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MILLY FILM HOUSE
/ LINKEBEEK
(FLEMISH BRABANT PROVINCE)
/ 1999–2003
/ 2004–2007
This sizeable family residence and film-maker’s studio
was built in a relatively isolated and rural setting south
of Brussels. The side facing the neighbours and a little-
used public road is almost entirely closed, while the back
of the house opens onto a landscape of trees, fields and
shrubs. In the manner of many great architects and oth-
ers, Philippe Samyn was committed to preserving the
privacy of the occupants and to making the house blend
in with the landscape. This concern is well expressed
by the extremely sophisticated ‘plant tapestry’ covering
the roof and the outward-facing walls of the house.
This original cladding was designed in collaboration with
Patrick Blanc. The house’s appearance has earned it the
title, given by the architect himself, of ‘shaggy Cyclops’.
The house encloses the ground floor of a small, existing
house, much as Jean Van Coppenolle did in 1958 for his
own house, located nearby.