2x10.5 is not a short commute you want something efficient yet practical.
In my experience, the ideal tyre size for this kind of riding is about 28mm. You may want to go up a size in winter to 32mm. If you want to ride in icy conditions you may want studded winter tyres which need a whole lot more clearance ( or a winter bike) so I will assume no studded tyres for now.
My favourite style for 28mm clearance is a light-touring bike, basically a lightweight road bike with extra clearance and threaded eyelets for rack and fenders. Something like
IF Club Racer,
Soma ES,
Gunnar road sport.
The frame material doesn't matter, Aluminium is just as good as steel for this job.
For everyday reliability and durability at a reasonable cost, you want something like Shimano Tiagra groupset as a minimum.
It is much cheaper to buy new bikes fully built-up rather than buy all the parts at retail cost but this style of bike is a bit niche and not so easy to find.