Casa Frati: Between Scandinavian Minimalism and Middle Eastern Warmth

The story of Casa Frati is deeply intertwined with its territory and traditions, but today it is above all shaped by the lives of its owners, Samira and Nicolai. In this residence in Valeggio sul Mincio — a small town between Verona and Lake Garda — Samira brought together the essence of the places that shaped her: the warmth of Tehran, the essential character of Stockholm, and the vibrant lights and eclectic spirit of Dubai, where she met Nicolai. He, too, embodies the idea of a global citizen: born in Rio de Janeiro to a Chinese mother and a Danish father, his life has also been influenced by the traditions of South Korea, France, Denmark, and finally New York, where the couple met architect Alberto Pizzoli.

Step by step, together they created a new home in a new country — a place for a new beginning. In the end, one essential request guided the entire project for Casa Frati: a peaceful retreat immersed in endless greenery, where the surrounding countryside flows naturally into the living spaces and where their two poodles, Napoleon and Caesar, could also live serenely.

Casa Frati from the twentieth century to today

The couple chose the house immediately, deciding first to live in and understand the early twentieth-century rural residence for two years before beginning the renovation. Only afterwards did they ask the architect to transform Casa Frati into a “manifesto of hospitality” — and today it has become exactly that, hosting celebrations, parties, birthdays, and even a wedding.

Alberto Pizzoli’s intervention sought a careful balance between past and present, tradition and contemporary needs, while also enhancing the changes in level between the three distinct volumes of the residence and the front portico. Once used as an agricultural service space beside the old well, the portico has now been enclosed with large glass surfaces and transformed into a stunning veranda in constant dialogue with the garden. The space can function equally as a dining area or as a place for relaxation and conviviality.

Another focal point of the home is the living room, made especially welcoming by the warmth of natural oak parquet flooring and the formal rigour of a sculptural fireplace with a dark red marble base. From here, descending just a couple of steps leads into the kitchen, characterised by light, neutral, and natural tones, as well as white Verona stone flooring that continues seamlessly from the veranda.

Upstairs, meanwhile, are a more intimate family lounge, the master bedroom, and a first guest room.

Minimalism, warmth, and a tech-inspired soul

Overall, the house embraces an eclectic style that blends Scandinavian minimalism with Middle Eastern textures and warmth, while also revealing a distinctly tech-oriented soul. Nicolai is passionate about music, and the second floor was conceived as his creative refuge. For this reason, the roof was entirely rebuilt using reclaimed river-style beams to preserve the rustic charm, set in contrast with a light grey resin floor.