Conscious Design from Lake Como

In the hills surrounding Lake Como, the Barzaghi family has crafted exceptional furniture for seven generations, earning a place at the forefront of Italian luxury design.

But Biosofa is more than a continuation of tradition—it's a story of transformation. Davide Barzaghi, raised in the family workshop, inherited not only a passion for artisanal excellence but also a growing awareness of the environmental cost of conventional furniture.

Through his studies and personal journey—especially after becoming a father—Davide was inspired to rethink the business from the ground up. He committed to sustainable practices, replacing harmful materials with natural, non-toxic alternatives, and redefining what luxury means: beauty with purpose and responsibility.

Biosofa is a brand from Lake Como crafting 100% natural furniture. With a focus on future generations, Davide Barzaghi, the brand's co-founder, has revolutionized what was once his family’s historic business. When and how did the need for renewal arise?

Some stories begin with an email, a late-night phone call, a business deal signed over coffee. Ours began with a newborn’s cry. When our son, Rafael, was born, the world shifted in a way we hadn’t quite expected. It wasn’t just the sleepless nights or the quiet awe of holding something so fragile, so new. It was the sudden, undeniable awareness of time—of the world he would inherit, of the choices we had made, and of the ones still left to make.

For generations, the Barzaghi family had been craftsmen, shaping wood into objects of beauty, passing down tools and techniques like heirlooms. But the furniture industry had changed. Over the decades, natural materials had been replaced by foam, glue, and synthetics. A standard sofa, no matter how elegant, was often little more than a carefully disguised construction of petroleum-based plastics, chemical finishes, and synthetic textiles.

Davide had known this in theory. He had studied life-cycle assessment at university, dissecting the environmental cost of modern manufacturing. But knowing something in the abstract is one thing—holding your child and imagining the air he will breathe, the spaces he will live in, the world he will grow into, is another. We couldn’t unsee it. And we couldn’t, in good conscience, continue making furniture the same way.

With guidance from Davide’s father and grandfather—both masters of a pre-plastic era—we began looking backward to move forward. We studied the craftsmanship of a time before synthetics, rethinking every material, every process. We turned to solid wood, organic textiles, and natural latex, designing pieces meant to last—not just for a season, but for a lifetime.

Biosofa was born from this choice. Not as a trend, not as an experiment, but as a return to what furniture was always meant to be: a thing of beauty, a thing of permanence, a thing made with care—for the home it inhabits, for the people who live with it, and for the generations who come after.

For Biosofa, aesthetics cannot exist without responsibility. Producing furniture also means considering the impact that manufacturing processes and material choices have on the environment and people. Can you explain the key steps needed to ensure a completely natural production process?

There is a certain kind of magic to craftsmanship—the slow, deliberate shaping of raw materials into something lasting, something worthy of being passed down. But magic, at least the kind we believe in, doesn’t happen behind a curtain. Step into our workshop on Lake Como, and you’ll find no secrets, no hidden shortcuts. What you will find is sawdust in the air, the scent of beechwood freshly cut, hands smoothing linen and wool. You’ll see artisans at work, heads bent over sketches, testing the curve of an armrest, the resilience of a cushion. Because at Biosofa, absolute transparency isn’t a choice—it’s the foundation of everything we do.

A sofa is not just an object; it’s a story, told in layers. It begins on paper, in a conversation between designer and artisan. It moves through solid beechwood, hand-cut and sanded, never MDF, never chipboard. Jute replaces plastic webbing, steel springs are demagnetized for purity, and natural latex—carved with precision—forms the foundation of comfort. There is no foam, no synthetic glue binding it all together, no chemically treated fabric wrapped around it. Every detail, down to the last hand-sewn stitch, is visible, intentional, and free from compromise. We document each piece before it leaves our workshop. Clients receive a full photographic and video record—not just of the finished sofa but of its underside, its framework, the unseen parts most brands prefer to keep hidden. Because if we say it’s 100% natural, we will prove it. If we promise durability, we will show you why.

Furniture is deeply personal. It’s where we sit, dream, gather, and rest. But most of what’s out there is built in factories, behind closed doors, with materials chosen for cost, not conscience. A standard sofa might look inviting, but inside, it’s often a cocktail of plastics and chemicals designed for fast production, not for long life.That’s why transparency matters. It’s not a marketing tactic—it’s a responsibility. If you are going to bring a piece of furniture into your home, into the air you breathe, into the space where your children play, you deserve to know exactly what it’s made of.
At Biosofa, we invite scrutiny. We welcome curiosity. And we promise you this: what you see is exactly what you get. No hidden layers. No hidden truths. Just honest craftsmanship, built to last.

Your expertise in caring for natural materials is deep and precise. What techniques do you recommend to preserve the beauty and longevity of wooden furniture, ensuring an aesthetic that withstands the test of time?

Biosofa pieces are built to last—solid, crafted from the finest natural materials, and designed to stand the test of time. But even the most well-made furniture deserves a little love to keep it looking its best. With simple care, your sofa, chair, or table will not only maintain its beauty but develop even more character over the years.

Every material has its own unique needs, and treating them with care ensures they stay fresh and inviting. Feather-filled cushions benefit from regular fluffing to keep their shape, while natural textiles appreciate gentle cleaning to maintain their softness. Wood, rich and full of life, only needs occasional nourishing with natural oils to keep its warmth and luster. Leather, like fine wine, develops a patina over time, telling the story of years well spent.
While your Biosofa can withstand the demands of everyday living, there are a few things to avoid that can cause damage over time.

For wood, be cautious with harsh cleaning products—steer clear of silicone-based polishes, which can break down the finish and make your piece look artificial. Avoid abrasive cloths or cleaners that strip away the wood’s natural shine. Direct sunlight and heat sources are also a foe to your wood; they can cause fading, cracking, and warping over time. Always lift, never drag, your furniture to prevent damaging joints or floors.

For leather, avoid using cleaning products containing alcohol or acetone. They can dry out and damage the leather’s natural texture. Likewise, keep your leather away from sharp objects—scuffs and scratches can’t be undone.
A true quality product is not just made to last—it’s made to be cared for, refurbished, and repaired when needed. That’s why Biosofas are designed with modularity in mind. Individual parts can be replaced, cushions refreshed, and upholstery renewed. Instead of discarding, you restore, ensuring your Biosofa remains a timeless piece in your home.

Furniture isn’t just about today—it’s an investment in your space and your lifestyle for years to come. With the right attention, your Biosofa will continue to bring comfort, beauty, and sustainability into your home, year after year.