Preliminary Research on Exterior Joinery

In collaboration with:

Remmen bv,
Glaswerken Vanheertum bvba,
Schilderwerken Van Gorp bv,
Erfgoed Noorderkempen,
Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed

To preserve and restore the original exterior joinery of the duplex residence of Jozef Schellekens, Steenweg op Mol 64-66, the Architectural Conservation Trust (ACT) is conducting a technical preliminary study by Remmen bv. This study, financially supported by Erfgoed Vlaanderen, is an important step within the broader grant application for the restoration of the residences.

Our heritage consultant Stef Aerts (Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed) and Caroline Daemen (Erfgoed Noorderkempen) are guiding and advising throughout this process.

Preliminary Research

Prior to the dismantling of the joinery, the glass was carefully removed by Vanheertum bvba from Turnhout.

This phase proved to be particularly delicate: the original putty and paintable silicone had become so hard and adhesive over the decades that the glass was stuck to the profile in several places. Despite the cautious approach, several panes broke during the dismantling.

The remaining glass pieces were meticulously labeled and temporarily secured, so they can also be included in further research on material and color.

Purpose of the Research

The exterior joinery of the residence shows clear signs of weathering.

The purpose of the preliminary study is to understand how the joinery was originally constructed and how it is precisely anchored in the facade. It also examines the causes of damage and possible approaches to achieve a sustainable restoration or replacement.

Important research questions include:

• how is the window technically constructed,
• how is the frame anchored in the facades,
• where are the structural problems or deteriorations located,
• to what extent can the original joinery be preserved or restored?
  
  

Execution

For this study, one of the windows on the front facade was carefully dismantled. The steel frame was then transferred to the workshop of Remmen bv for further analysis.

The dismantling revealed interesting structural details. It turned out that the window was not a single unit but was constructed from various steel components that were finished as a whole after assembly. On the inside of the frame, a brand mark “PAUL DEVIS” was even discovered — https://monument.heritage.brussels/fr/buildings/37489 – a reference to a Brussels metal trader active in the first half of the 20th century.

Lead strips were also found between the masonry and steel, presumably applied as a water barrier. The original linseed oil-based putty and glazing compound had hardened and cracked, which in the past led to water infiltration and rust formation.

Next Steps

The freed window is currently in the workshop of Remmen bv, where it will be further examined for material composition, corrosion, and finishing layers. Initial findings indicate that there are multiple paint layers: an orange primer and a dark green finish, which likely determine the original color scheme.

A joint visit to the workshop is planned soon with all parties involved to view the frame on-site and make decisions together:

• Can the original joinery be restored,
• is replacement, maintaining the original profile and appearance, the recommended course,
• or a combination of both.
  
  

Additionally, a supplementary color study will be conducted. For this, we will revisit the 2011 restoration dossier, which may already contain traces of previous color studies.

A Step Towards Sustainable Restoration

With this research, we are taking the next step in the careful restoration of the Jozef Schellekens residence, an icon of modernism in the Kempen. By documenting and understanding every detail, we aim not only to restore but also to preserve the authenticity of the design — exactly as Schellekens intended it at the time.