My first instinct was tile exactly because of how labor intensive this would be but then I began looking at all the color variations. I would think tiles would have more consistent coloring so this could definitely be timber. It seems too "imperfect" to be man-made material. As someone else said, "tricky."

we've used rendered thick foam for one extension which looks great but the rendered painted surface is difficult to remove messages from low flying birds and can't hold standard screws and love the look of Colorbond steel (installed vertically doesn't hold so much dust) but our latest favourite is well insulated painted modern fibro with rounded timber cover strips over the joins and we love it ...has a nostalgic feeling reminiscent of grandma's fibro cottage and is cheap, quick and easy to install

Though I don't know for certain, I think the cotton/linen shades are removable. I wasn't able to determine this by my searches. This could easily be confirmed by making an enquiry to supplier before purchase. Alternatively, a handmade one could be made removable by making shade slightly larger than frame and making ties.

I think you need to rework your plan a bit. A skylight in bedroom could be problematic in summer if you want to sleep in or go to bed early. However, I agree with council saying that the room needs light and air. Is it possible to put an opening in the patio roof?