My Christmas isn't stressful at all for me, just the entire family sharing a few drinks and of course food, any food, we love our food and a pile of jokes, oh and no presents, is I think the answer to staying calm.

That looks awesome CP. I love the door and the timber cladding as it is (you are thinking of staining it??). I also love your slate tiles- a pressure wash and a reseal will bring them back to new. I think they could work well with what you have there. Perhaps just 2 led down lights over the door? Even a black surface mounted down lights would look cool and blend with your look. What ever you do- I'd be keeping it simple. Yes- the stairs would ideally go all the way across, it's do-able (like anything), but it would cost you $$$, and frankly I don't think the expense would be totally worth it. A big pot of bamboo or fiddle leaf in the 'dead corner' down between the stair and deck would break it all up and add some green

Hi Mic, Seek out a draftsman or designer who has focus on sustainability and can conduct an Energy rating as part of the design process. A designer who has their Cert Iv in NatHERS is qualified to assess and design for these issues. On a rough calculation - standard WA construction, 25° roof, 500 wide eaves, ceiling at 2.435h then a setback of 1.700 should allow for the sun to strike the floor at equinox, if you have full height windows. Best case scenario place the house between 1.7 to 4m from the fence/retaining. The further it is the more sun strikes the slab during winter. You question about increasing the ceiling height - yes that is a good work around, going to to 3m high may cost more than your think. Another 3c/300mm in height will give you more sun penetration in the winter if your windows are raised and would be a more cost effective solution. But there are many variables such as planning, engineering, buildability and cost. Speak to an qualified designer or architect and they will have the knowledge and experience to deal with all the conflicting factors.

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