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Laverton Officers' Mess Building

Location LAVERTON VIC 3028 - Property No B5613 File Number Original Hermes No: 66833 Level -

[1/1] B5613 Officer's Mess Laverton

Statement of Significance

This building, designed in 1938 by D B Windebank under H J Mackennal of the Commonwealth Department of the Interior (Works and Services Branch) as part of the pre World War 11 expansion of the RAAF, illustrates the final recognition of the permanent and prominent role of air power in Australia's defence. In contrast to the small scale timber frame informality of earlier structures, this is a substantial structure of red brick and terracotta tile, formally composed around twin courtyards bisected by a tall entrance block, which creates a strong north-south axis.
With the exception of the dining room, with its exposed timber truss ceiling and wrought iron light fittings of ornamental and pseudo-historic character, the interior exhibits a mood of refined modernity relying on the manipulation of volume and line. Along the main axis there is a progression from the low entrance under a semicircular cantilever roof, through the light well with its circular gallery, to the impressive height of the ante room and annexe with its five metre high glazed wall. Smooth plaster articulated by fluted pilasters and flattened cornices, recessed circular light fittings set in concentric plaster vents, and the interplay of horizontal and vertical in the steel windows all contribute to the Moderne character of the interior.
The building reflects the belated recognition accorded to the RAAF immediatley prior to the Second World War.