How to bring natural light into awkward spaces

Cave House is Mark's own personal architectural masterpiece. He transformed a historic stone building into a unique, cosy Paradise Home. With eight VELUX roof windows, it's a perfect blend of light, intimacy, and traditional Sicilian charm.
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Paradise homes, the Sicily episode

Modern Twist on Sicilian Heritage

A Contemporary Home with Historic Heart

Within the storied walls of Cave House, Mark Cannata has skillfully bridged the past with the future by combining traditional living and contemporary flexibility. This architectural gem has been designed with an eye towards growth and adaptability; Mark's visionary plan includes spaces that can evolve with the needs of his family. By integrating eight VELUX roof windows, he has illuminated the home with natural light without compromising its quintessential Sicilian charm.

Roof with eighth velux roof windows

Why Skylights Work & Where to Place Them

Learn about Mark's skylight placement strategy for Cave House and discover the transformative effect of daylight.
Man explaining the dual power of skylights

The Dual Power of Skylights

Explore how daylight and ventilation were key considerations for Mark's design, and learn how they combine to create a space that is both functional and beautiful.
bedroom with two VELUX roof windows

How Architects Build with Light

Mark disusses the lighting principles and techniques he used to design Cave House.
Shaping interior lightspace with VELUX roof windows

Shaping Interior Lightscapes

Learn how daylight brings character and personality to the interior experience of Cave House.
Woman with long blonde hair and a big smile sitting in a wooden chair and waving to the camera"

ADVICE AND INSPIRATION, FROM A-Z

Get a free VELUX design proposal

Need help planning your home improvement? Talk to our daylight design advisors and see your options with a free VELUX design proposal.

Featured products

Heritage conservation roof window
VELUX Heritage conservation roof window is designed to be in-keeping with heritage aesthetics of historical buildings. Transforming traditional spaces with maximum daylight and fresh air.
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Electric products
Invite in fresh air and daylight to create a healthy home that is aired out more often, for a comfortable and energy-efficient indoor climate.

Explore all Paradise Homes

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Man and woman standing in front of their home
How to design with seasonal light in mind

An Foscadh, Northern Ireland

Take a tour around Andrew and Dana's heavenly Irish country retreat and discover the property's intimate connection to nature for yourself

Paradise homes, the Norfolk episode
How to create a sanctuary for your wellbeing

Backwater, Norfolk

Explore Patrick Michell’s breathtaking Norfolk Backwater. Blending Dutch architecture and Norfolk vernacular, this home is a nature lover’s dream.

Paradise homes, the Ontario episode
How to capture the beauty of nature in your home

Canada Woodhouse, Ontario

Discover Rob and Jackie's Canadian dream house. This woodland paradise combines traditional cabin charm with modern interior décor.

Paradise homes, the Mull episode
How to get more daylight with roof windows

Eagle Rock, Isle of Mull

Roderick and Amanda's panoramic cliff-top Paradise Home is a stunning example of modern country living.

Paradise homes, the France episode
How to build a sustainable home with natural ventilation

Le Costil, Normandy

Inspired by biodiversity conservation, Le Costil is Rodolphe and Yoshimi's sustainable haven – a place where nature can flourish.

Man, woman and dog in next to a pool at their home
How to create elegance with architectural design

Luxury Family Villa, Liguria 

Explore Laurent and Caroline's lavish Mediterranean retreat and learn how they combined open-plan living with intimate, green courtyard gardens.

Paradise homes, the Sweden episode
How to bring the outdoors inside

Goda, Svartsö Island

Step into Emanuel and Majken's Swedish archipelago retreat and discover a modern take on a traditional Scandinavian fishing village.

Family standing next to a pool and in front of their home
How to replace artificial light with natural light

Villa AT, Norway

Learn how Svein and Bente created a sanctuary of light and fresh air on the Norwegian coast using fluid architecture and VELUX roof windows.

Alan Cumming holding dog with man and wife next to him
How to make daylight art with architecture

Time House, Vancouver Island

With a roof made almost entirely of glass, Toni's Time House blurs the boundaries between architecture, art, and nature.

Man and woman standing in front of their home in Denmark
How to create your favourite space with daylight

Strand Hus, Denmark

Tania and Casper's Strand Hus combines function and beauty to create a stunnning example of Danish coastal living.