What direction does that side of the house face, and are you overlooked by other's windows or patios? Is it shaded by high structures or trees? Save your topsoil before demolition.

Framed corrugated iron shutters left natural would be my preference, colour might be a bit 'try hard' and natural will sit in the environment more easily. Could even make barn doors with it if you prefer that look. The actual barn door fittings are the pricey bits I believe. Our cyclone was made of corrugated iron (by pro shelter builders) and it never ever budged (loud though) so a bit of coastal? wind won't worry it. You don't have much wind going by photo's, all trees seem to be growing upright so a regular build will be fine.

@kiwimills I use the lounge a lot, so really not keen on eating into that space. The laundry I really only visit to put on a load of washing or grab the mop (robot vac does the rest) so wanted to pop it into an area where it's closer to the lines and in space that is not being used. Love the ideas though. @Kate yup. I think if you have space issues a dedicated laundry room seems very wasteful for most people. And wasn't there a building regulation that says you can't put them in kitchens in Australia as well? Makes sense to put them where the rest of the plumbing is. I was actually thinking of going for full height if possible to maximise space. Do you find that sliding doors impede your access or frustrate you accessing the laundry? Obviously compromises have to be made, but just wondering whether that ends up being an issue? @oklouise Thanks a heap! The layout of the house at the moment has a hinged laundry door leading to some steep (non-railed!) steps leading to the backyard. I rarely use it for anything except to get airflow into the house, but was wondering if it would be important to keep? Obviously it's about what I need at the moment, but am also considering resale value just in case.

That’s a great site Clarence, also check Fleming’s for great suggestions, Gardening with Angus, some Lilly pilly are prone to pests and diseases, getting them treated before planting is wise so nothing attacks other planting. You could also have a fire pit that could double as a piece of art when not in use. pyrus underplanted with star jasmine , and adding solar lighting gives an extra dimension and looks fabulous.