Nxera are a world leader in the design and development of GPCR medicine*, with 350 employees across 5 locations worldwide. ( * In case you, like us, weren’t already totally familiar, GPCR medicine involves the use of drugs that target G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which are a large family of cell surface receptors crucial for regulating various physiological processes. This family of cell surface receptors are implicated in numerous diseases, and this area of scientific research and development has been invaluable in creating many drugs which are now successfully used to treat diseases. )
Crossover’s relationship with Nxera started back in 2018 when the company was then known as Heptares Therapeutics. At the time, we were selected to design, supply and install all AV systems needed for their relocation to a hugely impressive purpose-built 35,000-square-foot facility at the Granta Park science complex outside Cambridge. This facility houses all of Nxera’s UK 178-strong R&D team, dedicated to the discovery and clinical development of novel small molecules and medicines derived from their advanced drug design platform; the site is a mixture of very high-spec laboratories, high-spec corporate offices, and client-facing spaces.
In this original project which we delivered for Nxera, there was a combination of ‘standard’ AV requirements for good quality corporate meeting rooms and boardrooms, but also some particularly cutting-edge requirements too. We equipped Nxera's impressive boardroom with cutting-edge 3D projection technology, enabling the team to visualize and analyse complex molecular designs in stunning detail from multiple perspectives. The powerful 3D rotation capabilities allow for precise exploration of molecular structures, greatly enhancing their research and design process.
The boardroom also features a Full HD videoconferencing system from Polycom, alongside powerful audioconferencing capabilities, with audio captured in great detail via a discreet ceiling microphone from manufacturer X. The space is further enhanced by an automated drop-down projector lift, a large format display for presentations, wireless content sharing, and a powerful and intuitive touch panel control system, ensuring that staff can quickly and confidently use all these technologies together in harmony.
In addition to the boardroom, we outfitted 5 other meeting rooms across the facility with large format displays and wireless ‘ClickShare’ presentation systems. Each of the meeting rooms was designed with sleek in-table cable management boxes and video conferencing systems, and, just like the boardroom, each room was controlled via an user-friendly touch panel.
Three of the meeting rooms can be combined into one a larger space using folding partition walls, with the AV systems automatically reconfiguring. This space has been very popular for company-wide meetings and larger presentations. The setup here includes a large-format projection system that can adapt to the expanded space, as well as the ability to combine any two adjacent meeting rooms for mid-sized presentations, using their combined display and audio systems. Crossover specialise in brilliant design and deployment of AV systems in these kinds of divisible spaces: they can be a real minefield of problems if not designed and commissioned by experienced experts, and it's crucial that the user-interface on the control system that’s used to control the AV in these types of spaces is found to be simple and easy to use by all types of users.
The heavily-used staff café and reception areas were equipped with zoned background audio systems, wireless microphone systems, and wireless audio based on a Sonos system. Additionally, digital signage and touch panel control systems were installed to ensure ease of use for all staff, regardless of technical expertise.
After the main installation was finished, Crossover was engaged in an AV Service & Maintenance contract, covering the whole site. This allowed us to continue to build a strong relationship with Heptares (now Nxera), and the systems we originally installed in 2018 proved to be stable, reliable, durable, and very popular with the staff across all departments at the Cambridge site.
6 years on, Heptares rebranded as Nxera, and as part of that process they overhauled some of their Granta Park estate. Most notable in this process was a redesign of their main reception space. As a result of the strong and successful relationship we had built with Nxera over those six years, Crossover was chosen to deliver all the necessary AV elements for the project. This included the standout feature: an eye-catching, bespoke reception desk integrated with digital signage.
Our team worked hand-in-hand with the joinery manufacturer Bespoke Wizard to deliver standout results, meticulously ensuring that all measurements were perfect to the millimetre and the install was seamless, correctly ventilated, and easy to maintain. This rigorous attention to detail allowed us to expertly install the digital signage display which was comprised of two Samsung videowall displays, positioned front and centre in the foyer. These high-resolution screens were seamlessly integrated into the reception desk, and prominently showcase Nxera’s new branding, and can be used to welcome special guests or spread the word about particular events. The installation perfectly combines cutting-edge technology with exceptional craftsmanship, ensuring that Nxera’s brand makes a striking first impression on everyone who walks through their doors.
We still provide all post-install technical support and preventative maintenance for Nxera’s audiovisual equipment across their whole UK estate, and it has been a pleasure working with their diligent, collaborative and caring team.
Happily, we’re in discussions with Nxera about a forthcoming refresh of multiple of their meeting rooms, a project which we hope will be awarded to Crossover in the coming months.
