the answer should be available in writing direct from the designers not the person who answers the phone and can't explain their own safety regulations ...why not choose the brand that allows the oven to be installed to suit you...my built in 45cm tall microwave and 60cm tall wall oven are stacked to suit my height and allow space below for a 40cm tall pot drawer (over the 15cm kick space) and above for a 40cm tall wall cabinet with verticall shelves... expecting to have satisfactory cooking results regardless of the brand i chose the product that offered the neatest looking built in wall oven and matching microwave in my preferred colour, size and installation and Miele was able to do this as i expected and received lots of help from the company to identify exactly how their product could be installed to suit me..good luck with your choice...

I think only having 45cm ovens is too restrictive. What about 1 x 60cm oven and 1 x 45cm oven if you have room? Stacked. That is much more flexible than a single 60cm oven or 2x 45cm ovens. You can cook a main meal such as a roast with 2 or 3 trays in one and dessert in the other at the same time. Or use the smaller oven for just a cake or one tray meal and save on electricity. Or if catering for a crowd you’ve got lots of oven space. I’d definitely go with pyrolytic oven. I’m a big fan. And stacked rather than under bench. Much more ergonomic/better for your back.

all our spas with still water levels above shoulder height when sitting are the most comfortable to use for sitting and swimming and we found that allowing unsupervised kids to use our spas can be problem with damage and safety issues so water height should suit the sitting height of your adults

Firstly, thank you all for your contributions! Very much appreciated. CP yes the floor plan has been quite divisive, it is quite a significant change from existing (kitchen currently at dining, stairs currently where powder room is) but my preference is for an open plan/kitchen as this is where we like to congregate as a family. The weird gap is to allow for separation from the cooktop as I am not sure if the 100 gap is wide enough and practical, as well as extended space for appliances (toasters etc) - though I do agree that storage in the island is probably just as good. The double doors I agree are troublesome. This is a strata complex in a heritage area, so getting approval to change these would be cumbersome, and we’re aiming to start works in February next year… Jess, a galley style certainly is an interesting idea! Would allow for a lot circulation and a lot more space. I think The island would be Provide for a bit more seating, correct? Though I guess I’m open to it, ultimately I think you are right - some advice (beyond everyone’s here which is so great!) may be needed. Dreamer, I think I am okay with 900 for circulation around the island - can always just go the other way! Siriuskey thank you for all of the input. Yes, it is a townhouse. The first designs is exactly what I was thinking, but a steam oven instead of a microwave oven. One thing I have always wondered is whether a 600mm bench for 600mm cooktop is enough? What about for pans and handle lids that might extend beyond the 600mm and therefore be hitting the back wall? The side wall (the one with the column) is also a concern. I like the idea of putting pantry/oven/fridge all on the left hand side, it will push everything on the wall side down. I would like the ‘dish washing’ sink to be on the cooktop side and the smaller sink to be on the island. Dishwasher on the cooktop side as well, which I think can fit.