The beauty of the morning sun filtering through the trees in neighboring gardens served as the inspiration for the transformation of Simon House in Honor Oak, south-east London. A project initiated by Practice co-founder, Dan Jones, aimed to create a harmonious kitchen and dining space that seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings.
The previous single-storey rear extension and glass porch were demolished to make way for the innovative design. By combining the footprint of these structures, a new open-plan living space emerged, flooded with ample daylight and captivating garden views.
The central concept behind the new addition was to create a singular garden room for the entire house. Its orientation towards the east allows for the efficient capture of winter sun, while ensuring the home remains comfortably heated. Drawing inspiration from the neglected glass porch and lean-to outrigger building, Jones incorporated their scale and dimensions into the design, lending a sense of continuity to the space.
The brief for this project was clear – to craft an inviting kitchen and dining area suitable for Jones’ own family, within the confines of their semi-detached Edwardian house. The result is a beautifully crafted space that seamlessly blends the indoors with the outdoors, welcoming the natural world into the heart of the home.
With its emphasis on natural light and the integration of the surrounding landscape, this thoughtful kitchen and dining space at Simon House is a testament to the power of design to enhance our connection with nature.