Main Block And Attached Extension To East At The German Hospital

The German Hospital comprises a main block and an attached extension to the east, dating to 1863 and 1936 respectively. The main block was designed by T L Donaldson and E A Gruning, with the eastern extension added later by Burnet and Tait. The main block is constructed of red brick with black brick headers and yellow brick dressings, featuring a steeply pitched slate roof and a Neo Tudor style. It consists of two parallel ranges linked by a multi-storey corridor, forming a 'U' shaped administration block of two storeys to the north and a three-storey ward block to the south. The symmetrical front facade of the administration block features a central entrance set within a Tuscan portico with a square-headed surround, arched fanlight, and balustrade extending as a parapet. It has three main bays, with crow-stepped gabled advanced wings on either side. The windows are square-headed with timber mullions, and some first-floor windows have gables. The attached ward block is of similar character, with dates inscribed in brick within scrolled gables. The eastern extension, built of narrow buff bricks with some turquoise tile decoration, has a flat roof and an 'L' shape, rising to five storeys along Fassett Square. It features a recessed entrance beneath a cantilevered concrete canopy, a vertical staircase window above, and a short tower with a flagpole. The windows are horizontal with metal glazing bars set between projecting bands, and incorporate a projecting wing to the north-west with a cantilevered block on the north-west corner. Semi-circular balconies, with metal and solid balustrades, are present on the south end of the block, with a roof terrace featuring a semi-circular motif. Internally, the original staircases to the north and south ends retain decorative chrome balustrades, and the original reception area includes a built-in desk affixed to a circular pillar. The original block holds particular historic interest as an early example of a civilian pavilion plan hospital, while the eastern extension is notable for its architectural qualities.