Indeed an interesting thread an I must admit that I've been going cross-eyed extracting as much information from your two images as I can. A very challenging dilemma. I can't speak for the glazing. It's not my area of expertise. I'm inclined to agree with other comments in this thread re leaning towards internal window treatments. The long raking window at top presents special challenges and as Envirotecture has indicated it would meaning being open to the consideration of framing your view somewhat. Here are some ideas which might be worth considering. 1. A fixed curtain for the upper raking window. Given the room is very much about light, a sheer, though not providing the same insulating properties as curtains or heavier drapery, would nevertheless, provide some insulating benefit from the air-gapping effect. A fixed curtain (sheer or otherwise) is likely to be one of the cheaper components in the options I'm listing. 2. It's hard to tell from the images how much more the 'conventional' rectangular space beyond the couch extends. Assuming it does not extend the entire length of the side of the house you have a number of options available to you here. Options which could Include Soft Roman Blinds fronting on sunscreen roller blinds. Pelmets would provide substantive insulating benefits, but it is difficult to see from the image whether they would suit, and whether you would have sufficient height, or 'any height' above that window in which to mount them so as to minimise the loss of window view due to the stacking up of the Roman. The sunscreen rollers are less problematic in that regard and provide some insulation while still allowing light when the Romans are not lowered. If opting at any stage for Romans, ensure they are properly lined with pre-stiffened Roman Lining which provides better insulation, but almost more importantly, will not sag over time such is the case with many Romans that are lined with much cheaper curtain lining which is not pre-stiffened and does not afford the same degree of insulation. 3. Along the main alfresco expanse where the table is located, and under the previously proposed location of the fixed curtains along the raking window, a motorised or hand traversed S-Fold or Wave curtain fronting, yet again, more thermal sunscreen roller-blinds could present an attractive modern look in keeping with the modern style of the room and house. Of course, an issue is going to be stack-back when the curtains are open, however, the double layered protection of both a Wave or S-Fold curtain and Roller Blinds will provide superior insulating benefits to tinting throughout the year (not just summer) imho. 4. Other ideas include Plantation Shutters across the raking/eve window above. I doubt very much that plantation shutters would work along the lower 'framed' area as the stack-back effect if bi-fold, or loss of view if sliding, would be too much of a sacrifice, let alone the additional consideration of the cost of such treatment used so extensively. Although, the window treatments i have suggested for possible consideration do not necessarily offer optimum insulation (eg the exclusion of pelmets or use of heavy lined drapery), I believe that you there would be some offset in terms of a positive ROI over time due to the savings you will reap on your heating/cooling bills. I'm in Melbourne which is marginally warmer, and without adequate insulating window treatments, the heat loss through the glass is substantial and the heating/cooling bills frightening. 5. That's a hell of a lot of glass to treat whether you opt for a glazing solution which will provide primary benefit during the summer or conventional internal window treatments - whether drapery or blind. Either way the solution is likely to be costly. To keep the cost down you could always consider high quality Thermal Verticals which can come in a variety of slat sizes colours and textures and provide substantive savings over the Wave or S-fold solutions with less stack-back loss. Once again ensuring you purchase high quality verticals that will hold up to the Australian sun over the long haul is important. The cheaper stuff might look good but you'll be picking slats off the floor within 5 years if you are not careful. Here is an image from one of our own projects where high quality 'chain-less' verticals were used to cover large expanses of glass throughout the house in combination with thermal roller blinds. Of course, this treatment or the use of Wave/S-fold curtains would only provide part of the overall solution you require. 6. The only solution I didn't yet mention is the use of folding arm awnings. While they would provide benefits during the summer, they would be more than likely at the expense of your expansive view (or part thereof). Quality awnings whether manually operated or motorised are also costly. The only other comment I might make is that internal blind and curtain window treatments provide you with a high degree of flexibility. Romans, for example work well in combination with many other window treatments, either along side them, or in combination with each other in the context of the same window. The same can be said for the other treatments I have mentioned. The internal window treatments suggested can also facilitate the ability to support a style transition from one room or area to the next. - An important consideration if the house is of a uniform style throughout and you are wanting to 'mix it up a bit' or transition to styles that vary yet compliment the primary style or look you may have throughout the house. I'm sorry, it is difficult offering suggestions based on your two images, even though they are of good quality and detailed. I don't envy you with this 'design dilemma' ... though it certainly gets my vote as one of the more challenging ones I have seen in recent times, and in an area/topic where I felt I could contribute.

As mentioned previously, the balustrade and safety barrier regulations exist for good reason, ultimately to prevent accidental loss of life. No equal counter argument, period. Are they overly restrictive? Not necessarily. Are they tighter than other countries? Definitely. Can we vary them? Sometimes, if you can prove compliance to the deemed to satisfy provisions. Can we achieve the same aesthetically clean "no barrier" designs in Australia as simply and to the same degree as in other countries? No. But these more restrictive conditions don't necessarily equate to more restrictive architecture. Arguably we have to work harder and be more creative within constraints to get what I'd describe as quality and clever architectural solutions, but you know what? Too bad. And this is what separates "the men from the boys" so to speak (no gender inequality meant at all) I thrive on the creative opportunity within the constraint and it challenges our professional to go deeper creatively using the breadth of of skills to achieve results in arguably more challenging conditions. Its an easy cop out just to whinge about safety barriers or whatever the particular restriction is based on predominantly aesthetic/visual/spatial goals. Design solutions will ultimately reflect/respond to the contextual conditions. Yes outside of Australia there is less regulation around matters of safety that can be exploited by design solutions to sometimes achieve visually and spatially breathtaking results, such as in the images shown on this post. Like in all situations it's about balance and priorities and when practicing design and architecture in this country issues around safety are managed more robustly by regulation, which in turn naturally requires design solutions to work within the limits, which in many cases, due to the particular project priority stack and/or capacity of the people involved, results in less "integrated" solutions. At the end of the day, quality architecture is important and there's not enough of it here IMO, but that aside, safety barriers won't and don't prevent great or interesting architecture, but they do reduce/minimise loss of life, particularly young life, and that there I think for any project regardless should be the absolute highest priority, above and beyond any potential aesthetic or spatial outcome.

Leading manufacturer of aluminium building products and finishes DECO Australia has opened their brand-new display centre – the DECO Innovation Centre. Designed by the acclaimed architecture firm ClarkeHopkinsClarke, the showstopping display centre is a captivating space that is set to offer inspiration to all that visit. An informative and interactive space for architects, builders and homeowners alike, the centre allows visitors to immerse themselves in creative designs that all feature DECO’s wide range of Australian-made and fire-safe building products and finishes, including its renowned DecoWood® timber-look finish. Lead architect and ClarkeHopkinsClarke partner, Jordan Curran, said they wanted to create a showstopping space that pushed the boundaries of showroom design and highlighted the versatility of DECO Australia’s wide range of products. “From the anodised chevron feature façade to the architectural shade sails and grand canopy entrance, we wanted to highlight that with some imaginative design, DECO’s innovative products and finishes are not just for everyday projects, but can be used to create architectural masterpieces,” said Mr Curran. Throughout the centre visitors can experience DECO’s extensive product range in full scale and real-life applications. The outside Terrace showcases DECO’s certified non-combustible DecoClad® cladding profiles, the FZ bushfire-rated and slip-resistant DecoDeck® and DecoSlat® fencing and screening. Inside the Showroom the full-scale DecoBatten™ wall showcases the ingenious QuickClick™ two-piece batten system and its variety of batten sizes and shapes. Visitors will also be able to see the unique DecoFloor™ timber-look aluminium floorboards, the ultimate kitchen splashback DecoSplash® and the brand-new DecoCeiling™ panel system. Also on display are DECO’s beautiful range of Super Durable™ powder coat finishes, including all 30 of the popular DecoWood® woodgrains as well as the recently released concrete and rust-look finishes, making visitors’ colour selection an enjoyable and creative journey. DECO founder and director Ross Doonan said the Innovation Centre offers an enhanced customer buying experience like no other. “The DECO Innovation Centre allows customers to see our products and finishes full size and in the context of a building,” he said. “This allows them to visualise how our products will look on their project. Add to that the interactive experience of being able to touch and feel our products and see the range of finishes available; they will be able to develop creative concepts they had never even dreamed of before.” With an extensive range of creative and unique displays, the DECO Innovation Centre will serve as an inspirational space for anyone designing, building or renovating their home or commercial property. DECO’s expert team are on hand to assist visitors with their projects and help them bring their dream designs to life. A wide selection of free samples are also available. The DECO Innovation Centre is located in Minto, NSW, and is open Monday – Friday 8am-5pm and weekends by appointment. Display partners include Capral windows & doors, Breezway louvers, Mlight lighting, Lincoln Sentry kitchen hardware, Opening Roof Specialists operable roofs and louvers, SmartFix cladding system, Centor screens and Corian benchtops. For more information visit www.deco.net.auor call 02 9603 1888.

Hello. I would like to know if anyone has any experience or suggestions of how a glass roof outdoor entertaining area would go with the hot Dry Australian climate. We want a room that is enclosed out of the elements and can keep comfortable temperature in all seasons, but still be full of natural light... would double glazed and blinds be suffient or would the room still heat up like a hot house.......it would get the mid day sun. See picture of our idea.... If anyone has any experience to know how room would cope...and what company in NSW or Melbourne . Or better so Rural NSW would be able to supply