Description of Historic Place

Building 34 is a large, steel and concrete building typical of early modern structures built for military residential purposes. It is utilitarian in design and displays modest ornamental detailing. Located above the parade ground it is the most visible structure at the Naden site of Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

Building 34 is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.

Historical Value
Building 34 is associated with the early post-war phase of development at CFB Esquimalt. It was built as part of the massive rearmament programme undertaken by the federal government in the 1950s.

Architectural Value
Building 34 is a good example of functional modern architecture adapted to military standards. The building reflects the modernization of the Navy and its facilities and in particular the updating of residential standards.

The Environmental Value
Building 34 is the most visible structure at Naden by virtue of its prominent position above the parade ground, its large size, light colouring and its distinct style among the earlier brick buildings on the base. It reinforces the military base character of its setting and is a familiar landmark within the base.

Sources: Nelles Block, Building 34, Naden Site, CFB Esquilmalt, Esquimalt, British Columbia, Federal Heritage Building Report, 93-047; Building 34, Nelles Block, CFB Esquilmalt, Esquimalt, British Columbia, Heritage Character Statement, 93-047.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of Building 34 should be respected.

Its functional modern structure, good craftsmanship and materials such as: its three-storey, E-shaped plan, concrete block structure with a symmetrical façade,
defined by a central entrance and balanced by projecting wings at either end; its simple design, smooth surface texture and its lack of traditional architectural
detailing; its horizontally emphasized façade, flat roof and projecting stringcourses; its metal window arrangement in long rows which accentuate its horizontality; its glass-wall entry, framed by projecting concrete slabs.

The manner in which Building 34 maintains an unchanged relationship to its site, reinforces the character of its military base setting and is a strong local landmark as evidenced by: its position directly above the open space of Naden’s parade grounds; its high visibility accentuated by the pale colouring of its concrete finish and the
simplicity of its modern design; its distinct style among the earlier brick buildings on the base.

Heritage Character Statement

Disclaimer - The heritage character statement was developed by FHBRO to explain the reasons for the designation of a federal heritage building and what it is about the building that makes it significant (the heritage character). It is a key reference document for anyone involved in planning interventions to federal heritage buildings and is used by FHBRO in their review of interventions.

The Nelles Block was constructed in 1951-1952 as a residence on the Naden site of CFB Esquimalt. It was designed by Victoria architect Patrick Birley, based on the requirements set out by the Department of National Defense. The north wing was renovated in 1984 and many original windows have been replaced, but the building as a whole has changed little. The Department of National Defense is the custodian.
See FHBRO Building Report 93-47.

Reasons for Designation
The Nelles Block was designated Recognized because of its environmental significance, its architectural design, and its historical associations.

The Nelles Block is the most visible structure at Naden, owing to its prominent position above the parade ground, its large size and light colouring. The building is part of one of the post-World War II generation of large construction phases at CFB Esquimalt, and is stylistically distinct from the earlier brick buildings on the base.

The steel and concrete building is typical of early modern structures built for military standards. Although utilitarian in design, it displays modest ornamental detailing such as the projecting concrete stringcourses, the glass-wall entry and the placement of the windows in groups of three.

The Nelles Block was built as part of the massive rearmament programme undertaken by the federal government in the 1950s and is identified with the early post-war phase of development at CFB Esquimalt. The building reflects the modernization of the Navy and its facilities and in particular the updating of residential standards in order to attract new candidates into the force.

Character Defining Elements

The heritage character of the Nelles Block is derived from its prominent location on the site and its architectural design.

The building's position directly above the open space of Naden's parade grounds affords views of the structure from many directions. Its high visibility is accentuated by
the pale colouring of its concrete finish and the simplicity of its modern design. This simplicity is repeated on the projecting wings, which maintain the horizontal lines and

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Esquimalt, British Columbia
Nelles Block, Building 34


the austerity of the building's massing. Due to its E-shaped plan, the building's interior layout provides well lighted accommodation in the 2-4 person rooms. These smaller rooms replaced the larger barracks of older housing and reflect the modernizing efforts of the military in the 1950s. The interior finishes are utilitarian in design, which conforms to the institutional nature of the building, and have been periodically updated.

The structure is distinct from the other buildings on the Naden site, not only for its size, but for its simple design, its smooth surface texture and its lack of traditional architectural detailing. The building's facade displays the typically modern horizontal emphasis created by the flat roof and projecting stringcourses which shield the interior from direct sunlight. The placement of the building's metal windows in long rows helps to accentuate the horizontal features of the residence. The current windows do not compromise the building's facade, though if replacement becomes necessary, consideration should be given to the reinstatement of the original window design based on historical documentation.

The glass-wall entry, framed by projecting concrete slabs, provides natural light into the lobby and is typical of the architecture of the 1950s. Any future interventions on the building and surrounding landscaping should respect the intent of its modern design and not compromise its symmetry and horizontal emphasis.