I would go with white plantation shutters - keeps your architectural look/lines. You can also select the shutters to have two parts in one panel also for the ones down the bottom - so half way have one part (of one so its not two different ones) you can shut completely and the top part you can adjust to still see but with complete privacy in the bottom (you could have in the morning when lying in bed), or you open and shut them around the same amount. I did that in my hall way so that I can completely close the bottom half but the top part of the same shutter I can open slightly for the light etc etc but still have privacy. Shutters give you so many possibilities for privacy, lighting etc depending on the person.

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

To Australian Home Designer. Thank you for your advice but I'm not trying to replace the doors with a window. The double glass doors are on the study, and they open onto the very small balcony which measures approx 2M X 0.9M. The balcony has slate type tiles on the floor, there is a roof above and it is enclosed either side by concrete? walls. The balcony has an opening about 2 M wide by 1.5 high, which is what I'm trying to addres. The balcony is next to useless as it is and I could make more use of it if I could enclose it. I tried to add another photo to give a better idea, but for some reason I wasn't able to. So, I'm not trying to replace a window but install something in an open space to act like a window. As this area is considered common property (even though no one else can have access to it unless they walk through the apartment), I have to advise the corporate body. Chances are they'll ask for me to arrange for a by-law to be drawn up. It never ends does it? The other thing I should mention is that Council said (when I first approached them) that the developer would have used every available space to the enth degree. The developer has confirmed this with me. The block is almost 2 years old and all owners are the first occupants. Thank you for taking the time to respond. It is much appreciated.

Hello, There are lots of options and it depends on your budget and the style of house you are going for. I would really encourage people to consider this element in the overall design rather than just look at it as an 'add on' to the building. Definately agree with Macyjean in that you should try to keep the sun off the glass in the first instance. Once the heat has penetrated the glazing, ventilation or artificial cooling is the only remedy. Internal curtains and blinds have limited impact. If you can keep whatever external treatment you use away from the windows by a small amount that would be good to encourage external air movement. If louvres or shutters are too close to the window, they will trap the heat which will ultimately go through the glass. They also limit your ability to open those windows. In Brisbane I used fixed timber slat screens that were 50/50 solid/open and about 500mm away from the western facade and windows, which also had glass louvres to keep the air moving. Maybe not necessary in south Victoria, especially in winter. I also used various coloured glass to give an awesome effect in the evenings. This could work nicely in your dining room. Consider larger roof overhangs on the west to delay the afternoon sun coming in the higher windows. If you want to maintain all the view to the west, louvres can be be deeper so they can be further apart to reduce afternoon sun but if they are not adjustable, the sun will come directly in at some point as the sun passes by and lowers. This will be earlier in the afternoon in summer if the louvres run vertically. Another option, depending on the space you have, is to grow climbers up a separate frame outside the building. If it is deciduous, the sun will get in for the colder months. This is a very old tried and tested method if you look to mediterranean homes. Even concrete screens can be incorporated. If they are away from the wall by a little bit, they will absorb the suns heat and radiate it away as the evening temperature drops. These can be a standard product or something custom if you budget extends to this. Corten steel screens with laser cut patterns are pretty popular at the moment but these would have to suit your house style. Good luck, C.