Hi Sandy, I haven't personally worked with anyone as some of our owners are still picking their jaws up off the floor stage with the requirements for engineering, specs, costs etc that they're up for - which is why I raised it in the first place. Let me comment on your points. EC's are LIABLE for the decisions make and the impacts of those decisions on all owners, the building and themselves so under their duty of care they're going to want the t's crossed and the i's dotted. They've got skin on the table that other owners don't have so are truly invested in what's happening and working with owners when and where possible. You indicated that you were looking for a design that would be sell-able to the EC - they'll automatically require that it's in keeping with the other buildings so that's already your starting point. Talk to them before you engage anyone to design so that you know how they think - they'll want to work with you and be on your side to improve the building and it's live-ability). I'd also suggest that you invite a nominated member of the EC to sit in on any briefings you give to designers/contractors so that you have a smooth run and have the EC as part of your solution not an obstacle to your problem being fixed. In your comment regarding precedent unless you know for a fact that the structures on the other buildings were put up after the completion of the original build - I'd argue that: If the shade structures on the other buildings were part of the original build then no EC within the buildings life have had to approve or reject a request for the structures and those structures are part of the building which makes it part Common Property and therefore there is no precedent. If the other buildings shade structures were fitted after the bylaws were set then you need to find out how the bylaws were done - exclusive to a particular unit or particular group of units OR as a blanket bylaw for all the apartments across all the buildings within the complex as this will impact on your costs. If by-laws (regardless of how they've been done) pertaining to shade structures on other buildings exist then the EC "can't reasonably withhold permission providing that criteria are met" but they can put conditions on it which is why its a good idea to talk to them before you talk to designers/architects/suppliers. If the by-laws don't exist then they have the right every right to say "you want it, you pay for the Bylaw change" (and how they elect to do that will be up to the EC and the Strata Manager not to you) or they could just say "no". Regarding your comments regarding building codes that's mute at this point - you, your fellow owners and the EC should be looking at product/design will be fit for purpose (ie., making sure that it's got suitable wind ratings, the structural integrity to deal with conditions and location requirements and impact of the specific product etc. and how it'll be managed long term. It's assumed that it'll be installed to building code and will be stated in their permission conditions as a standard clause.

louvres are expensive ..our remote controlled one for our roof costed us 16-18K as had to go through council for permits..it also depends on how big the space is to be installed..this was done a few years back so prices might have gone up..considering our sliding sunroof was 26K we got a bargain with that..as louvres are not water tight..

Both ideas would work but I think the Ziptrack? aluminium fixed sliding shutters would be more stable in windy conditions, the view sounds lovely. Our house looks out to water and has W NW aspect, we really get hammered by the afternoon summer sun, we have large beige exterior blinds that we can still see through when extended, we would really love a big pergola as well for when we sit outside cheers

The one thing we learn over the years is that everyone is different and have different thoughts and priorities when it comes to design. I agree with The Interior Difference on this one. For me, keep the deck off the master bedroom as a private outdoor getaway that extends the bedroom and offers a protective transition zone between the outdoor/public view area and the private tranquil bedroom. I also ask why you have 2 stairs? They are expensive little things and take up so much floor space on both floors. I also suggest that you revisit the ensuite/WIR. To me the ensuite is small and underwhelming for the overall size of this well appointed 5 bedroom with 3 ensuite bathroom home. Ditch the second stair and use that space for a powder room on the ground floor and place the WIR in this space while increasing your ensuite to the master bedroom to be a more opulent and luxurious scale that is in keeping with the home you are seeking. Keep the ensuite semi open to the bedroom so there is an easy flow of space. It will also give the master bedroom a sense of luxury and space. You can use shutters to enclose it if you feel that at times you may need more privacy on occasions.