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!!

If you look at 'the Kuro' on the web site. The click on brochure and go to the specifications, there is a description of external features. It mentions a ' 10mm aluminium surround'. I would pick up the phone and give them a call.

I don't think I've ever done orange skirting boards , but I did once get close . For commercial leases , if the company leasing it has an orange logo / corporate colour , I'd have no hesitation doing orange . In the 90's , I bought a standard commercial unit -- 1 of a row of 6 , 200 sq mtr , concrete block ( fire protection -- at least in theory ) . It was maybe 10 years old . The front had a large roller door ( in mission brown ) , beside that a large window in 4 parts , overall 2 mtr x 2 mtr , in goldy brown powdercoated frame , and beside that a single glass and aluminium door in the same colour . Space above the window and single entrance door for a sign , against the concrete blocks painted white . Inside the window/door was an office / reception . Grey with black speckled industrial 'carpet' ; the concrete block wall to the right painted white ; the other 2 walls were that fake 'slatted' plasticated timber ; the suspended ceiling was those white 'cardboard' big rectangular tiles , with a couple of 3ft fluorescent lights . And predictably white skirting boards maybe 10mm x 30mm . I painted the big roller door bright red , the skirting boards bright red , the kick panel around the counter bright red , and the door between the office and the workshop bright red . Less than $1000 , in fact in those days probably $200 in materials and a couple of half days . Listed it for lease , leased within a week . It stood out . But in my house , I bring in colour via art , accessories , furniture , maybe a couple of feature walls ( and things like the front door , letterbox , pots , etc ) .

Congrats on the purchase, Tayla. Love those high ceilings. My first question is what style appeals to you? Are you enamoured with coastal/hamptons with its light and bright aesthetic, moody traditional, colourful mid century, a variation or something completely different? Does maximalism make you shudder or minimalism feel bleak? Would you quail at the idea of painting one millimetre of the timber or have you quietly considered painting the whole damn lot of it? No right or wrong answer (she says through gritted teeth at the thought of living in a maximalist home 😉). Alternatively, do you have an art piece, furniture item or inspiration item that you love and want to showcase? For me cohesiveness is what, no matter the style, “makes” a space. Whatever your style, ensure your colour undertones are complementary. Aim for balance. If, just as an example, you paint your doors frames white, consider painting your window frames and, maybe, architraves the same colour and introduce other white furniture and/or fittings such as throws, floor rugs, vases - some solid white, some included white, some just a few specks but again with the same cool or warm undertone. Before finalising, get sample pots, swatches and easy to return items and trial, trial, trial. Look at the colours in all kinds of lights and all times of day. Take your time, be prepared to have an unfinished look for a while, try to avoid the matchy, matchy look and don’t obsess over anything easily changeable. It’s a lovely room, I’m sure whatever you choose it’ll only enhance it.