HMCS Carleton and HMCS Hunter are designed with a nautical feel, which reflects their use by the Canadian Forces Naval Reserve. They have an identical footprint and appearance. This allowed many of the structural engineering details to be used for both buildings, and simplified the construction process.
The buildings feature curved exterior walls similar to a ship’s hull, with porthole windows and cantilevered fins. Exposed steel braces are incorporated into the architecture of the building, to resist wind and earthquake forces. This allows large windows to provide lots of natural light to the interior.
Inside, the buildings each include a drill hall, classrooms, offices, fitness facilities and a mess hall.