Have you considered vergola roof systems? Louvred panels that are operable to respond to the elements. Open when sunny, closed with rain, and tilted when hot? They can be much more expensive than traditional pergola systems thoug, so perhaps, have some key areas of rrolfinefitted with horizontal battens rather than sheet roofing for ventilation and effect. Remember to consider clear polycarbonate above windows to retain the sunlight into your home. solid roofing makes it all the more useable, but ventilation and visibility is equally as important.

That's what my husband says too. Thanks:)

we used a grey polycarbonate for a 2.4m deep covered pergola along the south and west side of our house...more to create a dry area than to have a seating/dining area but it had a nice cooling effect on hot days, we also had a 7mx 5m screened room covered with Colorbond sheeting with a single sheet wide light grey polycarbonate "skylight" which added enough light to prevent darkness inside...both these applications have since been altered but we were quite happy with the results

Hi LesleyH, I'm trying to decide on a colour scheme for my house at the moment as we're getting it painted next week! Decisions, decisions. A picture of the front part of my house is attached. I am thinking of painting the walls in dulux tranquil retreat, keeping the trims crisp white, awning will be surfmist and I can't decide on whether I choose momentum or surfmist for the gutters. What do you think? Roof at the front of the house will remain the brown/orangey colour (it'll get resprayed next year when we have the money). I am thinking of making the pergola at the back of the house all white except the roof will be surfmist in colour. I really don't know...does that sound ok to you?