Project: Facepunch Studios
Architects: Oktra
Location: Birmingham B3, United Kingdom
Sector: Gaming
Size: 12,500 sq ft
Completion Year: 2022
Photographer: Adam Letch
Independent game developers Facepunch Studios wanted to relocate to a more accessible location and opted to move into 103 Colmore Row, a prime office building in central Birmingham. They looked to create a statement office that would form a hub for all their staff, as well as enabling them to host members of the public who can visit the space to explore their memorabilia and merchandise. The one-of-a-kind office space is designed with of a variety of working, gaming and social spaces that provide Facepunch with distinct environments to draw staff and visitors into the office.
To provide a memorable experience for all users of the space, Facepunch envisioned a destination office that offers workplace amenities unique to their organisation. Dedicated games areas allow staff to play Facepunch titles, promoting interaction with their brand whilst giving them space to relax and socialise. The LAN gaming bench and large AV screen situated in the breakout area offer the potential for split screen technology and spectator viewing, helping to encourage communal gaming activities.
Another stand-out feature of the space is an arcade tunnel designed with an infinity mirror and blue LED lighting lining the tunnel. The arcade is located within the reception area away from the main workspace so that members of the public can make use of the space, offering an immersive gaming experience for visitors and users of the studio.
A large portion of the floorplate is dedicated to social space with the breakout area situated in the centre of the office. An impressive, tile-clad curved bar station forms the core of the breakout area and is central to the office space, providing a statement setting for social gatherings that is supported by a multifunctional kitchen and large congregational area with a variety of seating. The space is designed with a luxury hospitality feel and will promote connectivity amongst employees whilst offering additional hosting and entertainment opportunities for the business.
Whilst much of the office is devoted to social space, the other half of the floorplate is designed for quiet working and features cellular offices, timber-framed individual call pods and highbacked booths. Within the open plan are bespoke curved desking with trees and planting emerging from the desks to create a canopy of greenery above. This biophilic environment gives staff a unique setting to work in that promotes wellbeing and calmness within the workplace.
A separate dedicated wellbeing corner is designed for staff to disconnect from their work environment, with organic shaped tiers, soft lighting and tall planting to offer some privacy. Additional refuge spaces include soft seating areas around the exterior of the floorplate for maximum natural light, and a built-in barber shop designed with timber joinery and warm tones to promote relaxation. These spaces are designed to cater to allow staff to tend to their personal wellbeing within the workplace, promoting a healthier working environment.
Innovation in the workplace
Alongside a combination of social and quiet workspaces, the Facepunch office contains a variety of other facilities such as a VR room to give staff the opportunity to try out new technology, and a recording booth design with bespoke acoustic products that were ultimately named after the project. These innovative spaces provide alternative opportunities for creation and enrich the workplace experience, incentivising people to come into the office to utilise spaces they cannot find when working remotely and helping to establish the office as a hub for creativity that inspires and motivates staff.
The distinctive design of Facepunch Studios ensures that the workspace lives and breathes the Facepunch brand. In the reception area is a large, suspended illuminated logo that can be seen from the ground, whilst the curved red ribbon running through the entire office is representative of the free-flowing creativity of the game developers and acts as wayfinding to seamlessly connect different spaces. This is complemented by a bespoke flexible LED light tube with various other bespoke fittings and joinery items intertwined to create smaller, unique experiences throughout the office.
Throughout the office space sleek black finishes and vibrant branding are juxtaposed with natural wood, warm lighting, neutral tones and rich velvet finishes, working in harmony to create a luxurious, sophisticated and unique workplace fit with functional workstations and exemplary amenities that fully cater to the diverse needs of the Facepunch team.
