A high-end office complex in Dundee’s Technology Park has reopened after a £3million refurbishment programme to make it one of the most environmentally efficient buildings in Scotland.
The top-to-bottom transformation of Ruby House (formerly known as Tayforth House) began in March 2024. While the distinctive architectural shell of the building has remained, the interior and grounds have been completely remodelled.
The building, developed by Ruby Capital, has received an A rating for Energy Performance which makes it one of the most energy efficient buildings in Scotland.
The new office suites offer high-quality, flexible work environments. Each space includes glazed partitions for natural light and privacy, LED lighting, the latest connectivity solutions and new air conditioning and heating systems with individual climate controls
Tony Banks, owner of Ruby Capital, said: “This was a tired old building in an unfashionable development in Dundee, but we always believed it had real potential to provide the best office accommodation in the city.
“It has been a big job and a big financial commitment, but we wanted to create something that not only would tenants be proud of but also would help to bring back life into the area.
“Over the last two years, we’ve seen a transformation to Ruby House and further positive commercial investment into Dundee’s Technology Park.
“It’s world-class office space which we’ll also be using for our Ruby Capital investment business.”
Mr Banks saw the Ruby House project as an opportunity to transform the Technology Park and support the establishment of professional services in Dundee, creating more jobs and supporting the economic development of the city. Almost all the consultants and contractors on the project were from Tayside.
To create a cohesive and modern look, the building’s external columns and steelwork have been finished in satin black, complementing the new glazing and cladding for a clean, sophisticated facade. Refurbished curtain wall glazing, high-performance windows and new doors further elevate the exterior.
The building has been fitted with a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient air conditioning and heating systems, designed to deliver optimal comfort with minimal energy use. Combined with the installation of new, high-performance insulation these upgrades have enabled the offices to achieve an impressive A rating on their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). As the building fills up with tenants, we expect the building to achieve carbon neutral status.
Each office space features smart environmental controls, allowing occupants to manage heating and cooling independently for maximum thermal efficiency. Several new high-specification windows and external doors further enhance energy performance, fully compliant with the latest U-value regulations.
During the refurbishment, the dated interiors and inefficient systems of the building were fully stripped out, leaving only the core structure and much of the original window framework. The unusual and impractical hexagonal entrance was demolished to make way for a new, fully accessible and visually striking public entrance.
The landscaping scheme introduces inviting outdoor spaces, high-quality planting, and generous seating areas. All external pathways and access points have been redesigned to ensure full wheelchair accessibility.
Almost all the contractors and consultants who worked on the project were from Tayside including Wilson/Paul Architects from Broughty Ferry, Dundee-based Griffen Design (Structural Engineers), Stirling-based Gartcarron Fire Engineers and Perth-based surveyors Smart and Co.
The main building contractors have all been Dundee businesses including Steve Mackie Joiners, Mckenna Services (fire and electrical), Texo (mechanical and ventilation contractor), Lamart (internal fit out, panelling and bathrooms), Green Palm Dundee Landscaping LTD (all planting and landscaping) and Streamtec AV. The total investment in Ruby House has been £3million including the £800,000 purchase price.
