Thanks for this suggestion. I need to be as snug as possible in the cold winter months here in Beechworth, ( the rest of the year is glorious), and I'm looking for the most effective insulation for the windows. I believed cellular blockouts would achieve this, but then thought Double glazing + blockout might be "over the top". I can't see draped curtains being so effective; perhaps I might settle for the blinds, and add some curtains for decorative effect. I can pay $3000.00 if they will achieve the insulation I need.

Thanks for all the detailed comments! A few clarifications from me.. We have done the BASIX and so, really, the window size, shape, location is determined. That wasn't clear of me, sorry, I guess I meant we can change the dimensions (within reason) to suit if a "standard size" is cheaper than the size that we have currently, which was rather arbitrary. But this way of thinking might be totally irrelevant! All the windows/doors penetrations are blocked out when they pour the concrete panels, so while we could infill or something if the penetration is too big, we are really trying to get it right now so there are no breaks in the concrete. I think we also did the BASIX with double glazing and Al frames originally (will look it up) but as we are off grid that kind of blew everything else out of the water. We have done all the shadow diagrams and spent a lot of time with placement and eaves. I think that part is OK. I am pretty set on double glazing and thermally broken frames (where aluminium). Thanks Paul for your comment of 10-15%. Our preliminary quote from out builder is certainly not that high (more like 5%) and I was having trouble seeing how we could get everything for that price. I am sure it is possible, and while we are very conscious not to over-capitalise, I don't think the most basic product is a good idea. oklouise, I share your concerns about bifolds! I don't really like them but my partner really wants them and I'm happy to give on that one. I have one quote from CedarWest which seems reasonable, but then it's the same again for an integrated screen!! Will consider other ways of doing that. So! More details: See attached the overall floor plan (floor plan attached twice, sorry!) and views. Great 270deg views (all but west as sort of dug into a hill to avoid the wind). There are 2 pods connected by an open walkway. Ignore the round window - point of contention and may change. The main pod has two large east-facing windows. A thought was gas-lift windows with the large bottom sill to serve as extra seating when open. In the E view, the verandah will not have that many posts so the view is not actually obstructed. Any ideas are greatly appreciated! I think I am just struggling with all the choice, and need to start pining down some constrains that I can work within! Thank you!!

What performance is more applicable for your climate? Double glazing will perform significantly better than single glazed whatever in regards to heat loss. You can't beat the air gap factor if you're trying to keep avoid heat loss. Yes there are "Low E" single glazed products such as viridian Comfort Plus which depending upon which side of the glass the absorption coating is placed it will perform in different ways, but bear in mind that since it also will reduce heat gain in winter it can actually work against passive solar building performance if not properly applied. In other words, it's not a "cheap" replacement for double glazing. In Victoria, we generally spec standard double glazing and use external controls such as blinds to mitigate heat gain issues in summer. Thermal Performance Specialists such as an Energy Raters understand the technical nitty gritty around this issue the best, and always good to seek their expert advice when applicable.

HI again! I've spent the past few days visiting far flung industrial estates to look at where the CarbonLite product is manufactured and my friend's double/triple glazing factory. (I, too, am more comfortable with the panelised wall/floor/roof systems than modular, after visiting the Modscape factory...which was very impressive but ...not for me). On my travels I was a bit disappointed to find that the CarbonLite walls in the factory, ready to go out for construction, were not made with the 'recycled PET bottle' insulative layer but with glass wool batts. Also, some of my queries couldn't be addressed due to a lack of technical knowledge on behalf of the person I made a time to speak to at the factory. The fellow I spoke to the day before, who has a potentially rival business, was extremely knowledgeable and I'm hoping to work with him towards costing our house, which is still in the design phase. Our site has excellent views to the south east which is what got me thinking about triple glazed windows and now I have fallen down this rabbit hole of new ways of thinking... Nevertheless, I have become much more interested in the Passive House concept and intend exploring further to see if 1. we will be able to afford it 2. if we can find a skilled, Passive House certified builder for South Gippsland and, 3. if we can work out whether it is just a bit of a fad that may be overkill in Australia! Do you think Passive House is here to stay? I'm trying to reconcile the passive solar/passive house principles- I've been so bound to the idea of thermal mass it's a hard one to let go of! However, i do prefer not to live on a concrete floor! Having just read 'dreamer's' link I think I may have been bedazzled by the triple glazing fairy dust rather than our reality of not being millionaires! Habitech looks interesting but I think it comes with the external cladding and i don't love the versions I've seen so far... I am completely in agreement with you regarding designing a house with the space you need rather than building some voluminous thing with space to burn, just for the sake of it! Ridiculous and irresponsible on a planet that is already using up far more resources than is sustainable over the not-much-longer term.