After I had finished my Archi Masters I was working for an architecture firm who also did a small amount of work for a volume builder. They were actually a pretty good quality builder and at least got the orientation of their 'pre-designed' plans correct. We had the ability to make minor changes to every job and it pained me to see so many simple to implement passive options not being incorporated. Had most of their clients known that they would be saving MONEY over the longterm by making a few minor changes to suit their site, they all would have done it. The problem is unless someone can sell this idea to them as a financial/lifestyle choice, many just think it is about saving the world. It is a no-brainer if you have in interest in it, but for those who don't know, there is no-one there selling it to them, especially on the lower end of the market.

Though I don't know for certain, I think the cotton/linen shades are removable. I wasn't able to determine this by my searches. This could easily be confirmed by making an enquiry to supplier before purchase. Alternatively, a handmade one could be made removable by making shade slightly larger than frame and making ties.

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....

we have several Solar Skylights ...one square 45cms Illume fitting in an ensuite without any windows and two 30cm Arcol circular fittings to add extra light to a dining area without direct external windows...we're very happy with the Solar Skylights after years of leaking "proper" skylights ..our roof windows and standard skylights looked excellent with a view of sky and trees but, tired of constant leaks, we changed the roof and swopped the leaking holes for the small Solar Skylights .....they averaged about $260 each and can be DIY although our tradesmen were happy to install while doing other work for the cost of about 1 hrs extra labour...some brands have a model that includes electric connection to use the same light for night and overcast days but we have extra downlights instead .. they're just solar powered light fittings, ceiling mounted with a fibre optic cable through ceiling and roof space, up to 9 m (so plenty of options to disguise the cable instead of more complicated access to roof through a second storey) and then out under the ridge capping to connect to a small roof mounted solar panel...only problem is i kept trying to turn off the "light" until we became used to them ...there are also custom sizes and they can also be installed vertically to have the appearance of a window or fanlight over a door...very satisfied