PCKO’s competition-winning townhouse realised by Barratt in Sittingbourne, Kent

Back in 2004, architect PCKO won the eScape competition to design a new type of townhouse, with different variations devised for different locations. A three-bed version appropriate for a village setting is the first to be built – developed by Barratt Kent in a prototype development of seven at the Eden Village site near Sittingbourne, Kent.

The challenge was to tackle lack of space at ground floor level and noise from adjoining houses. PCKO’s key concept is a deep plan with a central, double-height and top-lit atrium that forms the heart of the open-plan living space, bringing natural light into the centre of the house.

Bedrooms and bathrooms are on floors above on either side of the light court, carefully positioned to ensure interesting views around the house without compromising privacy. At the top of the house is a master bedroom and bathroom.

To tackle noise, the architects have created a ‘living wall’ zone incorporating circulation, storage and services which creates a buffer to the neighbouring property. As practice director Peter Chlapowski explains, there is also potential to upgrade and utilise this space in different ways according to future needs.

Externally, the Marley Eternit cladding board gives a seaside feel that was felt appropriate to the village atmosphere of the development.

For more urban settings, there are a range of render and glass options for the façade, and also more regimented elevation treatments in contrast with the varied roof heights and window shapes at eScape.

The seven townhouses are priced at £325,995 and are being used to test the market before more are built elsewhere - PCKO hopes it’ll become part of the Barratt range. The Eden Village development also include two- and three-bed apartments.