GLEN AND IRENE JARDINE HOUSE
291 ST PAUL ST W.jpg This modernist house was built in 1957 by Glen and Irene Jardine. Glen partnered with his brother Ross to open Kamloops Sports Shop on Victoria Street. Their business experience at the family hardware store that opened in 1944 ensured the success of this new venture. Irene was a sports enthusiast and excelled in diving, gymnastics, basketball, snow and water skiing. She took every opportunity to teach others her many skills. The construction of the house was a family affair with Irene looking after the style and design while Glen, Ross and Ted built it. Everything was custom made on site. Their architect, Gus Lamont, made a special effort to make the house fit the topography of the site.
The modernist architectural style of this house is evident in the emphasis on horizontal lines. The low profile roof line with its large cantilevered overhangs and wide fascias exert a sideways pull. The upper balcony that was pulled forward three feet from the front windows and extended half the way across the facade enhance the horizontal lines. The band of windows down the side and the short wide chimney act in a similar fashion. Large windows on the North side provide a wonderful view of the confluence of the North and South Thompson rivers. A special modern feature of the exterior is the elaborate stairway to the front door with two landings that are angular and cantilevered concrete. It is finished with an artistic fabricated metal railing.
In the interior a 10 foot (3.04 metre) vaulted ceiling has tongue and groove wood panelling that runs through the house. A black stained 2x4 trellis in the main hallway and edge of the dining room helps to bring scale to the high sloping ceiling. A large double sided sandstone fireplace acts as a divider between the living and dining rooms. The main floor is 1090 square feet (101.26 square metres) and contains the living and dining rooms, an open kitchen area, main bedroom, bathroom and laundry. A full basement with bedrooms, bathroom and garage add to the living space. Altogether, the house is an excellent example of modernist design.

Source: Kamloops Heritage Commission