environment in mind. It has many features that help reduce its energy use. For example, its design means it doesn't need air conditioning. This helps save a lot of electricity. The building was hoping to get a 5-star Green Building certification, which means it's super friendly to the planet.
Awards and Recognition
Winning Architecture Awards
Ironbank has won several important awards for its design. In 2009, it received three awards from the New Zealand Institute of Architects Auckland. These awards were for its commercial design, its sustainable features, and its urban design. The awards were sponsored by the paint company Resene.
International Praise
The building also gained international attention. It won second place at the World Architecture Festival, which is a big European award. This was the highest score ever for a New Zealand building at this festival! Judges praised Ironbank for its "sophisticated attitude" to the busy city area of south-central Auckland.
Noted by City Experts
Ironbank was even featured in a special series by The New Zealand Herald newspaper. In this series, important people from Auckland chose their favorite buildings built since 2000. An urban designer named Ludo Campbell-Reid said that Ironbank was more than just its parts. He believed it would help make Karangahape Road and its smaller streets more lively. He also noted something funny: the building actually looks better from the back than from the front!
