In 2020, when the future of work seems completely unpredictable, commissioning a new state-of-the-art game development space is a bold move. But the move paid off for Xbox Game Studio Rare, which fully unveiled the new building for the first time in commemoration of Earth Day 2024.
Built on Rares’ existing Leicestershire campus, Barn X embodies the cutting edge of ecological design.Just certified LEED Gold, A world-recognized symbol of sustainable architecture.
Most importantly, the 1,200-square-meter space has been carefully designed to provide an inspiring, comfortable and adaptable space for the team members who have been integrated into the building over the past year.
We asked ourselves, what would the games studio of the future look like? Rare studio head Craig Duncan explains. The result is a close collaboration between Rare and the Microsoft real estate team, London architecture firm LOM and Dublin sustainable design consultants RKD.
Innovative buildings with real green capital
Starting from scratch, the team was able to create a forward-thinking building with sustainability at its core.
Barn X, which runs entirely on electricity, is Xbox’s first large-scale wooden building in Europe. Massive timber structures lock up carbon for decades, creating a much lower carbon footprint than materials such as concrete or steel.
Barn X’s internal timber structure is locally sourced, but the external cladding is New Zealand Accoya timber. Although this brings more air miles, the Accoya can last for 60 years without the need for varnish or topcoat. Sean Hogan, Director of Sustainability and Research at RKD, explains that if you source softer wood locally, such as birch or larch, you will need a sealant as it is a softer material. And it may also need to be replaced within 15 years, possibly three times the lifespan of the building.
Barn X has a range of sustainable solutions, most notably There are 750 square meters of solar panels on nearby fields, offsetting part of the studio’s energy consumption.
The barn uses condensed water from the coolers to help flush toilets, saving water and repurposing water that would otherwise be wasted. Its pitched roof also features advanced cooling and ventilation facilities.
The studio is also designed to provide facilities teams with the data, functionality and capabilities they need to continuously optimize the barn’s energy use. The building’s energy performance isn’t static, Hogan said. It has the ability to improve over time.
Celebrate nature and pay tribute to history
The Rare campus is set in 100 acres of rolling central countryside, close to the village of Twycross. Its grounds are covered in large wildflower meadows and even have beehives, offering rare brands of honey that staff can buy at reception. Barn
“We want to make sure you can see what’s going on outside no matter where you are in the building,” Duncan said. There are winding paths outside the building and paths leading to the solar farm. I think all of these things increase happiness.
Its barn-style structure and timber-clad facade also pay homage to the campus’s history and local heritage.
“The brief was to respect the existing architecture and architecture,” Hogan said. Give Barn X drama while also giving it a place on the site.
Architecture for people and planet
Every aspect of Barn X is designed with the well-being of the team—and the planet—in mind. The layout is spacious, well-ventilated, filled with natural light and equipped with sit-stand desks, so each employee can choose the most comfortable way to work.
Every element of the building is designed to help foster creativity and collaboration. “GDuncan said Ames Design is a magical combination of technology, creativity, teamwork and artistry. So all of these things influenced how we designed the space. We need lots of space for the team to work closely together, but we also need quiet spaces and soundproofing. The building feels vibrant, creative and refreshing. It has a very nice atmosphere.
Creating a building that was as neurodiversity-friendly as possible was also a priority from the outset. All employees can adjust desk lighting to their preference and have space to find calm or privacy. The decor has been deliberately positioned to be calming, rather than overwhelming, yet still provide excitement.
Supporting Microsoft aims to be carbon negative by 2030
Barn X embodies Microsoft’s broader commitment to be carbon negative, water positive and zero waste by 2030.
“This is something our team really cares about,” Duncan said.For them, working in the electronics industry is importantAn environment that has sustainability at its core and knows they work for a company that is on the path to sustainability.
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Image Source : news.microsoft.com