Hi, all is underway, I have a couple of before photos that I can add. The ensuit happening at the moment all the fascia and gutter also being replace at this time. Hopefully by end of next week the after shots can go on. We have not used this bathroom it was just too revolting

Craftsman as a style is more related to what Australians call Californian Bungalow. It originated in the British Arts and Crafts movement in the 1890s but was popularised in America by The Craftsman Magazine , founded in 1901 by Gustav Stickley.

We have our al fresco on north with high gable roof over, in winter gets great sun (Brisbane) So with sun comes maintenance to hardwood decking every 12 months we plan for recoating. We used Intergrain Ultra deck & so far is okay but showing signs of weather after 6 months, noticeable western deck weathers most, then east & north, south gets the least. The sun eats everything unfortunately so maybe decide on the look you are after and the maintenance level you are prepared to put in to maintain the look. jbantick has plenty of knowledge worth listening to. I have an aversion to man made products so it is a personal choice whether you go with a composite product for the sake of less maintenance.

The theory of North facing living areas warmed by the sun does work and quite well in most cases. It does depend on where you live as noted above Tasmania vs Queensland. I actually find North facing living areas way to bright as well as quite inconsistent sometimes. Nice in winter though... However it all depends on where you are, your views as noted, etc. A cool summer breeze can come from any where or not at all in some cases. A good designer usually a local will know the area and climates (micro climates) as well as come up with a workable design. Doesn't need to be an architect as the only option as theres plenty of superb building designer and draftsman turning out exceptional work equally as well.