Buildings 29P-29T (Airmen'S Barracks)

These are airmen's barracks blocks, designed in 1913 and completed around the middle of 1914. The architect was DM Franklin, although 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 painted softwood battens covering the joints. Some masonry stiffening has been added to the gable ends, all set on concrete levelling slabs with an offset plinth. The roofs are covered with asbestos-cement slates laid diagonally.

The five buildings 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. A central lobby is positioned opposite the rear ablutions block. The blocks were originally identical, each designed with a long, narrow plan.

The exterior design echoes 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. Masonry stiffening is flush with the rest of the wall in the gables. The front facades are arranged with twelve bays, containing 8-pane timber sash windows. A paired window is located two bays in from each end, and there is a pair of glazed doors set on two steps in the off-centre bays, with a 5-pane transom light above. The rear elevation is similar, including paired lights and smaller sashes near the service wing, which has ledged and braced battened doors and various small sash windows. The gable ends are plain, and some additional doors have been inserted into the long rear elevations.

The interiors were partly inspected and have been subdivided for later use. Exposed iron tension bars are visible below canted, panelled ceilings supported by timber trusses.

These barracks were designed in 1913 and completed in the middle of 1914. They comprise half of two rows of five barracks blocks, each intended for 24 airmen, flanking a parade ground and the Institute. Each barrack block was originally planned with two internal rooms for 12 men each, 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 to the rear.

The buildings form part of a uniquely important prototype air base from the pre-1914 period. Further historical details can be found in the description of the Officers’ Mess.