It is impossible to be positive without reading the architect's specification, but I have a strong suspicion that it could be Austral's GB Smooth finish, possibly in a Nickel colour with white mortar. I don't think it is a honed finish as the surface of honed blocks looks dottier. Is is really hard to select colours and materials accurately from a digital image due to the light conditions, and variations in camera and screen adjustments. Best to contact Austral to get a sample before making a decsion. Dr Retro https://australmasonry.com.au/vic/product/gb-smooth

by the way, we had pebblecrete in our pool for 28 yrs. I think it was certainly very hardy ie. bits haven't come off. Algae can grow in the cement bits around the pebbles if you let the chemistry go off like after alot of rain. It was easy enough to scrape off and generally disappeared once I shocked the pool but it did seem to come back in the same spots again if I didn't keep close eye on the chemistry thereafter. The pebbles we had felt a bit roughish under foot, it's not a smooth surface. It was in no way uncomfortable to walk or sit on though. I would get it again, and still might if I don't like the sound of the glass....

Yep , a modern charcoal ( a very dark grey ) with a modern door was one option Kate ( with the red and white canopies ) , the other was the existing door in crisp white with red diamonds . Darren thinks a charcoal garage door is bold , so I didn't want to suggest a bright orange garage door and front door and gutters too !

Wow there are so many angles on the rooves (roofs?)... I don't know the right or best option but I imagine the deck being curved, to create some interest. I want bug chunky timbers in dark stain like recycled wharf beams or railway sleepers. I think start by removing the little roof over the porch and opening it up flush with the brick wall of the front door. Then install chunky beams (wood or steel) that fly quite high and straight over the void between the 2 sides of the house. I would use a polycarbonate roof in that area to let extra light through and not make the house entrance too dark. The area behind the carport where the deck is level with the rear of house, I would have a solid roof that matching the pitch of the back of the house, or even not have a roof at all. I would leave the entry deck area and the curve unprotected. My only question is this... is this an area you would hang out seeing its quite disconnected from the living areas? perhaps having a more ramp like entrance with interesting trees in the void area and making a matching deck on the other side might work. I just feel if its only going to be an entrance its a big capital investment and an expensive exercise with all the roofing.