Vaulted House is a minimalist house located in London, England, designed by vPPR. A series of vaulted roof-lights transfer natural light into the land-locked, ex-industrial site, sheltered from the road by quiet residential gardens. Hidden behind a plain garage door to the street, a secret courtyard forms the entrance to this unusual and distinctive house. Few exterior windows are permitted in the perimeter wall, so the manipulation of daylight via the roof drives the design. Communal living functions such as dining, sitting, reading and cooking are contained on the upper floor in an open-plan expanse. Rather than being divided by rigid walls or levels, the different living zones on this floor are demarcated by light transmitted via the vaulted roof-lights.

The tilt and position of the roof-lights have been carefully calibrated to spotlight different activities throughout the day, according to the shifting angles of the sun. Morning light floods the kitchen, courtyard and breakfast areas, while the evening sun illuminates dining and library areas. An even north light bathes the study and entrance hallway. An enormous sliding roof-vault over the dining-area opens in the summer to create a continuous outdoor space with the courtyard.