I suggest from first impression, to bulk up the veranda posts. Regardless of a glass balustrade, these vertical elements have an enormous impact of the structure as they link ground to deck. I would box them out and clad them, and paint in a charcoal, along with your rafter beams and any other timber detail. This will really stand against the sleek and clear balustrade by comparison. I would rendertex paint your brickwork, because it's only ground level. Your boards can be updated easily with colour. Another idea is to run horizontal battens between the two posts so the bay conceals that little window from street view. I'm assuming it's a toilet or bathroom, perhaps a workshop from your garage?? The slatted timber from ground right to ceiling on the first floor will provide another connection between the two levels, making a substantial statement on your architecture. It will provide a breezeway, some privacy screening for the windows, door and even the bins! It would look amazing by night with lights to the underside of the top deck, ad it would filter through this battens nicely.

I really like the pic that LesleyH posted. The wooden rail will be 'warmer' to the touch too, show less dirt and tie is with the stairs beautifully.....I thin it will 'ground' the whole look because, if I remember rightly, the stairs and front door are the only wooden features and the rest is a lot of very modern light grey/white/shiny features. I think another touch of warmth in the wood will be beautiful.

There are indeed building code safety requirements that govern the design of balustrades, including the gaps around panels. Sometimes compliant gaps at the maximum opening look a bit off. I find that smaller gaps, 20 - 50 mm often look more pleasing. You say your patio is not covered. In that case there is little potential for any balustrade to trap heat. An uncovered north facing tiled patio will be a heat sink, and a glass (or substantially open) balustrade will allow more sunlight onto the tiles which will increase heat gain. A solid balustrade may reduce that heat gain due to it's shading potential, but I am guessing you want glass for the view, so if heat is a problem, consider adding a roof covering to shade the patio.

Hi everyone, I need to replace existing railing on the deck and balcony with frameless glass. Got a balustrades company quote of $46k incl. GST for 46.8 meters in lengths, 1-meter tall 12mm clear toughened safety glass with polished edges, modular stainless top rail etc. The price includes removal of existing railing. The property is in Sydney's lower north shore. I'm getting quotes from two other providers in coming days. What's your thoughts on a fair price just for my budgeting purpose?