Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00620:body:0:p37
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00620
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 99078–101894

no significant objects or items of moveable heritage.

2.10.2            West Block
West Block is raised on a brick plinth, to bring the parapet up to approximately the same height (AHD 581.1) as East Block, which is located 450 metres to the east.  The top of the parapet is approximately 13.5 metres above ground level.  Small basement areas and rooftop plant are located to B and D Blocks, and a residence for the caretaker is centrally positioned on the roof of B Block.
The building is constructed of load bearing brick.  The ground level is face brickwork, and the upper levels are finished in painted render surmounted by a prominent projecting cornice.  As built, the parapet concealed the roof.  Alterations carried out in the 1980s have resulted in the roof form being partly visible at the north end of the building (A Block).
While West Block was designed to be seen 'in the round', with each elevation maintaining the same language and proportions, in practice the west elevation is the building's principal address, with services, outbuildings and the Dugout located to the rear.
Blocks A, B and C (built in 1926-27) are carried on a reinforced concrete slab with reinforced concrete beams and columns – A, B and C Blocks are planned on a seven square foot grid (2.13m x 2.13m).   The upper levels are timber post and beam, with timber floor boards.  The extensive use of timber in the building was consistent with the temporary (or provisional) nature of the building.[86]  D Block, which was built in 1944, is all concrete.
The entrances, the corner verandahs (enclosed in 1937-38) and the internal elevations of the full-height light wells are formed with semicircular brick arches.  This approach originally extended to the forecourt screens to either side of B Block, removed in the 1940s.  Openings on the upper levels are rectangular and have flat brick lintels.  Verandah railings featured simple Greek-inspired patterns
Changes to the building over time have generally sought to create more office space while minimising impacts on the external appearance.  This approach was generally compatible with Murdoch's analysis of the Modern Renaissance style, which he considered to be reliant on 'proportions and lines rather than details' (see Section 2.4.1).  Key formal characteristics of the evolved building exterior include: symmetrical massing, division into vertical bays and an overall sense of visual coherence derived from a consistency of materials and a uniform parapet line.
Changes dating to the 1930s and 1940s were generally reverential to the original design.  Later changes, including works to the interior, were driven by functional requirements and budgetary prudence.  The original finishes have either been removed or concealed by the 1981/82 fit out.  A Block was originally