Caxton Façades delivered the design and installation of a landmark aluminium façade at Threadworks, Leeds

Threadworks is a striking 24-storey Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) development in Leeds city centre that redefines urban student living.

At the heart of this architectural statement is the precision-engineered aluminium façade, expertly designed and installed by Caxton Façades in what marks a major milestone for the company: our largest aluminium cladding scheme of this complexity and scale.

Designed by DMWR Architects and constructed by Winvic Construction in partnership with CASL Lisbon Street and CA Ventures, the scheme brings 548 high-quality en-suite bedrooms to a regenerated city centre location. It forms a key part of the wider Lisbon Street masterplan, situated on the site of the former Leeds International Swimming Pool.

Large-Scale Aluminium Installation

Caxton Façades was appointed to design and install circa.9,000m² of aluminium rainscreen cladding. This was a BTS Façades Vantage Discreet Fix rainscreen panel, with the addition of castellated panels, cranked feature panels, aluminium soffits and cills. Caxton Façades also installed plant screen louvres and soffit cladding, completing the building’s distinctive and high-performance façade system.

From the earliest stages of construction, Caxton’s involvement was instrumental to the visual and technical delivery of the building envelope. The façade package demanded precise execution and close collaboration with Winvic to align with the design vision and fire safety requirements.

Overcoming Challenges, Delivering Results

Threadworks presented a complex set of delivery challenges typical of major city-centre schemes. Close collaboration with multiple subcontractors was required to maintain the programme. The scale of the cladding package – particularly the technical demands of installing cranked panels and closed and open state fire cavity barriers – tested both the agility and technical capabilities of the Caxton Façades team.

Logistical challenges

“The size and scale of the project created logistical challenges, particularly around scheduling, coordination and deliveries,” said Tom Prince, Contracts Director at Caxton Façades. “Thanks to a committed site team, proactive problem-solving, and strong working relationships, Caxton delivered a high-quality result that was highly valued by our client. Despite the complexity, we completed our works within the agreed period to the satisfaction of both Winvic and the client, who appreciated our efforts in achieving the targeted handover date.”

The successful completion of Threadworks reinforces Caxton’s capability to work on complex urban façade schemes at scale – cementing our position as a trusted and innovative specialist in the UK construction sector.

View Threadworks from the air on YouTube