StudioMAS Arhcitects | Conversion of Forest Town Sub Station into JCAF art gallery. In essence the project entailed the conversion of an abandoned tram service station and electrical substation into a world class contemporary art gallery. The key design constraint was to work within the existing building fabric which was also heritage-protected, thus calling for meticulous renovations and well-considered additions rather than a new build. Beyond the limitations imposed by the heritage agency, the client had very strong ambitions to restore the building in a respectful way making it an extremely exciting project for us.

As this building has been around for a hundred years is it clearly well-rooted in its place. It has always been a prominent feature in Forest Town and has already had a life serving the town in a different way. The challenge was to give the building a new identity without changing its character. This started with the design of the sidewalks – they are generous in size and were designed without a kerb so there is no disconnect from the street.

A great deal of consideration went into how one enters the building. The main entrance is a pedestrian-only entrance with the new steel entrance structure which pokes its head over the wall, marking the way in. This structure sits along the old tram lines and honours its memory with illuminated steel channels on either side guiding one up the ramp. This structure also tailors one’s experience so that once you enter off the street you become acutely aware that you are entering a special space. The entrance structure hides and then reveals elements of the building as you move up towards the reception.

On either side of the folded steel entrance structure are two green courtyards which bring softness to the space and allow room for reflection, gathering and sharing with others.