Building 29K -29O Inclusive (Airmens' Barracks)

A group of airmen's barracks blocks was designed in 1913 and completed around mid-1914. The architect was DM Franklin, though the drawings were counter-signed by Col A M Stuart, Assistant Director of Fortifications and Works. The buildings are constructed with softwood framing and asbestos-cement panel facings and linings, with joints covered by painted softwood battens. Masonry stiffening has been added to the gable ends, all set on concrete levelling slabs with a plinth offset. The roofs are covered with asbestos-cement slates laid diagonally.

The five barracks blocks are arranged in a parallel row, centered around a former Institute and a matching group of barracks on the opposite side of a parade ground. Each block is a long, narrow, gabled range with a central lobby facing the rear ablutions block.

The exterior design is consistent with that of the Officers' Mess, featuring sash windows set within a grid of vertical and horizontal softwood battens framing the openings, along with sole plates, sills, and head bands. Gable ends have central masonry stiffening sections, plastered flush with the surrounding wall. The fronts are arranged in twelve bays, with eight-pane timber sash windows, including a paired window with a wide central mullion in two bays from each end. A pair of glazed doors, set on two steps and with a five-pane transom light, are centrally positioned. The rear elevation is similar, including paired lights and smaller paired windows adjacent to a service wing, which has ledged, braced, and battened doors and various small sashes. Gable ends are plain, with some inserted doors in the long rear elevations.

Partial internal inspection reveals that the buildings have been subdivided for later use. Exposed iron tension bars are visible beneath canted, panelled ceilings supported by timber trusses.

These barracks blocks were designed in 1913 and completed around mid-1914, forming one half of two rows of five blocks, intended to house 24 airmen each, flanking the parade ground and Institute. Each barrack block was originally planned to contain two internal rooms for 12 men, with the entrance lobby opposite the ablutions area. The Institute featured a billiard room and bar flanking a central hall, with bathrooms and a shop at the rear.

The buildings are part of a uniquely important prototype air base from before 1914. Further historical details can be found in the description of the Officers' Mess.