We have learnt that creating a connection between our indoor and outdoor spaces and breaking down the boundaries through thoughtful design has added huge benefits to both spaces. Everyone should consider this in the design process no matter whether the view is amazing or not it is possible to create your own view in even the smallest spaces. We renovated deliberately with this in mind so that the living rooms flowed to the out doors which face north so plenty of glass sliding doors. The sense of connection makes the rooms feel much bigger and our landscaping and pool are visible through through to the back yard. The entry is half a flight of stairs below the living and the first thing you see at the top of the stairs is the outside through the glass doors. For entertaining the kitchen, dining and lounge can all view and interact with the outdoor covered deck leading to the pool. Our laundry on the end of this area is multi function with a bar fridge and bi-fold servery window opening to the out side deck as well. Lastly we installed a WC in there so that our guests could use this without going through to the rest of the house. It all works a treat and we love how it flows and the sense of light, views and space.

All of it but more than anything it's the amount of glass, I love light and airy.

re the floor, what about garage matting tiles, as in photo attached, but lay them in a groovier pattern, perhaps a chevron or 60's pattern, if leaning towards MCM. It may not be any dearer than the cost after getting a tiler in, if laying tiles? Also, you can take them out to clean them if need to and change the look whenever you feel the need!

Hi Patricia, that sounds like one of those 'rules of thumb' that can't necessarily be relied upon. There are a lot of factors to consider when burying or partially burying a water tank including the hydrostatic pressure (if you have a high water table there is a change the tank could float right out of the hole when empty), soil pressure which could distort your tank etc. I guess the first question I would ask you is 'why a 30,000L tank?'. Are you diverting all of your downpipes? How much roof area to you have? There may be other space saving solutions that don't rely on you partially burying a tank. Happy to help if you want to send me an email or just reply here.