I think it has the potential to look fabulous or look really tacky. It would depend on the house you use it in. I think having the height helps create that light airy feel... I have seen it used to enclose an external staircase and it looked wonderful, it created a feature of this lovely lightbox on the back of the house. I think used as a feature in a modern build it can really look good.

Hey Sally, This is from the ‘Thermal Mass in Summer’ section from our website, "With correct eave overhang on the North of your building & thermal mass being shielded from direct solar gain we can control the increase in the ambient air temperature of the building. During the day heat gains from external temperature, the occupants of the building, and any electrical lighting and equipment, is absorbed by the exposed thermal mass of the building and releases stored cool within the thermal mass, thus limiting the temperature rise within the space to be within acceptable levels for human thermal comfort. By the end of the day the thermal mass of the building has in turn warmed up, and now as external temperatures reduce the heat can be released and the thermal mass cooled down ready for the start of the next day. However this "regeneration" process is only effective if the building is ventilated at night when the external air temperature has dropped below the internal temperature, to carry away the heat that has been absorbed during the day. This can be achieved through naturally ventilating buildings (opening windows etc.) or the use of automated ventilation systems. This reduces or totally eliminates the need for artificial cooling systems to be installed, thus reducing the overall energy consumption of the building to attain a comfortable living environment." When temperatures do not drop at night for 3-4 nights, our houses are still far more comfortable than outside, warmer than it would be if night ventilation could be achieved, but still a comfortable temperature. In our house we just use ceiling fans during those in-between days! We find that even when it is warmer in our houses in prolonged hot periods than it would be with air-conditioning, the quality of the air and feel of being inside the house is much nicer than what it would be with the everyday use of an air-conditioner – not to mention benefit that not using air-conditioning has on the environment. Hope this answers your question :)

I've heard that Scyon has good vertical cladding available with a bush fire rating of 40? I'm not sure if that's good or not, but you could always try there.

Hi Lila The waste pipe can still work with the L shape but if you are concerned, switch the sink and BBQ locations. That way the BBQ fumes will be further from the house too. Access to the back yard is always a consideration but I wouldn't let it rule your overall design as there are always ways around it. I had a mini bobcat come through my house to dig the pool in the back yard when I lived in Brisbane!!! A sail maker or equestrian sewer could easily make a good cover for the bench unit and I've seen it work on several occasions, but I would save up for the pergola to the side of the house which without any issues with the neighbour, could go to within 1.1m of the boundary or just as I drew it. Good luck with the decision making and enjoy your alfresco lifestyle.