Old Hall Henderson Halls Of Residence

Old Hall, Henderson Halls of Residence is a student hall built between 1929 and 1932, designed by Arnold Dunbar Smith of Smith and Brewer. The building is constructed from red brick with ashlar dressings and features plain tile roofs and brick stacks. It is arranged in a U-shape, with a wall and gates on the fourth side. The structure has two stories and attics and is designed in a Neo-Vernacular style.

The east front of the east range has 14 windows arranged in a pattern of 1:12:1. The central range features 12 windows arranged as 3:1:3:3:1:3:3:1:3:3:1:3 lights, with the central two windows linked by blank stone panels. There are projecting pavilions at either end, each with a 3-light window, all framed in ashlar surrounds with metal casements. Above, there are 12 hipped dormer windows, each with a 2-light casement, and above those, 9 small hipped dormer windows. The west front has 12 windows and 4 doors, each flanked by single 3-light ashlar mullion windows. The arrangement above the doors features 3:2:3:3:2:3:3:2:3:3:2:3 lights, with the central two windows linked by a blank stone panel.

The south range has a north front with a similar arrangement of alternating doors and windows, with dormers above. The north hall range includes three two-story canted bay windows with brick parapets on the south front. The end pavilions feature triple arched arcades on each inner face, with ashlar impost bands and keystones. Above these arcades is a single 2-light window flanked by carved ashlar panels.

The west side is enclosed by a high brick wall with a central gateway, which has square brick piers topped with ball finials and ornate iron gates. Inside, the former dining hall features panelling topped with a moulded cornice, panel doors in moulded surrounds, and a four-centred arched fireplace in a timber surround. A stage behind moveable panelling at the east end retains original scenery fixtures. This building is a notable example of Inter-War architecture and is well-preserved, representing the more traditional style of student residence from that period.