Kerri, Have a sit and a think about it but it MUST suit you. I would do exactly what you have done with the drawing that you supplied with this diemma and draw a few options and see which one you think you like the most and if it means moving the plumbing then so be it. I'm curently building and up to plaster stage and I have still made a change and put in a few more power points whilst I still can, just go with the best option. Moving plumbing is not a prohibitive cost specially in the design stage where you don't have tiles already on. Best of luck with your decision. Cheers, Barbara

Caroma are a reputable brand that do a lot of research into design and ergonomics so I would be very surprised if any of their products are too low or too high for the general population. However they may be considerd too low or too high by individuals who are either tall or short compared to the average. If you are renovating and are on a slab you must get the plumbing and set-out correct If you are replacing old with new. Some of the Caroma models have some set-out flexibility for renovators. Best of luck with your selections, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

depends on how you like to live, local climate, ages of people living in the house, how many separate rooms you need (eg the study would be big enough for a small single bedroom but a bit too cramped for a double guest room and it's useful to work out how you would use every room..eg the bedroom next to the laundry is big enough for a double bedroom or playroom but not a very good room during the day for small kids away from supervision and that corner might be better for the private master suite and keep the lounge study at the front to enjoy the northern aspect and some people prefer the master bedroom grouped with the children's rooms but there you would have size and budget restriction and raked ceiling and clerestory windows are more complicated in this shaped house and would add lots of extra expense...what do you mean by open up the courtyard??...maybe the house could be closer to the south fence and have the "backyard" along the east...more of an L shape rather than a U??

Thanks everyone for all your comments and suggestions. the great thing about this forum is seeing how different things are important to different people which gives a great perspective and helps clarify your own sometimes! Don’t fear! As mentioned in my initial post I am meeting with my architect to go over my queries - I simply wanted your thoughts in the meantime as I get very impatient during this exciting time! i have full faith in my architect, he has given us a first draft that was already above our expectations whilst working to our financial and site limits. i have attached the full floor plan for interest. The separate toilet is one we have been debating for a while, but currently the extra storage is winning. I am also not a fan of a shower over bath situation and would easily take the toilet where it is if that was the only way around it (which it won’t be, I know). will keep you updated .