Lakeshore Lofts is a unique example of affordable housing and environmental stewardship in Mississauga, Ontario. With a holistic view of the community’s needs, this 68-unit mixed use complex was designed by Invizij Architects Inc and meets the most rigorous Passive House energy standard. The eye-catching design, in inviting cool shades, uplifts the community and inspires us to rethink the possibilities of supportive housing models and low carbon footprint construction.Â
![Tested to meet rigorous fire performance standards, ALPOLIC fr enables safe and beautiful design](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tested%20to%20meet%20rigorous%20fire%20performance%20standards%2C%20ALPOLIC%20fr%20enables%20safe%20and%20beautiful%20design.jpg)
While function was at the forefront, there was no compromise in design with the help of ALPOLIC metal composite materials (MCM). 25,000 sqft of 4mm ALPOLIC/fr in five stock colors – TLK blue, MBU blue, ABE blue, BNT white, and BGY grey – cascade across the four-story facade as an homage to the waves of Lake Ontario, visible from the 4th floor community space. The MCM, recently tested to meet Canada’s rigorous fire safety standards, were manufactured in an efficient manner designed to minimize waste.  Fabricated by Cladco Limited, these dynamic panels are defined by their bold finishes which are easy to maintain. The colors set the building apart and create a place of pride among its residents.Â
![The facade features five stock colors of ALPOLIC MCM as a homage to the waves of Lake Ontario](/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20facade%20features%20five%20stock%20colors%20of%20ALPOLIC%20MCM%20as%20a%20homage%20to%20the%20waves%20of%20Lake%20Ontario.jpg)
The first floor of Lakeshore Lofts is home to The Compass Food Bank and Outreach Centre, honored as one of Charity Intelligence’s Top 10 charities in Canada for demonstrating impact. In addition to supplying fully accessible housing and food security, the facilities include counseling services and on-call support for the community’s most vulnerable. Serving those impacted by homelessness, people with physical and mental health challenges, and those in recovery for addiction and substance abuse, the housing and services offered at Lakeshore Lofts provides the most at risk with a sense of belonging.Â
The residents of Lakeshore Lofts benefit from rents set with government assistance levels in mind, potentially 70% lower than the average market value. The passive housing efforts keeps utilities low, and the walkable nature of the area, along with easy access to public transportation, unburdens residents from personal vehicle dependency.Â
Completed in January 2022, 425 Lakeshore Rd was a decade in the making. A redeveloped commercial lot in the Port Credit district, the property was purchased by Indwell Community Homes, a Christian charity that has been providing affordable housing solutions across Canada. Funding came from the charity, the region of Peel, the province of Ontario and the greater Canadian government to create this mixed-use project.
Quite unique to this development, the team held several public meetings to solicit community input and involvement. The community collaborations continued throughout the design process as well. Furniture was built and designed by students in the craft and design program at Sheridan College, and in August 2022, three large public murals painted by David Anthony were unveiled. The scenes feature images iconic to the region of Peel, honoring music, fishing, and family.Â
Within this community, nestled next to Lake Ontario, with nearby small business, restaurants, and parks, this project has created an oasis for the disenfranchised. Â A beautiful exterior with an even more beautiful purpose, Lakeshore Lofts provides accommodations that are affordable and inspirational, services that uplift and help create self-sufficiency. ALPOLIC is proud to be a part of this story.
Learn more about how ALPOLIC can inspire your next design. Schedule an AIA presentation today.
Related Stories
Sponsored | Cladding and Facade Systems | Mar 15, 2023
Metal cladding trends and innovations
Metal cladding is on a growth trajectory globally. This is reflected in rising demand for rainscreen cladding and architectural metal coatings. This course covers the latest trends and innovations in the metal cladding market.Â
Codes | Mar 2, 2023
Biden Administration’s proposed building materials rules increase domestic requirements
The Biden Administration’s proposal on building materials rules used on federal construction and federally funded state and local buildings would significantly boost the made-in-America mandate. In the past, products could qualify as domestically made if at least 55% of the value of their components were from the U.S.Â
AEC Innovators | Feb 28, 2023
Meet the 'urban miner' who is rethinking how we deconstruct and reuse buildings
New Horizon Urban Mining, a demolition firm in the Netherlands, has hitched its business model to construction materials recycling. It's plan: deconstruct buildings and infrastructure and sell the building products for reuse in new construction. New Horizon and its Founder Michel Baars have been named 2023 AEC Innovators by Building Design+Construction editors.
Sponsored | Metals | Jan 16, 2023
Breaking The Mold: ALPOLIC MCM Accomplishes A+ Design for Ohio School
From the start, the vision for Dayton’s Northridge Local Schools included a standout architectural element. Taking inspiration from the polar bear mascot, Levin Porter Architects created an unforgettable iceberg feature with the help of ALPOLIC. Custom white MCM panels shimmer and provide a local landmark for the community.
75 Top Building Products | Nov 30, 2022
75 top building products for 2022
Each year, the Building Design+Construction editorial team evaluates the vast universe of new and updated products, materials, and systems for the U.S. building design and construction market. The best-of-the-best products make up our annual 75 Top Products report.Â
Sponsored | Metals | Nov 10, 2022
Largest Tulip Bulb Forcing Farm Rebuilds from Ground Up
Metl-Span insulated metal panels delivered the optimal solution for the new Pioneer Flower Farms facility to rebuild after a fire. The warehouse included the installation of movable freezers and cold storage areas.
Building Materials | Nov 2, 2022
Design for Freedom: Ending slavery and child labor in the global building materials sector
Sharon Prince, Founder and CEO of Grace Farms and Design for Freedom, discusses DFF's report on slavery and enforced child labor in building products and materials.
Sponsored | Metals | Oct 13, 2022
The Benefits of Insulated Metal Panels Over Tilt-Up Walls
When it comes time to choose a building envelope material, project teams can select from a wide array of options. Tilt-up walls can offer some savings, but one system leads the industry for installation, energy, and cost efficiencies: Insulated metal panels. Â
Sponsored | Metals | Sep 22, 2022
Metl-Span Produces Custom-Designed Solution for Chicago’s Wanda Vista Towers
In the heart of downtown Chicago, the Wanda Vista Towers make an impression standing tall at 101 stories. The height brought a challenge to integrate blow-through floors – a challenge met by Metl-Span custom solutions for easy installation, energy-efficiency, and durability.