IT'S a brave developer who goes in for spec building in the kind of

market we have had over the past couple of years. It's an even braver

developer who decides not to cut corners and who ploughs a lot of

resources into ensuring a ''green'' and healthy working environment,

combined with a pleasant interior design.

Built by Tarmac for the Manchester-based Co-operative Insurance

Society, the 40,000 sq.ft Edinburgh House on the north-east corner of St

Andrews Square is a bold effort in a market where heroes are in short

supply. The building has superb views over the Firth of Forth, ranging

from the road bridge in the West to the Bass Rock in the East.

The #5m building has seven storeys and has been developed on the site

of a demolished 1960s office block. CIS Properties say the building has

been designed to match the needs of a modern institutional or corporate

headquarters.

The environmental control system is one of the most impressive aspects

of the building. The innovative air-conditioning system reaches the

office space from air terminals in the raised floor and the flush-fitted

terminals are no bigger than a floor tile.

The developers say the system has been shown in tests to achieve high

standards of air quality. The absence of traditional ductwork in

inaccessible places means there is no accumulation of dust, dirt, and

microbiological contaminants.

The system does not recirculate air so there is no risk of spreading

fumes from equipment or transmitting harmful bacteria and spores.

All electrical, telephone, and data cabling is installed within the

floor space to ensure maximum flexibility for any subsequent changes in

office layout. Lighting incorporates energy-saving diffusers and there

is a fully automatic fire detection and alarm system and emergency

lighting.

The walls and floors in the entrance hallway and reception area are

clad in Dunedin and Tuscan stone and boast attractive feature columns.

There are two high-speed passenger lifts, all floors have designated

kitchen areas, and there is a high-quality decoration and carpeting

throughout.

The main elevations of Edinburgh House are in traditional sandstone

enhanced with bronze aluminium-framed double glazing and an eye-catching

glazed conical turret. The sloping areas of the roof are clad with

Westmorland natural slates.

Agents for this attractive building are DTZ Debenham Thorpe and

Hillier Parker.

* Last week a report said that Scottish Enterprise's Leg-Up scheme is

likely to terminate next year. Scottish Enterprise point out that the

scheme is under review and its future has not yet been finally decided.