ADVERTISEMENT

Let’s talk architecture and let's talk Belgium. What do these two things have in common? Well, you probably need no introduction of Belgium being a land of architectural wonder, with several shifts in design throughout its history creating a rich cross-section of European heritage and design. From Art Nouveau to modernism, the country is known for nailing its architecture.

Except we’re talking the other side of the coin—”Ugly Belgian Houses”—an enigmatic, humorous and eccentric project run by Hannes Coudenys. The project is dedicated entirely to the uglier the better buildings, dwellings, and all kinds of roofs over one’s head.

With 139k Instagram followers, “Ugly Belgian Houses” follows the motto which reads “Better to be ugly than to be boring,” and you can totally see why. But still, don’t try this at home, everyone!

Psst! After you’re done, be sure to check out our previous posts with Belgian architectural mishaps and faux pas here and here.

More info: Instagram | Facebook | UglyBelgianHouses.tumblr.com

#2

Tried To Call The Architect For An Explanation But He Was Bus-Y

Tried To Call The Architect For An Explanation But He Was Bus-Y

uglybelgianhouses Report

#3

Residence Evil

Residence Evil

uglybelgianhouses Report

To find out more about “Ugly Belgian Houses” and how it evolved since we last featured the project a year ago, Bored Panda talked to its creator Hannes Coudenys. Hannes is a media personality with many projects, from owning Hurae creative digital studio to running “Ugly Belgian Houses” and “Like My Ride,” to vlogging on YouTube.

Hannes told us that “Ugly Belgian Houses” has amazingly evolved throughout the year, amassing 139k followers. “I have been visiting a lot of the houses and had some really nice conversations.”

“Meanwhile I am working on a second edition of the book, so I have to call all the owners again,” Hannes said and added “I’ve just had a call with two people who hate me and don’t want their house in my book. I can understand that,” he smiled.

#4

The Ugly Belgian House Is Slowly Wrapping Around Its Prey

The Ugly Belgian House Is Slowly Wrapping Around Its Prey

uglybelgianhouses Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#6

They Recently Discovered The Great Garage Of Giza

They Recently Discovered The Great Garage Of Giza

uglybelgianhouses Report

When asked why “Ugly Belgian Houses” has gained almost a cult following online, Hannes believes it comes down to “The fact that we all have a certain opinion on what makes a house beautiful. Or ugly. And the fact that these opinions are only opinions.”

The author added that it seems like a lot of Belgians agree that “we have a lot of ugly Belgian houses.”

When asked about the slogan “Better to be ugly than to be boring,” which greets users on the project's Instagram page, Hannes said that “In Belgium, you have a lot of suburbs and housing projects that all look the same and are in fact very boring.” He added: “Something you see in Holland as well. I prefer ugly than these boring creatures.”

Hannes would describe a typical ugly Belgian house as something with “its own quirky uniqueness; A special roof, a special stone, a special decoration, we want to express ourselves via our house.”

#8

Minimalism In Belgium

Minimalism In Belgium

uglybelgianhouses Report

Add photo comments
POST
zoeschreurs avatar
Sowieso
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is this one of these projects where they make a child's drawing reality?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Neighbors, Everybody Needs Goth Neighbors

Neighbors, Everybody Needs Goth Neighbors

uglybelgianhouses Report

Add photo comments
POST
libstak avatar
Libstak
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Needs a good clean and a coat of paint otherwise it could be interesting

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#10

So Where Is Your Architect? Over The Top

So Where Is Your Architect? Over The Top

uglybelgianhouses Report

#11

Cut My House Into Pieces

Cut My House Into Pieces

uglybelgianhouses Report

#12

Meh

Meh

uglybelgianhouses Report

Add photo comments
POST
sassybooie avatar
Meeow
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This also need a pressure washer deep clean, it would be beautiful again

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#13

It Is In The Darkness That One Finds The Sh**e

It Is In The Darkness That One Finds The Sh**e

uglybelgianhouses Report

#15

When You’ve Seen The Trailer And You Know The Movie Sucks

When You’ve Seen The Trailer And You Know The Movie Sucks

uglybelgianhouses Report

#16

Just Another Brick In The Wall

Just Another Brick In The Wall

uglybelgianhouses Report

#17

Peak #uglybelgianhouses

Peak #uglybelgianhouses

uglybelgianhouses Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#23

(Turn Around) Every Now And Then I Get A Little Bit Tired Of These Houses

(Turn Around) Every Now And Then I Get A Little Bit Tired Of These Houses

uglybelgianhouses Report

#25

Optihouse Prime

Optihouse Prime

uglybelgianhouses Report

#27

Now That’s A Mancave

Now That’s A Mancave

uglybelgianhouses Report

Add photo comments
POST
myrtillerat avatar
Myrtille rat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

lol it looks like it's a wink to Massabielle grotto ( a catholic pilgrimage place in the French pyrénées) 612206-gro...2be8b4.jpg 612206-grotte-massabielle-lourdes-vierge-serait-60c718b2be8b4.jpg

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#28

Ready For The Third Wave

Ready For The Third Wave

uglybelgianhouses Report

Add photo comments
POST
juliaa1960 avatar
Julia Atkinson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Allows you to feel seasick without the inconvenience of being on water

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#30

Some Houses Never Grow Up

Some Houses Never Grow Up

uglybelgianhouses Report

Note: this post originally had 87 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.