Not sure where you are. Assuming you are building in the Southern Hemisphere then the first thing to do is move your garage to the south side of the block and let more rooms of the house enjoy the northerly sun in Winter. Make sure your corridor is wider than standard( imagine two people passing each other comfortably)- maybe an extra 30 cams- you won't regret this. A skylight here that opens to let hot air out in Summer is great. To further save cost, have all wet areas as close together as possible, and if possible,on the south side. A kitchen bench and whatever is on it can suffer enormously with the angles of the sun during the Winter months. Better to put this on the south side and have the family area bask in the warmth when it is cold. Large windows on the north side will ensure plenty of light through to the kitchen. Personally I love the idea of an internal access from the garage directly or as near as possible to the kitchen because I do not want to traipse through other rooms with heavy shopping bags or dirty shoes. Sliding doors to linen cupboards and bedroom wardrobes to save space. Back of house faces West so consider a wider eave to give some relief from the hot Summer sun, which could be shining into your family/dining areas till quite late each day.

Hi there, coming from the UK I am used to having the loo in the same room as the bath and shower. However, having lived in and designed numerous homes in Australia I can also see the appeal of a separate WC. It depends on how much space you have. If things are a bit tight then a loo in the bathroom is much more practical. If you have a bigger family and a few kids, then it can be useful to be able to pop to the toilet if someone is using the shower or taking a bath. If you do go for a separate 'powder room' located elsewhere, be sure to include a hand wash basin and a mirror in there too (even if it is really small). There is nothing worse than touching the handle of a toilet knowing that every single person who used it before you did so without even washing their hands (!). It also makes it a lot more saleable further down the track. Have you got a plan of your layout? I might be able to suggest some solutions?

Hi AndrewJason, I love cavity sliders. they are there when you want them but not visible when you need the space open. Having said that they cost more, take a bit of wreckage to set up and in you WA case you will be wrecking brick walls to put them in which might be a stretch of mess too far. BUT you will need to weigh up if they are worth it in the end. I do not think the build will be too bulky in the kitchen/dining because it will be superbly practical on both sides and it maybe just a matter of what you are used to. Not sure about "Average Joe...…" we are all good at somethings, mine is plans, function, practicality, solar. Yours might be brain surgery, empathy for unwell folks, kinda or you make the best seafood lasagne in the world... we are all needed to make for a great world: and it really is that!!! Good luck with your splendid home: I think it is beautiful. And PS if you do make the best seafood anything I better have your address....!!!!!!! MK

Thank you all for the overwhelming response - seem like option 2 is the clear winner! Next decision is the orientation of the shower. We like this look: (full black panel and shower tray) just to try keep the upkeep to a minimum. Ignore the wall tiles. The orientation of the current shower is towards the door, should this be okay for a panel? Should we consider one the goes the whole way across? Or change the orientation of the shower head and mixer to the other side to face the window? This was our inspiration pic to start with: All help appreciated!