I have a similar issue, although we only have 2.0m between our house and the timber fence. I'm going to try to do something similar to the following to at least block the main "view" into our windows: [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/van-adelsberg-grant-residence-contemporary-garden-portland-phvw-vp~6010853[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/van-adelsberg-grant-residence-contemporary-garden-portland-phvw-vp~6010853) [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/mod-kensington-modern-garden-san-francisco-phvw-vp~5094505[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/mod-kensington-modern-garden-san-francisco-phvw-vp~5094505) [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/mod-kensington-modern-garden-san-francisco-phvw-vp~5897343[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/mod-kensington-modern-garden-san-francisco-phvw-vp~5897343) [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/lakewood-remodel-contemporary-garden-austin-phvw-vp~2299166[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/lakewood-remodel-contemporary-garden-austin-phvw-vp~2299166) I'm still not sure what plants to put in front of or around the timber privacy screens. We really like the look of pencil pines, but I'm not sure they're right for the climate (Brisbane, Queensland) or whether they will receive sufficient sunlight.

Hiya, for a no fuss cover my suggestions are: Ivy - would cover the wall completely and also climb the fence. It's super easy to keep neat by using an electric hedge trimmer. Bamboo - get a species that is clumping - not spreading. Species that have black stems against the green leaves would look very striking. Most grow quite tall though and require full sun so you'd need to take this into account. Lilly Pilly's, Murraya's, Photinia's are hardy and great for tall hedges. Certain species grow quite quickly. Want to get some use out of your plants? Consider passionfruit vine. Great fruit, but the wine will lose its leaves in winter. Same with wisteria, ornamental grape, etc. Enjoy, and hope this helps. Cheers, Debs

I also think worth contacting company to see if they do alternate covers. I wonder if it could be vinyl wrapped at an auto place? Just re-cutting all the vents would be tedious!! Would you have to recolour the body of the unit also though? I've seen some neat solutions online by building a box frame around the unit and making 1) a removable cover or 2) a permanant vented cover like example in link below. That was for an older style wall unit situated midway up the wall. The slim units like yours are usually installed up high and have vents on underside too, so that would have to be taken into consideration if you went this route. http://www.vintagemeetsglam.com/2015/10/05/bedroom-makeover-part-6-diy-ac-unit-cover/

Thanks for that link Lee. Not sure how I will go getting tile out - I was rather hoping for some kind of 'elbow' profile that I could silicone over the top and create a neat frame. I would if I could grind a channel where the tiles meet and retro-fit that metal trim? 'Me me' and 'Gallifrey' have metal edge too - I did not know that was an option. I certainly would have suggested that. Note to oneself - research before you get in a mess - not afterwards!