After I had finished my Archi Masters I was working for an architecture firm who also did a small amount of work for a volume builder. They were actually a pretty good quality builder and at least got the orientation of their 'pre-designed' plans correct. We had the ability to make minor changes to every job and it pained me to see so many simple to implement passive options not being incorporated. Had most of their clients known that they would be saving MONEY over the longterm by making a few minor changes to suit their site, they all would have done it. The problem is unless someone can sell this idea to them as a financial/lifestyle choice, many just think it is about saving the world. It is a no-brainer if you have in interest in it, but for those who don't know, there is no-one there selling it to them, especially on the lower end of the market.

I think the fridge is in a great spot - you need it to be near the walkway so people can grab something from the fridge, without invading your space. I totally agree with keeping the services out of the island bench. I would allow 800mm between the stove and sink as you are always jumping between the two when cooking and it will minimise the amount of water getting spilt on the floor. You should make sure the dishwasher is on the far side of the sink to avoid clashing between any one stacking/unpacking dishwasher and someone cooking. If you put the sink in the pantry with all you dishes it can be really inconvenient for a family that is trying to interact with the kids. I like a pantry for storage and running a mixmaster to muffle noise in the living space. If you can place the dishwasher on the bench behind the pantry that will help. Allow 1200 mm between the bench and the opposite bench/cupboard.

Jason.....3 factors: 1. your requirements/goals/"brief" 2. Budget 3. Site/context........these 3 things will define the project outcome/direction one way or the other...and that outcome/direction will depend upon how these factors are negotiated, balanced and managed..........I could go on for days about all this stuff, but as start, perhaps think about developing a home from the inside out, rather than the outside in, because if you do that it generally will reflect/respond to and be better suited to and derived from you, your needs and the lifestyle you seek. You already have some reference points (land, certain styles that appeal etc)...perhaps best you reach out/speak with some design professionals about your potential home and begin to hone in on your priorities and what aligns with your goals......... Be aware that you will be predominantly EXPERIENCING your home, rather than sitting outside with a cup of tea admiring it like they do in the Colorbond TV ads......so what it looks like, really should come from what it is internally....form follows function.....also arguably some of the beautiful European architecture is not necessarily that well suited to the Australian climate & environment......a house that deeply connects to the site/context, functions & performs to a certain level and "feels" great and appropriately balanced will provide an immeasurably greater living experience on many levels, as opposed to one that may look pretty in a brochure or on instagram, but in reality is disconnected to context, arbitrarily sited and configured or misaligned in various ways the homeowner's various particular & practical needs........ Fantastic & exciting opportunity..... Hope this provides some preliminary food for thought....feel free to reach out if you'd like some further direction/guidance Good luck! Cheers PD :) www.pauldistefanodesign.com

Hi BC, I thought to throw a few more ideas at you before getting trades in as OK suggested, you might find something in all suggestions that appeal to. I personally don't think it a good idea to have a combined laundry kitchen in a house, it's something that you relate to apartment living, that's why I have previously suggested that you might consider opening the laundry from the bathroom, which then gives you another wall in the kitchen space. The kitchen is small and I was going to suggest the you have a 900 glass cook top that can be used for extra bench top. This new floor plan keeps the laundry where it is with staked washer and dryer and sink which can be used for cleaning large pots. I have drawn a galley kitchen with the cook top/oven on one side with the fridge sink and DW on the other, for prep and cleaning up. I have also added a sideboard.bar/desk facing into the living room, these cupboards backing up to the kitchen cook top on the other side could be used for the load bearing wall. Where I have marked the wall oven would be bench top as you have now mentioned not wanting that, the microwave can be mounted in the wall cupboard next to the cooktop where the wall oven was marked. The wall units could go to the ceiling or have a bulk head above them I have drawn the kitchen as a galley as the distance between bench's is too wide, 1200 is as wide as you need