Thank you all for your timely responses. I too have always enjoyed the convenience of my two ovens which can be used independently of each other, which is why I am seriously considering the 1.5 double oven option. I have also researched the idea of two compact ovens which include microwave and steam options, (Bosch, Miele, Smeg AEG etc) and was all excited about that idea, but to install two of these is far too expensive. ($5000+ minimum) The freestanding convection microwave options all stipulate minimum 10-20cm airflow at the top of the unit, and the ones that do come with trim kits still all end up being too large for the space...frustratingly, often by only 2 or 3 cm! And yes, I've also lusted after an induction cooktop, but the expense of chasing wiring down a solid brick wall and disrupting backsplash tiling has put the kybosh on that idea. Anyhow, I have slept on this (again!) and have come to the conclusion that a 1.5 oven without an integrated microwave is the only way available at a reasonable cost.... A small microwave inside a cupboard might just work.... It's both interesting and noteworthy that convection/microwave +/- steam, with regular multifunction oven combinations although expensive, are readily available in several brands in the US......I'm jealous!

The BASIX Certificate will state the minimum requirements. Not all windows are created the same.....some well known brands are absolute rubbish therefore depending on the builders choice (if you don't specify otherwise) you may need double glazed yet a superior brand will only need Low E to achieve comparable ratings. Buyer beware!

we successfully used Sarlon roller blinds on the outside of windows...make sure the blind is held out from the window to maintain air flow We also created a screened outdoor room using black Sarlon cloth attached to frames enclosing a verandah (access through an old fashioned fly screen covered in Sarlon)...initially to keep out the sun but it also did a great job of keeping out bugs and keeping inside warmer in cold weather..the black Sarlon has the effect of looking through fly screens thus improving the view looking out and obscuring the view looking in during the day...i suggest you double check the use of double glazing in the tropics as you need to allow heat to escape overnight and a window covering would be better on the inside to keep heat in during short periods of cold weather

Who ever is quoting on your windows, get them to run quotes on glass of various thicknesses. We ended up with 11mm glass in our stackers because the price difference between the thinner glass was negligible....we were really surprised.