I have 3.5m high ceilings in my house and I did not go as high as the roof as it would have crowded the room. I went with the 2.7 height and its great. I can still use the space on top of the cupboards for storage if I need too without the whole wall looking like a wall of cupboards.

Hi Neeno, I've seen the use of Zebra ( vision ) ROLLUP blinds with one for each side that will cover down to the lower half window rather than having four blinds and have them fitted to the outside top edge and to the side edges of the pelmets ( window frames.) (If you get to see utube video clips your see what I mean . ) The avantage of doing it that way will allow you to buy only two blinds rather than four . The cost difference between two blinds and extra fabric required to cover the two windows will most likely be cheaper than the extra cost of two extra roll tube mechanism / chains etc etc. when fitted in the recesses of the windows . Also ,due to the bulkeness of blinds , two would no doubt look better than four doing it the way I suggested . Fitting to the timber edges will offer a couple of advantages . One of which will clear the windout handles fitted to the opening widows . Two ,will offer better light reduction from night time lights as the blinds will cover right to frame edges. Three , the design of the Zebra blinds only requires a few inches of the chain movement to close up or open up for vision out or add privacy where normal blockout ROLLUP blinds needs more adjustments and will not offer the same privacy options that the Zebra blinds can offer . Also, if in bed you can open the Zebra blinds slightly by a few inches or roll up just above the top of the lower window ,depending on how much vision and privacy you need and look out of the window whilst still in bed. Being such narrow windows, the small bit of wall between them proberly would not mater if one blind fitted at the top came down over that wall area down to the bottom window. Also you should concider the solar film tinting to offer improved privacy and insulation & fade protection etc for when blinds or even curtains etc are opened up altogether . Although I'm in Tasmania , I have a manufacturer I deal with on the mainland that could arrange sale / installation if required using the Zebra blinds or other types as well contacts for window

As you're going to be in a windy coastal area what you need to think about is that most retractable awnings don't like too much wind and can (depending upon the type - I'm assuming you want it to extend your outdoor living space) prove to be expensive for you if it's damaged and can be a public liability. Have you thought of having a louvered pergola - there are many around (some even automated and motorized so that they respond to the angle of the sun). There are quite a few companies doing them and they suit the coastal areas and style well.

By glass work, do you mean windows. Retracting awnings get installed into the roof space at the eaves. There are long supports that get attached to the roof beams inside the roof space. Also the awning fabric may be shower proof, but not rain proof. Check with your supplier for fabric description. The retractable awnings are wonderful. Get remote control, a lot easier than crank style. Only disadvantage is they have to be retracted when wind is 35km per hour or higher. Photos would be handy of home.