We too have covered alfresco on north & we raised the gable alfresco roof above the lowest point of the house skillion roof. The gable roof has a peak of approximately 4 metres & this allows controlled light into the alfresco plus heat is naturally expelled at the highest point either end of the gable. It works very well though winter sun is lower and we welcome this in. Google 'flyover roof' to see examples but it will need to be engineered for council approval. Our gable is supported at the house side through engineered support posts that are bolted to the roof bearers of the house. A skillion flyover is also an option. You would definitely need to consider the impact of an alfresco roof on the amount of light coming in to your home & you may still need skylights. Without a roof it will be hot unless protected by trees or other shade device/structure. We added shade sails as well due to summer sun is harsh in Queensland.

One of the biggest issues with shutters is the dusk and if you employ cedar they will fade unevenly in the sun. I think the best resolution lies in the glass. This will give you your privacy as well as low maintenance with the view unencumbered. There are glazing solutions that can be "switched on" to obscure for privacy. This may give you the best of both worlds. Fantastic View what a great place for a bath...

Cisar, the timber is Karri from WA. Underneath and steps are merbau. We coated it with a Sikkens stain. The railing and glass are from Gelcon Fabrications at Bulli (Wollongong) and are aluminium and tinted (grey) glass. The painting starts in one week so I will post a pic when it is finished. Meanwhile we have bought a huge cantilevered umbrella for the deck in “sand”colour as it gets very hot in the summer even though it is south facing. We built the deck to capture the winter sun which it will get plenty of despite its orientation.

Haha I had to go hard on the conifers to access the garage. When we first arrived we literally had trouble getting cars in and out. Neither of us are overly attached to those trees and they will eventually go. Thanks all for the above advice. The trim colour matching the awning surround and track is an interesting point. I was assuming I could paint the awning cover and track?. I got a quick visualisation of laminated white glass with white trim done up for reference. Might try to do the same with Grey / charcoal trim and compare. Any brand/ paint colours recommended?