A stunning modernist manifesto has been unveiled in the rolling hills of the Castelli Romani, just a short distance from the historic Villa Grazioli. STUDIOTAMAT has completed the reimagining of a 1960s villa, originally inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian architecture, transforming it into a timeless retreat for a tech executive and his family. Situated strategically between Grottaferrata and Frascati, the location offers a unique blend of pristine natural serenity and convenient proximity to metropolitan Rome, providing the ideal lifestyle for its current owners—Daniele, a senior executive, and Sara, a managing director, along with their three daughters.
Embracing the home’s original design philosophy, STUDIOTAMAT meticulously preserved the villa’s architectural elements while introducing creative solutions that intensify the symbiotic relationship between its interior and exterior spaces. The design studio focused on showcasing authentic materials like stone walls, exposed brick, wood, and concrete, reinterpreting them with juxtaposed elements that celebrate natural light and inject vitality into the space. Key to the renovation was the redefinition of the layout: most corridors and smaller utility rooms were removed to open up the interiors, creating smoother, more fluid connections throughout the 400 sqm indoor area.
The attention to detail is evident from the moment one steps inside. At the entrance, a custom-made wardrobe trimmed in elegant Tanganika walnut and lined with L’Opificio’s “Viceversa Monet” fabric sets the tone for the refined, timeless interiors. The elliptical staircase acts as a striking focal point, symmetrically organizing the ground floor spaces and is visible from the entrance. The living and dining areas feature restored stone fireplaces that blend seamlessly into the walls, creating inviting spaces for both relaxation and socializing. The furniture selection reflects the owners’ eclectic personalities, blending vintage pieces with design icons; for example, 1970s Marenco sofas by Arflex pair with Marcel Breuer’s Cesca chairs by Knoll in the dining room.
The American-style kitchen, covering 40 square meters, is a standout feature, centered around a custom island crafted from exquisite Persian Red Travertine and equipped with a teppanyaki plate. A full-height, powder-coated glass partition subtly separates the kitchen from the dining room. The studio’s commitment to preserving the villa’s historical essence is highlighted by details such as the restored original beech wood door and a recurring central rhomboid motif—a nod to the original 1950s ironwork—which inspired custom furnishings, including the kitchen windows.
Upstairs, the connection between spaces continues with oak parquet floors laid in a “sister” pattern, joining the bedrooms, which are unified by a continuous cream-colored resin path. Sara’s study serves as a sanctuary of light and inspiration, featuring a custom glass wall and a large window overlooking the main terrace, made cozy by a Tuscan Red-painted ceiling from Little Greene. The master bedroom conceals the entrance to a luxurious en suite bathroom behind a wall clad in Colony wallpaper, a haven complete with a freestanding tub and an integrated Arabescato marble sink. The daughters’ rooms are personalized with custom wardrobes and beds upholstered in L’Opificio cotton velvets and playful yet refined Disney Home wallpapers.
Finally, the top floor reveals a dedicated relaxation and entertainment area with breathtaking views of Rome. This loft space is defined by terracotta rubber flooring by Artigo, creating a cinema and game area—a cozy, laid-back atmosphere perfect for family time during the winter months. Through a sensitive design approach, STUDIOTAMAThas created a seamless dialogue between the villa’s original spirit and a modern architectural language, honoring its historical identity while reinterpreting it with a fresh, authentic voice, making every space a protagonist in the lives of the residents.