With the development industry in and around Toronto increasingly focused on high efficiency and sustainability, Lākhouse by AALTO Development in Barrie demonstrates this through its glazing. Nestled on the shores of Lake Simcoe at 185 Dunlop Street East, this 10-storey mixed-use condo and commercial building merges the tranquility of its lakeside setting with modern architectural design. Marking Lumon Canada's first venture into Barrie's development landscape, it paves the way for several upcoming collaborations with various developers in the area. The project is now fully complete and occupied, with Lumon having finished installation.

Looking north to Lākhouse, image courtesy of Lumon Canada Inc

Housing 174 suites, the project's ongoing construction showcases the role of balconies in sustainable living. Lumon is one of the companies leading the way in developing balconies that prioritize environmental consciousness alongside residential comfort. Catering predominantly to owners and professionals, Lākhouse presents a community-centric approach in its design and functionality.

Looking west from a balcony at Lākhouse, image courtesy of Lumon Canada Inc

Designed by ISM Architects, Lākhouse was recently honoured as the 2022 Project of the Year by the Simcoe County Home Builders’ Association, and stands out for its pioneering use of glazing technologies, brought to life by the collaborative efforts of Gillam Constructors and Lumon.

The full-length and top-to-railing glazing is a product of Lumon’s innovative approach. These glazed balconies offer residents a unique opportunity: an extra room-with-a-view, merging indoor comfort with panoramic vistas of Lake Simcoe. This glazing solution is an aesthetic enhancement, while also representing a significant leap in creating sustainable and energy-efficient living spaces.

Lakeside view from a balcony at Lākhouse, image courtesy of Lumon Canada Inc

Lumon's retractable glazing systems play a pivotal role in the architectural integrity and functionality of Lākhouse. Each suite boasts a balcony space that is protected and enhanced by this glazing, offering a hybrid of an open balcony and a closed sunroom. This versatility allows residents to enjoy their outdoor space in various weather conditions, extending the usability of balconies throughout the seasons.

Protected glazed balconies, image courtesy of Lumon Canada Inc

 

Additionally, Lākhouse's commercial offerings, including a restaurant space with a patio area, are similarly outfitted with Lumon’s retractable glazing. This design choice elevates the aesthetic appeal of the space while adding a practical dimension, providing a space that caters to relaxation and leisure without compromising on protection from the elements.

 

Looking up to the balcony glazing, image courtesy of Lumon Canada Inc

From a maintenance perspective, the balcony glazing acts as a protective layer, shielding the building from harsh weather, UV radiation, and other detrimental factors. This proactive approach to building maintenance is particularly beneficial at the Lākhouse, given its lakeside location where high winds and weather variability are common. Such protection prevents dirt and debris accumulation on the balconies, aiding in maintaining the building’s condition.

 

Overlooking the water from a balcony at Lākhouse, image courtesy of Lumon Canada Inc

The collaboration between Aalto Development and Lumon is a step forward in the real estate sector, especially in the context of energy efficiency. The glazing systems contribute to a reduction in energy consumption, aligning with the rising standards of sustainable building practices. An extensive study by Ted Kesik, Ph.D., from the University of Toronto, highlighted the impact of such balcony enclosures, noting a reduction in energy costs by up to 14.9% and an extension in the lifespan of balcony structures by about 25 years.

An aerial view looking northwest of Lākhouse, image courtesy of Lumon Canada Inc

The journey of Lākhouse, from initial plans starting back in 2018 to the installation of Lumon systems in 2023, reflects over four years of planning and execution. With the development now complete and occupied, residents are now utilizing the completed balconies. Lumon’s work is a prime example of how developers can offer residents the luxury of private outdoor spaces while adhering to green building standards. 

UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on this development, but in the meantime, you can learn more about it from our Database file, linked below. If you'd like, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.

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UrbanToronto has a research service, UrbanToronto Pro, that provides comprehensive data on construction projects in the Greater Toronto Area—from proposal through to completion. We also offer Instant Reports, downloadable snapshots based on location, and a daily subscription newsletter, New Development Insider, that tracks projects from initial application.

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Live Patrol Inc., Lumon Canada Inc., Tarra Engineering & Structural Consultants Inc, U31