We have our al fresco on north with high gable roof over, in winter gets great sun (Brisbane) So with sun comes maintenance to hardwood decking every 12 months we plan for recoating. We used Intergrain Ultra deck & so far is okay but showing signs of weather after 6 months, noticeable western deck weathers most, then east & north, south gets the least. The sun eats everything unfortunately so maybe decide on the look you are after and the maintenance level you are prepared to put in to maintain the look. jbantick has plenty of knowledge worth listening to. I have an aversion to man made products so it is a personal choice whether you go with a composite product for the sake of less maintenance.

hey double d ...i so agree on that back yard .... as block sizes get smaller and the internet takes over as kids entertainment what ever happened to a backyard big enough for a full size tree with a swing and a lawn to play chase on, remember the 1/4 acre block ? im lucky i get design some amazing homes on bigger blocks where kids and families can play ... its so different from small block houses... then of course a bigger kitchen to feed family and friends ...to many this is what makes a house a home. thanks for commenting cheers adrian

The theory of North facing living areas warmed by the sun does work and quite well in most cases. It does depend on where you live as noted above Tasmania vs Queensland. I actually find North facing living areas way to bright as well as quite inconsistent sometimes. Nice in winter though... However it all depends on where you are, your views as noted, etc. A cool summer breeze can come from any where or not at all in some cases. A good designer usually a local will know the area and climates (micro climates) as well as come up with a workable design. Doesn't need to be an architect as the only option as theres plenty of superb building designer and draftsman turning out exceptional work equally as well.

to consider any variations you need to confirm the accurate dimensions of all the rooms but subject to structural restrictions my suggestion include a bigger covered deck on the western side, add an extra window to the north side of the old kitchen and develop a courtyard on the north side, keep some central structure for supporting the upstairs and for wall space for a tv and potential fire place and add an extra wall with cavity sliding door to screen the laundry from the new dining area but i would not add an atrium or any northern structure (including a verandah or steps to an entry to the new living room) as that would restrict access along the side of the house to the studio and backyard as well as reducing internal wall space and furniture options in the small rooms