Hi Zunilka, you might want to delete your address from the post. We had a very similar problem- semi also, complete disconnect from internal to courtyard. We created a split-level on ground level (5 steps down from hall to kitchen-living), a step down to patio out the back stacker doors, another step to mini deck and then only 3 steps to yard. RE- your question on passive solar heating. Where is north? Are you on slab, or suspended floor? My only feedback overall would be that for a house proposed to be this size, in the area you live, I would imagine you need to consider an ensuite. I'd play with the size of Bed 1- get rid of the bath tub in that adjoining bathroom- turn that into the ensuite through the built in robes. Put a WC in the laundry to turn it into a laundry/powder room for visitors.

I'm not here to argue, but an approved plan can be resubmitted as a variation for approval. The blind acceptance of an approval limits your creativity, and the clients ability to obtain the best possible solution. This problem requires thinking outside the box which is what we have offered. The client must decide if the process and cost of approval of a variation is worthwhile. They shouldn't live there wondering if only we had done this or done that due to a blind acceptance that once approved there can be no variations. Realistically everything that has been suggested should result in the need to seek an approval especially when changes to plumbing are considered. Erase what you are not happy with and redesign that space without the shackles of poor space planning. You don't have to like my suggestion but don't limit yourself either.

my suggestions include changes to the roof to eliminate extra valleys and allow the "bump outs" to be under the eaves...Open gables over the porches and alfresco with raked 2400mm ceilings will allow the outdoor spaces to have a much more open feeling without increasing height and the simpler roof should be more economical ..the other suggested change is an increase in the size of the garage to allow for a smoother connection between the two homes as well as extra space for the vanity and wiw... btw bedroom, study, wardrobe and storage sizes are shown separately and the rear alfresco should be added to suit the outlook but a walled courtyard behind the laundry could make a good drying area and handi vege garden and create privacy between the two backyards for your lovely new home,,,btw you should remove identification off your plan

Good to hear this has triggered review........re the basement costs, it depends upon how it's done. Either way you are doing 2 other separate garages that would be rolled into one. it involves negotiating levels, grading driveway at the higher end to get down so there could be some increased complexity.....but it's hard to make an accurate comment on numbers...... Catherine when you are doing something of this scale it's critical you are working with people/designers who are ALL OVER the costs in relation to design decisions and options. If they can't provide you with this advice and it's just design/plans/drawings that then get handed back to you to discuss potential costs with a builder, then I'd argue they're not up to the task. Before we do anything we robustly thrash out just numbers and project scope relationships (ie no detailed drawing!) and it deals effectively with the major issues and project alignments at the right time, and mitigates the nasty surprises or wasting resource pursuing options that are not viable. Either way, as I previously commented, as it's drawn currently it's a relatively expensive design that is arguably not delivering you the value/potential that you'd expect for an expensive design if you get what I'm saying. You will be paying a certain amount for a split, staggered or two level building (which is essentially two residences in one) and when you're getting into this type of construction ( basement or garages + driveway with a building of certain complexity & size) it will pretty much cost a similar ballpark whichever way you configure it.........BUT the outcome with be DRAMATICALLY different one way or the other, comparing designs of different levels of quality. Good design is not necessarily more expensive, rather it is better considered and gives you more for your money.