Crossword Genius

Awful building largely embodies design only occasionally used (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

heinous

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'awful' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for heinous that I've seen before include "Execrable" , "Wicked (offence)" , "Appalling (crime)" , "Awful" , "Despicable" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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