Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00620:body:0:p38
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00620
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 101623–105477

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 open plan, to accommodate the National Library.  B and C Blocks were fitted out as office space.  Mechanical, hydraulic and electrical services have been updated over time.
A summary of key alterations to the exterior of West Block is at Table 2, and details of original elements and fabric to the building interior are at Table 3.
Table 2 Summary of alterations to West Block exterior
Elevation/space             Alterations                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Photographs/elevations
North elevation (A Block)   Corner verandahs throughout the building were filled in 1937-38.  Some were filled with brick spandrel panels with glazing above.  Others were infilled with full-height glazing, including the openings at ground level on the north elevation of A Block.  The steps up to the verandahs survive, however the balcony railings to Level 1 have been removed.
                            The three windows in the centre of the north-facing elevation have been dropped to ground level, with a door installed to the western-most opening.
                            Steel-framed windows have been replaced with aluminium frames throughout (1980s).
                            The 1930s-40s extensions to the side wings, which were originally two levels high and a single bay deep, have resulted in significant change to the north elevation.
West elevation, B Block     The massing of the main entry to the building, in the centre of B Block's west elevation, was inverted in the 1940s, when the recessed loggia was replaced with a three-level infill projecting from the main building line.  These works also resulted in the loss of the original screen wall, with three punched arch-headed openings.  The original external elevation of the central bay is extant within the enclosed courtyard.    1972 view (ACT Heritage Library)
                            The introduction of sun shading to the west elevation was an early change, and there have been at least two iterations of pull down awnings in boxed casings at the building over time (since removed).  Penetrations and flashing lines associated with these awnings are evident throughout.
                            Naming signage mounted over the main entry dates to the 1944-45 alterations.
                            As is the case throughout the building:
                              *    the corner verandahs and balconies have been infilled (1937-38);
                              *    balcony railings to Level 1 have been removed; and
                              *    steel-framed windows have been replaced with aluminium frames throughout
Link elements               As built, the link elements that connected the three blocks were used as supplementary entrances (see right column, elevation detail).  They were also open to the elements.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Link between blocks B and C, west elevation, 2018 (centre) and 1926 (below)
                            Today, the links are enclosed with