Architecture Award Kortrijk 2025

A total of 21 projects were submitted, of which the expert jury nominated 10: 8 small-scale and 2 large-scale. All selected projects are existing buildings that have undergone a fascinating transformation or have been completely rebuilt. These projects will be exhibited during the event.

Wandelingstraat, Architect: Lies Quatanne & Jürgen Vandewalle
Between the historic city center at the front and the modern railway infrastructure at the rear lies a place steeped in history. In this urban tension zone, the project fills a void in a developing neighborhood, introduces a green wedge into a paved triangular block, and shows how an outdated urban fabric can be restored to a sustainable living environment.

Rekollettenstraat, Architect: MAF architecten
This terraced house on the outskirts of Kortrijk underwent a radical redesign, focusing on an open, green, and peaceful living experience. After experiencing a bel-etage with lots of light but little contact with the garden, the residents teamed up with maf architects to find a more flexible concept. The result is a house built around a spacious atrium that brings daylight deep into the home and offers space for an indoor garden and geometric kitchen island.

Koffiestraat, Architect: Sileghem & Partners architecten en ingenieurs
The VBS Spes Nostra primary school was given the opportunity to acquire a protected workers' cottage next to the school grounds. It was not a spectacular restoration, but rather an ode to caring for small-scale heritage, with the cottage being given a new lease of life as a reception area, entrance hall, and storytelling corner for preschoolers and parents.

Sint-Michielsplein, Architect: Driearchitecten
The house balances between past and future, city and greenery. The sloping roof of the townhouse on Sint-Michielsplein has been replaced by a transparent living platform with spacious terraces. Subtle on the square, expressive on the sides and rear, the new volume forms a contemporary dialogue with the historic streetscape.

Izegemsestraat, Architect: Het Kabinet Architecten
A dilapidated, listed village house with three residential units was carefully transformed by Het Kabinet Architecten into a warm, future-oriented doctor's practice. The 18th-century building—with its striking facade and red tiled roof—was given a new role as a multidisciplinary healthcare center.

Vlaanderenstraat, Architect: Veldhuis architectuur
Two generations jointly purchased a villa with a large warehouse at the rear in Heule. The villa was renovated, and the warehouse was partially transformed into a bright, open home that remains connected to the garden. The connection between old and new, and between family members, forms the core of the concept.

Sint-Amandsstraat, Architect: Link Lab
In the historic center of Kortrijk, Villa 't Onzent was restored without altering the façade, preserving its monumental value. The façade has been restored to its original condition, with new joinery based on the existing model and a locally renovated roof with internal insulation.

Onze Lieve Vrouwestraat, Architect: Link Lab
House BL is a contemporary single-family home, created from the transformation of a bookshop in Kortrijk. The existing split levels and the distinctive concrete staircase were retained and became the starting point for the design.

Tuighuisstraat, Architect: Maker Architecten
In Tuighuisstraat, the original garden district concept—with individual gardens surrounding a central green zone—has largely been lost due to urbanization. This project transforms the inner area into a new frontage, strengthens social contacts, and increases the value and flexibility of the homes.

Damkaai, Architect: Link Lab
An innovative residential project is being developed on the former site of the Meyhui trading company in Kortrijk, on the banks of the Leie River. The historic commercial buildings will be integrated into the new ‘Meerlenhof’, where greening and softening are central themes.

We are delighted to present all entries to the Kortrijk public. With this award, we want to honor builders and architects for their clear commitment to quality — often under challenging circumstances. Each and every one of these projects is inspiring and contributes to a more beautiful, higher-quality city.

On Thursday, December 4, a professional jury will select the winner from among the nominees. At 8 p.m., the winners and the audience awards will be announced in the dormitory of the Abby Museum. At 8:30 p.m., jury chairman Marc Dubois will give an inspiring lecture for all architecture enthusiasts.

The public also has a say: you can vote for your favorite small-scale and large-scale project. View all entries below and cast your vote.