January 26, 2026
In a recent edition of the Dutch heritage magazine Monumentaal, an extensive article by Natascha Drabbe appears regarding the international network Iconic Houses.
The article highlights several exceptional modernist residences in Belgium that have recently joined this network.
In addition to projects such as Villa Michaux and Maison Marit, attention is also given to the homes of Jozef Schellekens and Carli Vanhout in Turnhout.
For the Architectural Conservation Trust, this publication represents significant international recognition. The article not only places the residences within a broader architectural-historical context but also demonstrates how local modernist architecture forms part of an international network of iconic houses.
The publication in Monumentaal underscores that modernist homes are not merely architectural-historical objects, but also cultural heritage that can be shared with a wide audience.
Just like other houses within the Iconic Houses network, the residences of Schellekens and Vanhout are increasingly becoming part of an international landscape of architectural destinations where visitors can experience architecture up close.
The article shows how initiatives such as ACT contribute to a growing interest in modernist architecture — among researchers, architecture enthusiasts, and visitors alike.
With the inclusion of several Belgian houses, the Iconic Houses network continues to expand. The collaboration between researchers, owners, and organizations ensures that these extraordinary homes are not only preserved but also remain an active part of contemporary architectural culture.
The mention in Monumentaal confirms that the modernist architecture of Turnhout and the Kempen deserves a place within this international narrative.
