Lakeshore Lofts in Mississauga, Ontario is a culmination of architectural sustainability and affordable housing. Designed by Invizij Architects Inc, the structure is a 68-unit mixed use complex, specifically designed with the intention of supporting people who experience homelessness, people who experience physical or mental health challenges, and people who are in recovery for addiction and substance abuse. In addition to affordable residential units, the building is also home to the Compass Food Bank and Outreach Centre, a Mississauga-based nonprofit organization.
©Michael Muraz
In 2017, the Region of Peel issued a request for a new supportive housing development in Port Credit. The contract for this development was awarded to Indwell, an affordable housing developer committed to offering housing solutions throughout Canada.
The project was a great collaborative effort between the community and the developers at Indwell. Throughout the development process, Indwell prioritized community involvement with the project to ensure needs were being met.
©Michael Muraz
“It was amazing to see the kind of support we received from the community for this project – there was no opposition as everyone understood the needs and wanted to see new solutions to homelessness challenges,” explains Graham Cubitt, Director of Projects & Development at Indwell.
“Lakeshore Lofts was built with the community in mind, and we’re pleased we were able to respond to the needs identified by individuals, families, other agencies, and the Region of Peel to complete this project,” Cubbit states.
The community was also involved through the design process. Furniture was designed and built by students in Sheridan College’s craft and design program, and three large public murals by local visual artist David Anthony. The murals, which were unveiled in August 2022, were inspired by the rich culture and history of Port Credit. The murals were influenced by the building’s unique blue, gray, and white facade.
Lakeshore Lofts’ eye-catching structure features a striking, unique design, reminiscent of rippling waves of Lake Ontario. The vision of the cool-hued facade was realized through the usage of ALPOLIC® Metal Composite Material (MCM). 25,000 sqft of 4mm ALPOLIC®/fr in TLK blue, MBU blue, ABE blue, BNT white, and BGY grey, fabricated by Cladco Limited, adorn the building, allowing it to stand out, as well as creating an overall inviting image for the community.
©Michael Muraz
The MCM panels feature a clear Lumiflon topcoat, providing a plethora of benefits that other coatings systems do not offer. Surfaces enhanced with Lumiflon FEVE resin technology are provided with longevity and durability, outstanding color and gloss retention, as well as anti-corrosion and graffiti properties. Its excellent weatherability, which preserves the structural integrity of FEVE-fortified coatings systems, protects architectural structures from UV radiation, water, salt, and other elemental deterrents that contribute to coating degradation.
Photography ©Michael Muraz