We considered all of your ideas and more, to the point where we had a sure plan, quoted and ready to go - only to be surprised when we actually saw it. That plan was to make the current ensuite the main bathroom and enter off the end of the room, to reconfigure the WIR to a third bedroom and to make Bed 2 the new master with a walk-thru robe to the new ensuite - currently family bathroom. The issue was that despite taking room from the existing wardrobes between the WIR and Bed 2, the area was just too small - so back to the drawing board. What we have decided to do is keep the same floor plan, knowing that if we choose to sell and return the WIR to a third bedroom it will cost approx. $4K - we think this is a great return on investment, but for our needs the WIR is a big benefit. It turns out our draughtsman missed some vital space where our current pantry exists so we have been able to utilise that space and move the pantry. This has allowed us to change the opening to the main bath to be adjacent to the back door/hall area which removes it from the kitchen/dining/lounge. Despite our best efforts we couldn't make room for a separate shower and bath, so we will have a shower over bath (island style) larger vanity (1200mm) and a concealed cistern toilet. Our finishes will do the talking with exposed brodware michaelangelo shower/bath mixers, beautiful marquina carrara and nero mosaic floor tiles and subways together with a statement wallpaper. We will retain the ensuite as is but we will make the shower significantly bigger, add a large vanity and concealed cistern toilet as per main bathroom. Same finishes. The trick in the ensuite is that we will cover the existing windows opposite the existing shower with the vanity and shaving cabinet (they are frosted from the outside) so we can utilise that wall and it makes no difference to the outside of the house - plus they are double glazed and don't open on that wall so it makes no difference to light or function. Here are the floor plans and the before photos , demo has occurred and we'll be framed and lined prior to Christmas, so stay tuned for more updates!

You never mentioned your budget that you're willing to spend. You could add a thicker fill backed insulation blanket - 50mm, 75mm or 100mm are the common thicknesses. Steep roof pitch so would need scaffolding, harnesses, etc.. which adds up quickly. Probably still not enough insulation though but probably cheapest option. Insulation under existing timber linings then reline over the top of that as some have suggested. Working at height though so would need scaffold set up again and working overhead is not fun nor easy. You could replace the roof with a sandwich panel roof. Try Versiclad or Kingspan or comparable. They have a polystyrene type of insulation between an outer metal roof sheet and a metal inner sheet. These are heat laminated together. Again different thickness available from 50mm up to 180mm is common. The 180mm has a R rating of 4.7 which is quite good. Again steep pitch, etc., probably need new ridge capping, etc.. Probably most expensive option...... Keep us all posted on your decision though!

My advice is to think about the working/function as you need it for your family. Prioritise that (as a starting point) and get that happening somewhat free of a "box" shape extension and see how that all sits - it's like you're trying to squeeze it all in to a specific shape and then struggling with certain details....you're suggesting/entertaining ideas like a functional laundry/bag drop zone etc which 100% is important/relevant for a busy family of 4. The problem seems that there hasn't been true clarity on the function/requirements before the design has been proposed. Is it too small? Well it depends on how exactly you intend on using it - how many people need to be able to sit at the table or on the lounge etc..this will dictate scaling - whether or not you'd like a butlers pantry or not. Is the 3rd toilet needed? Well ultimately nobody can tell you that one way or the other - you will know whether functionally that is a requirement necessary for your family - all these are questions you will have (or need to establish) an opinion/position on one way or another and then (should) be able to work through (more effectively) & resolve with the architect whom you've engaged.....you are obviously staging the project which can be logical/necessary, and given this there may in fact be alternative and arguably more cost effective design options available for you (such as a 2nd stage "clean" extension for a master suite), but realistically that involves greater understanding/information of the site/context and your particular budget in order to provide specific advice/suggestions as to how best to achieve your goals...Good luck :) PD

Thanks for the measurements, there were a few missing that would have made it easier to be more precise, But I'am making suggestions on what I think might fit within the existing floor plan which you are trying to do. the only small extension is to fit the laundry into a shared family bathroom. As there is already a shower and toilet in the current laundry I think it would be wrong to move them as they are close to your new alfresco area for the family to have easy access when you have your get togethers. To try and keep the girls bedrooms a good size and together with the other two bedrooms I suggest working with the fireplace and making the current Bathroom and ensuite but with the ability to share the toilet with the girls during the night. I have added my beloved barn doors to close off the kitchen from the bedrooms and also to be able to leave open during the day for extra light., the planned deck with roof over will make the dining/study/kitchen darker so you might need to consider a sky light. Anyway just a few different ideas trying to work with and around special features cheers