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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Within this community, nestled next to Lake Ontario, with nearby small business, restaurants, and parks, this project has created an oasis for the disenfranchised. 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 | | Oct 13, 2014
Think you can recognize a metal building from the outside?
It’s getting more and more difficult to spot a metal building these days. What looks like brick, stucco or wood on the outside could actually be a metal building in disguise. SPONSORED CONTENT
Sponsored | | Sep 30, 2014
How project managers can manage technology
Not long ago, the role of a construction project manager revolved around working with people: employees, vendors, consultants, designers, subcontractors and owners. Today, project managers primarily manage information. SPONSORED CONTENT
| Sep 24, 2014
5 business lessons from a 43-year Star veteran
Mary Ed Cain was supposed to be born a boy. That was the first time she surprised everyone. The second time came on a daily basis during her 43-year career at Star Building Systems. SPONSORED CONTENT
| Jul 21, 2014
16 utility questions to answer during your building project
We need electricity to power our building projects, along with water and gas and a faultless sanitation system. That’s what we think about when we think about utility requirements for our building project, but are we missing something? SPONSORED CONTENT
Sponsored | | Jul 17, 2014
A major hop forward
The construction of efficient metal buildings has helped Perrault Farms expand its hops-harvesting business.
| Jul 17, 2014
22 land questions to decide if your build site works
When you’re ready to build, land needs a serious amount of attention. Since it can singlehandedly shift your building plans, land must be investigated, questioned, and eyed from every angle. SPONSORED CONTENT
| Jul 9, 2014
The one misstep that could be slowing your company’s growth
Change. It’s inevitable. And success for any professional may very well depend on how well we adapt to it. SPONSORED CONTENT
| May 27, 2014
Contractors survey reveals improving construction market
The construction industry is on the road to recovery, according to a new survey by Metal Construction News. Most metrics improved from the previous year’s survey, including a 19.4% increase in the average annual gross contracting sales volume. SPONSORED CONTENT
| May 11, 2014
8 starter questions to answer when thinking about building
So, are you ready to start building? Completing these eight questions will help you answer that confidently. SPONSORED CONTENT
| Apr 25, 2014
A radiant barrier FAQ: Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask
There are many examples of materials developed for the space program making their way into everyday life and radiant barriers are just that. SPONSORED CONTENT