Architect: Jam Architects
Photographer: David Simmonds

With towering five-meter ceilings, a dedicated video-installation gallery and permanent spaces for drawing and sculpture, the new MARS Gallery represents a benchmark for Australian galleries.

MARS (Melbourne Art Rooms) was established by gallerist Andy Dinan in Port Melbourne in 2004 and now, in its tenth year, is celebrating by opening a purpose-built gallery in the hip Melbourne pocket of Windsor. The new space represents something of a rebirth to the well-established gallery with new artists and new projects.

Designed by Chris Manton of Jam Architects, the street level gallery with high ceilings and a total glass facade demystifies the art experience and opens the gallery to the viewing public.

Amongst the elements that makes the new MARS stand out is a standalone video-projection room, which is curated by artist Brie Trenerry. There is also a purpose-built Light Room to exhibit light and neon art, and a Drawing Room, which is a dedicated space for this often-neglected media.

Completing the picture is a massive basement storage facility, which houses stockroom items and provides an ideal environment for viewing works.

The new MARS Gallery also boasts an impressive 7 star environmental rating, with features including:

• High levels of thermal mass to stabilise internal temperatures and reduce the need for heating and cooling
• Double glazing and insulation keep the heat out in summer and in in winter
• Excellent air quality through carefully selected materials including paints and flooring
• Smart metering to enable the gallery to monitor and reduce energy and water use
• Hydronic heating in the offices
• Photovoltaics on the roof generate electricity
• Rainwater is collected from the roof of the building and used to flush toilets
• Highly efficient water fittings and fixtures
• Recycled timber floors
• Environmentally friendly materials
• Bike parking for staff and visitors

www.jamarchitects.com.au