Quantum Quartz is one of the engineered stone kitchen benchtop materials. I have read of engineered stone being used in place of bathroom tiles, which is why I was wondering what you meant. But it appears that the manufacturer of Quantum Quartz is diversifying and that product is indeed porcelain. (Or maybe I just never knew they made other things?) http://www.wk.com.au/pages/QuantumSix-Plus It's great to see an expanding range of grout-free choices. I wonder how they compare in price and warranty.

Definately get an engineer and council permits (if required - I believe most do) for structural work. Insurance is not likely to cover any non-permitted work.

Thanks for the suggestions. I knew the brains trust would offer good options. Blue board looks interesting. I need whatever I use to be at least 15mm thick so that there aren't any toehold edges between the lattice and the surround frame. Yes we thought of painting the fence and perhaps contrast bamboo in front. Mini orb I don't think would work because the corrugations leave gaps between it and the lattice.

What sort of easement? You can plant on it but research first so you don't plant anything with aggressive roots. Our water utility used to have a list categorising plants which are safe, plants which should not be planted within x metres, etc. Check if there's anything like that available from your water utility or council. If the plan does not have indicative furniture placement for anything else I don't know why it would show a dining table. Solar HWS or solar panels? Plants as large as trees down the narrow space between your house and the boundary with your neighbours create potential problems with roots and with leaves in roof guttering for both of you. Double glazing is valuable, especially in your winters, but for summer you want to stop the sun from shining on the windows in the first place. It might not be the most chic solution but when we needed something temporary and economical we used the shadecloth screens from the hardware store.