Here is one idea - pretty standard hedge plant.

Looking in the wrong places, go to second hand stores, Vinnies etc you will find something that will fit the bill perfectly you will just need to paint and buy a piece of marble or granite to fit. it will be cheaper and totally individualThis vanity in a QLD home

There is no problem at all with waterproofing a landscaped roof so long as you don't 'cut corners'. The problem arises if there are not adequate standards set for the supply of the product and the installation of the product. With the use of superior water proof membranes and installation by specialists there is no issue at all. This sort of roof is used all around the world.

the problem with the steel downpipes (which would be my personal preference) is that it costs more and tales longer to install but round plastic has been the preferred option as it's longer lasting, is blocked less than the oblong steel shape and is quicker and easier to install...we've had some success blending horrible white plastic downpipes by painting the plastic to match the walls ...but, if powdercoated steel downpipes were specified in your contract, that's what you should have had unless they explained why that wasn't possibile BEFORE they made the easy option...there are two choices 1. ask them to replace with what was specified or explain a technical reason for not being able to or 2. ask them the exact discount that will be applied for not doing what was contracted and paint the downpipes yourself...obviously there are some bad tradespeople but i also think that lots of disappointment is caused by the difference between what we wish for and what they're used to doing and they don't seem to like to try doing something different but i've only learned that lesson from many different examples and make sure that i observe every detail so that i have less expensive surprises..best of luck with the rest of the work