Entrance block at Maindy Barracks

Entrance Block at Maindy Barracks

This is a symmetrically planned barracks block composed of a square 3-storey central keep with long, lower 2-storey wings and projecting end bays featuring crow-stepped gables and moulded kneelers. The building is constructed of snecked rock-faced stone with Bath stone dressings and quoins, and has a slate roof. Windows throughout feature plain mullions and transoms with 2-pane sashes incorporating marginal glazing bars.

The central keep displays projecting corner turrets, higher on the right side, and an embattled parapet set on a corbel table. A central through passage contains a segmental arch with two orders of chamfer. A doorway on the left side has a shouldered lintel, while a narrow guard-room window occupies the right. The middle and upper storeys contain 3-light windows flanked by single-light outer windows. The left-hand turret has two windows in the lower storey, stepped stair lights in the middle storey, and three narrow windows to the upper storey beneath a relieving arch. The right-hand turret has three windows in each storey (narrower in the lower storey) and two vents in the gable.

The eight-window wing to the right has a plain cornice with corbels and displays single, 2-light, and 3-light windows. Right of centre is a replaced panelled door below an overlight. The projecting gable at the end contains 3-light windows in the lower storey and 2-light mullioned and transomed windows above, with stepped vents in the gable. A single-storey projection against the end wall has a lean-to behind.

The nine-window wing to the left of the central tower contains single, 2-light, 3-light, and 4-light windows. Left of centre are double panelled doors with side and mullioned overlight, all with marginal glazing bars. A shallow projection under a hipped roof stands at the right end in the angle with the central tower. The left-hand projecting end bay has three 2-light windows under relieving arches in the upper storey. The central 2-light window in the lower storey has been cut down to form a doorway. Of the flanking single-light windows, the left side has been cut down to make a doorway and subsequently blocked. An added 2-window projection is set slightly back with a roof concealed behind a coped parapet. A 2-light window appears on the right side and a small-pane sash window to the left. The five-window left end wall has replaced single-light windows and a central doorway with overlight (both boarded up at inspection).

The rear elevation faces the parade square. The central keep has a rear elevation similar to the front. Its central passage is flanked by doorways with shouldered lintels, above which are cross-shaped lights. The left-hand turret has stepped stair lights in each storey and in its left side wall. The right-hand turret has 3-light windows, with similar windows in the right side wall.

The nine-window wing on the right has single-, 2-light, and 3-light windows, with steps up to ground-floor doorways and steps down to basement armouries. A central doorway has a diagonal boarded door, and right and left of centre are half-lit doors with diagonal boarding. The end gabled bay contains two 2-light windows in each storey, right of which the original elevation continues with a single 2-light window, beyond which is the added projection with a fielded-panel door. The nine-window wing on the left side of the keep has two equally placed 2-storey embattled porches to the original officers' quarters. Between these porches are 2-light and single-light windows, with a half-lit boarded door to the right end. The porches have steps up to a doorway with shouldered lintel leading into an open porch. Inside are double half-lit doors with diagonal boarding. In the upper storey is a 3-light window with stepped central light above a transom and embattled parapet. Further left are single and 2-light windows, then another similar projecting bay with 2-light and single-light windows further left. The gabled end bay has a recessed porch on the left side with shouldered lintel, inside which are half-lit double doors and overlight. To the right of the porch is a 3-light window. In the upper storey are a 2-light window left and 3-light right, with three stepped vents in the gable. A lean-to set back on the left side has a sash window to the lower storey and attic, a diagonal-boarded door and overlight to the left, and a projection with 2-light window.