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.
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