Id do a pergola with clean lines with retractable blinds/shade in the roof part. There are some DIY blinds on Pintrest. For your windows I think external blinds that stop the heat hitting the glass are your best option.

Listen to your architect. Grey/silver looks clean and will never date. We took our architects advice and went with silver. I like the fact that they blend into the scenery and house and are not a feature you see. I do not even think we had aluminium frames mid 20th century. Wood?? Black frames I believe became popular decades later.

The question has been answered by a helpful colour consultant on another forum. Thanks.

We have bought a gas fireplace and plan on closing this alcove in and placing it there, flueing out the side (meets all regs). Hoping for opinions on whether we set the fireplace back in a little or bring the wall out so it sits out from its walls either side. I am also thinking of a lower shelf beneath the fireplace as a feature. Also, any design tips as to what to style the wall - gyprock and paint a diff colour? Add stone feature wall? Thanks