an architect or building designer should be happy to help design a custom home but you could also check some of the project home plans to suit your block size ..Google "display homes" in your area... there are multiple companies like GJGardner, Metricon, Rawson etc etc and many private local builders who have websites to help start your search.... there are hundreds of plans to choose from that already include or can be modified to include clerestory windows... also check yourhome.gov for better understanding of passive solar design to help you identify the best options

imo the problem with a courtyard on the east side is that a two storey courtyard could be very hot with the eastern aspect during hot weather and also stretch the house to use up too much backyard ...the basic plan i've suggested has a wide side path to create a full length narrow courtyard on the east (subject to council regs a deciduous vine covered pergola would be excellent along the east) and there's also a courtyard on the west with garage access to the back yard but also creates a good hot weather alfresco without shading the family room and kitchen... .keeping the house in a neat shape is easier to heat and cool, makes a much more economical build and the pergola, alfresco and an upstairs balcony could be optional/later additions ...make a list of what you need, how you would use each room, could the garage double as a big party room (open to the western alfesco and used as a sleepout for a crowd of visitors or a wet weather kids' playroom...what about a downstairs shower for visitors with a sofa bed in the living or study?) try and multipurpose as much as possible could you lose some of the living areas not used every day and look at the position of windows from inside out..eg in my plan you can stand at the sink and look through to the glass front door and living room to the front garden and park and also supervise the back garden with a splashback window, there's easy access.to the garage and powder room from inside and out and the simple shape of the building allows for optional extras so concentrate on the basics and plan for adding alfrescos and courtyards outside the main building..my poor 3d image shows the view towards the front door from the sink and the stairwell allows extra northern light down from upstairs

Hello Bianca, I thought that the site plan above was Azam's! I thought beauty: now I can get this plan right for him and the site at last. it has been going back fwd up down for ages! So I sat here and scribbled away as I love to do and blow me down! I am looking at your site dims and directions instead!! So here is a plan suggestion for your site with no idea where you are, what you are wanting, what you like but a few of Azam's requirements! Have a look: it will use your northerly aspect far better than the outline on above: There is more space to the north and west..... much better for passive solar design: read much lower power bills..... Cheers Margot

I would say that a house needs to built with correct orientation no matter what the "facing is". North is where the winter sun is so it heats your home up without using a heater constantly. if you face west you get the hot afternoon sun in summer. so ideally a rectangle block with the short ends east and west, and the long sides north and south. But developers cram as much as they can into their developments, so the perfect block is not always able to be purchased. but if on a acreage, then you should build to the views and facing north, always depending on climate as well. I would say that a block that has the front door facing north, is not as desirable as a back living area facing north. in this particular case, it is a shame that the garage is in the prime solar passive position.