Studio Facepunch Issues declaration

Facepunch Studios' New Offices: A Tech-Savvy Haven in Birmingham's Colmore Row

Facepunch Studios, the renowned developer behind popular Steam games like Garry's Mod, Rust, and Chippy, has moved into a new home in Birmingham's Colmore Row neighbourhood. The new offices, designed by Oktra's Emily Benussi, boast high-tech AV, eye-catching decor, and employee-pleasing amenities, earning them the 'Project of the Year: Workplace Interiors 5,000 to 15,000 Square Foot' category at the Mixology North Awards 2023.

The foundation of this network is Ubiquiti Enterprise Layer 3 switches, carefully laid out to ensure minimal service disruptions and fast commissioning. Central IP networking is key to the success of this facility, with a segregated, highly stable AV-over-IP network deployed for consistent wireless access.

The AV system in the offices is split into four distinct control systems, each controllable in a Central Communications Room (CCR). Vision On AV Systems, the AV equipment integration/installation team, used equipment from Kramer and other sources to bring this system to life. Each NEC monitor within the video walls is connected to a Kramer KDS-DEC7 decoder and Cloud DCM1 digitally controlled zone mixer. Kramer's KC-BRAINware software platform controls all four systems, including sources, encoders, and multi-zone audio amplifiers/mixers.

The boardroom is a fully automated space with wireless presentation, multi-platform videoconferencing, interactive displays, and zoned audio. It features an 86-inch 4K LG UL series monitor, Poly Studio X70 videobar, Kramer KDS-DEC7 AVoIP decoder, and PA-120Z power amplifier for its videoconferencing system. The boardroom control system is managed using a Kramer KT-107 touchpanel, which also manages the room lighting and blinds.

The video walls in the Facepunch lobby are composed of two 3x3 configurations of 55-inch NEC flat panel monitors, controlled by AV-over-IP. Logitech cameras controlled by Kramer VIA Versa virtual camera drivers and Kramer VIA Connect2 wireless presentation, collaboration, and conferencing solutions are used in these rooms.

The offices include a gaming room with the company's games, a curved breakfast bar with stools, and a dedicated "wellbeing corner." Five other rooms, including some executive offices and smaller meeting rooms, have been equipped with videoconferencing and BYOD capabilities.

The project was on a tight schedule, with the installation completed in April 2023, a month after the initial deadline. Despite the pressure, the team managed to deliver a state-of-the-art facility that reflects Facepunch Studios' innovative spirit.

In addition to the AV systems, the new offices also feature high-tech decor, including the media walls that can be used as a video wall or individually, with up to nine sources on one media wall. The Kramer VIA Campus2 is a wireless collaboration device used in the boardroom, allowing users to connect wirelessly and use all of the peripherals connected physically to it.

Facepunch Studios' new offices in Birmingham's Colmore Row neighbourhood are a testament to the power of technology and design coming together to create a workspace that not only meets but exceeds modern professional needs.