Windsor, ON

Passa Associates Inc.

Category: Low Rise Residential
EIFS Manufacturer: Sika Canada Inc./Synenergy
EIFS Contractor: Orak Stucco Ltd.

Seneca Development transforms a former parking lot in Windsor into a replicable model for sustainable urban infill. Each 30-foot-wide lot accommodates a flexible home: a three bedroom upper unit with a self-contained lower suite, designed for multigenerational living, co-ownership, or rental versatility.

Central to the project’s performance is a full EIFS enclosure, delivering continuous insulation and airtightness critical to energy efficiency. In winter, solar gain through large windows often increases interior temperatures above the thermostat setpoint, without the need for mechanical heating, showcasing the passive potential of the building.

The EIFS cladding works in tandem with spray foam, batt insulation, and R-60 attic insulation to create a robust thermal shell. Solar shading and ample glazing optimize daylight, minimizing lighting and cooling demands. The result is a refined, modern façade that fits within a tight urban context—balancing design, cost, and performance.

Photography and written project content provided by Passa Associates Inc.

Barrie, ON
ISM Architects Inc.

Category: High Rise Residential
EIFS Manufacturer: Sto Canada
EIFS Contractor: Gillam Group Inc.

Lakhouse makes a bold architectural statement on one of Barrie’s last remaining waterfront condo sites. With 173 units and a space-saving stacked parking lift, the project maximizes efficiency on a tight urban footprint—without compromising on design quality.

EIFS plays a starring role in both the technical execution and visual identity of the building. A recessed vertical break, clad in StoCast Wood, artfully separates the white EIFS-finished east wing from the StoCast Brickclad west, giving the impression of two distinct, sculpted forms.

Even the undersides of balconies, often neglected, were meticulously finished in StoCast Wood, extending the project’s refined material language across every surface.

Photography and written project content provided by ISM Architects Inc.

Windsor, ON

Pretium Engineering Inc.

Category: Renovation
EIFS Manufacturer: Durabond Products Inc.
EIFS Contractor: Ozmen Construction Ltd.

Raymond Desmarais Manor is nothing short of a transformation story. Once a deteriorating 43-year-old brick high-rise, the building has been reborn as a national example of what deep-energy retrofits can achieve. Led by Hans Kogel of the Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation, this 20-storey, 300-unit affordable housing tower is now EnerPHit-certified, delivering comfort, sustainability, and renewed dignity to its residents.

EIFS was central to the project’s success, meeting ambitious energy targets while staying within tight cost and durability constraints. Insulation strategies were tailored by façade condition, with 6″ EPS on end walls and 4″ mineral wool in firesensitive areas.

Thermal performance was maximized through rigorous detailing: every component was modeled for thermal bridging, outfitted with thermally broken fasteners and insulation plugs, and sealed with dual liquid-applied air barriers. Even air tightness was field-tested using tracer gas diagnostics; a rare level of technical precision in retrofit work.

Photography and written project content provided by Pretium Engineering Inc.

Winnipeg, MB

Saplys Architects Inc.

Category: Hospitality
EIFS Manufacturer: ADEX Architectural Coatings
EIFS Contractor: Design Exteriors Inc.

Just steps from Winnipeg International Airport, the Hampton Inn Conversion redefines what’s possible in adaptive reuse. Once a utilitarian structure, the hotel has been transformed into a vibrant urban landmark, thanks to an ambitious redesign anchored by a dynamic EIFS façade.

But this is more than a facelift. Technically, the building envelope is airtight, thermally efficient, and designed for resilience. The EIFS system incorporates rain-screen principles, continuous drainage paths, and thermal breaks to eliminate bridging, ensuring durability and long-term performance in Winnipeg’s demanding climate.

Two additional floors were seamlessly added using EIFS, applied over the existing structure. This approach not only minimized embodied carbon but also demonstrated how smart retrofit strategies can expand and enhance the built environment with minimal environmental impact.

Photography and written project content provided by Saplys Architect Inc.

London, ON

Cusimano Architects Inc.

Category: Recreational/Institutional
EIFS Manufacturer: DuROCK
Alfacing International Ltd.
EIFS Contractor: Seasons Retirement Communities

Behind the familiar façade lies technical sophistication. The EIFS assembly incorporates a rain screen design, a robust air and moisture barrier, and uninterrupted thermal insulation—eliminating thermal bridging and reducing HVAC demand. These strategies helped right-size building systems and drive longterm energy savings.

Seasons London is a compelling example of how EIFS can serve both architectural continuity and forward-thinking performance. It stands as a model of how to build responsibly, respectfully, and resiliently for aging populations, delivering lasting value to residents and the broader community.

Seasons London Retirement Residence brings together timeless design sensibilities with modern building science to create a warm, high-performing environment for senior living. Thoughtfully integrated into its urban context, the project reflects a commitment to community, comfort, and sustainability.

EIFS was instrumental in achieving the project’s design and performance goals. Cladding the majority of the building envelope, the system provides continuous insulation and airtightness essential to energy efficiency. Public-facing elevations were carefully detailed to emulate traditional masonry, echoing the established character of surrounding institutional and residential buildings.

Photography and written project content provided by Cusimano Architects

Toronto, ON

Creative Union Network Inc.

Category: Renovation
EIFS Manufacturer: Durock Alfacing international
EIFS Contractor: StarTech Stucco

In the heart of a dense Toronto neighbourhood, the Margueretta Missing Middle Multiplex reimagines a single-family home as three generously sized family units, offering a thoughtful response to urban densification in a transit-oriented, connected community.

EIFS plays a pivotal role in the project, beginning with the creation of a highly insulated exterior envelope to meet energy efficiency and sustainability goals. The cladding unites new and existing elements with a cohesive, modern expression.

Its clean lines and monolithic presence bring contemporary clarity to a context known for architectural variety.

The application of EIFS spans new wood-framed walls, both combustible and non-combustible, as well as retrofit assemblies and concrete block walls. This required technical expertise and adaptive installation strategies. Across all conditions, the system incorporates a defined drainage cavity to safeguard performance and durability, showcasing both material versatility and the craftsmanship of the installer.

The final result is a striking, high-performance building that reflects both architectural innovation and the transformative potential of EIFS.

Photography and written project content provided by Creative Union Network

Victoria, BC

NORR Architecture

Category: Mid Rise Residential
EIFS Manufacturer: Sto Canada Ltd.
EIFS Contractor: H&R Exterior Finish Ltd.

Amica Jubilee House is a tour de force in modern senior living design, thoughtfully conceived, expertly executed, and boldly future-ready. Located in the heart of Victoria, this mid-rise residence delivers more than just housing: it offers comfort, dignity, and community for seniors aging in place. It’s a project that proves great design can be both compassionate and cutting-edge.

What sets Amica Jubilee House apart is its groundbreaking use of StoCast Brick by Sto Canada. This lightweight acrylic system captures the richness of traditional masonry while unlocking the full performance potential of EIFS. By eliminating the need for steel lintels and reducing structural loads, the team not only preserved aesthetic integrity—they redefined what’s possible in building envelope design.

With a drainable EIFS system ensuring moisture control and continuous insulation driving energy efficiency, the result is a building that’s as technically advanced as it is visually striking. It’s a masterclass in how EIFS can achieve design excellence, construction simplicity, and environmental responsibility, all at once. Amica Jubilee House doesn’t just set a benchmark, it raises the bar. It’s a bold statement on the role of EIFS in creating resilient, high-performance communities that don’t compromise on beauty or ambition.

Every detail, down to the texture and tone of the StoCast Brick, reflects a shared commitment to quality, durability, and livability. It stands as a model for how thoughtful material choices can shape better futures for aging populations.

Photography and written project content provided by NORR Architecture