Tupper Residence

The Tupper Residence is an art moderne residence with a smooth stucco finish, curved corners and horizontal bands, located on Orchard Avenue in Penticton, British Columbia.

The Tupper Residence is valued for its association with Charles H. Tupper, for whom it was built in 1938. Tupper arrived in Penticton in 1908, settling on Fairview Road where he planted an orchard. He married Mabel Rowe in 1910 and built a house on Hansen Street, while working as an engineer for the Kettle Valley Railway. In 1933 Tupper was elected Liberal MLA for the Similkameen riding. Tupper lived in the house on Orchard Avenue from the time it was built until his death in 1950.

This house also has aesthetic value as an example of art moderne architecture, as expressed by its form and massing, and its architectural details. The house is given a horizontal orientation by its flat roof, horizontal bands, curved corners, and multi-paned window which wrap around corners. The stucco finish and recessed entrance are typical of the style, as is the asymmetrical massing of the building.

The art moderne style is based on the streamlined design of ships, automobiles, and aeroplanes, prevalent in the 1930s. The smooth surfaces, horizontal emphasis, and curved corners of the building are intended to evoke the sense that air can flow freely over its surface. The use of such a modern design expresses the desire of its owner to use the newest and most up to date architectural style. The style stood out on the street amongst its more traditional neighbours and is still striking today.

The Tupper Residence is also valued because of its association with the important B.C. architect, Robert Lyon. Lyon moved to Penticton from Vancouver in 1922 and established a successful practice of commercial, institutional, and residential commissions. He designed homes for a number of prominent Okanagan residents, including Hugh Leir and Judge Colquhoun in Penticton, and Mayor Hughs-Games in Kelowna. The Hughs-Games house was also in the art modern style and designed in 1938, the same year Lyon designed a stunning art deco post office in Kelowna. Two years later, he designed Penticton Municipal Hall, also in the art moderne style. In 1948 Lyon was elected Reeve of Penticton.

SOURCE: City of Penticton Civic File

Key elements that define the heritage character of the Tupper Residence include its:

-low horizontal massing

-location in the residential setting of Orchard Avenue

-streamlined form of the residence, including curved corners, flat roofs, curved concrete steps and wrap-around windows

-horizontal banding designed to emphasize the horizontality of the residence

-multi-paned windows

-recessed entrance

-one room upper storey at the rear of the house, comprising the master bedroom