In the quiet landscape of northern Italy, nestled on the slopes of Mount Roen in Trentino, architect Andrea Dal Negro designed a home that embodies the essence of connection, not just between architecture and nature, but between people. The project, Casa Credai, is especially meaningful: it was created for his own parents as they transitioned from urban life to a more grounded existence, closer to the forest and the mountains they love. The design reflects their deep bond, shared values, and a desire to live in harmony with their surroundings. 

stannel home | ofri paz

The home and its surroundings 

The house sits on a southwest-facing rectangular plot with panoramic views of the Brenta Dolomites. The architecture embraces the landscape with large glass windows and a strong commitment to sustainability, aiming to reduce environmental impact and make use of natural resources. The home’s form echoes its setting: the ground floor is simple and respectful of local traditions, while the upper level is divided into three smaller volumes with sloped roofs and angled façades. These varied forms create a dynamic rhythm that visually mirrors the surrounding mountain ridgelines. 

Interiors and exteriors in dialogue 

“Architectural volumes are strongly perceived from within, directing views toward the panorama and projecting light into the warm-toned interior spaces, creating a constant dialogue between nature and architecture,” explains Dal Negro. The large windows frame breathtaking views from every corner, maintaining continuous visual contact with the outdoors. Bedrooms are positioned at opposite ends of the upper floor like individual wooden cottages, each overlooking the garden. Even the sauna connects to nature through a glazed loggia, acting like a telescope toward the peaks. 

Public and private spaces 

At the heart of the house, the ground floor contains the public areas, including the living area, kitchen, dining table, and a desk, all arranged in an open-plan layout that emphasizes spaciousness and fluidity. A double-height fireplace serves as a distinctive focal point, adding warmth and drawing attention to the soaring ceilings. The design encourages flexibility and connection: a custom sofa with movable cushions bridges the living and dining areas, enhancing sociability and comfort.  

       Upstairs, the three architectural volumes define the private zones. The central volume features a library and study that overlook the living area below, creating a strong visual link between the two levels. This thoughtful spatial arrangement fosters interaction and shared moments, in tune with the family’s lifestyle—whether reading by the fire, preparing meals together, or enjoying relaxed work sessions bathed in natural light. 

Where tradition meets technology  

The architecture combines traditional Alpine elements, such as pitched roofs, wood, and plaster, with modern building techniques and sustainable systems. The structure is made from prefabricated laminated wood, with the ground floor finished in veiled plaster for a soft, layered appearance, and the upper volumes clad in vertical larch wood slats. The home is heated by a silent air-water heat pump, and a photovoltaic system integrated into the roof supplies all of its energy needs, making it energy-independent and environmentally conscious. 

architect Andrea Dal Negro

photography Giulia Maretti