What a difference! Awesome job.

Thank you. The level of insulation provided by ICF construction depends on the type of ICF system is used and the thickness of insulation, but it is often greater than R3. In Australia the insulation levels achieved in ICF construction is in the range of R3 to R6 . We used the 203mm foam blocks that gives an overall width of around 225mm.

The back looks more inviting than the front at present , but anything can be worked with . Is it a permanent home , or a beach place , only used occassionally ? The design and needs will vary a lot . Also , you said there is a carport to the right , that you are adding a door to , but the image seems to show that on the left ? Likewise , is that an addition to the right , or is that the carport closed in ? Anyway , assuming the windows are staying , and assuming its a holiday home ( the only reasoning is that 2 x 9kg gas bottles wouldn't be what most people would fit to a permanent home . I wouldn't do a footpath along a wall , I'd be a metre out -- allows for a garden , but also in case you need to get to plumbing , power , etc . Roof in a light grey ( yes , I know , but it is tropical , so don't go dark anything ) with charcoal ( or orange if you dare ! ) gutters and white eves , and slightly off-white walls , with 2 timber doors . Boring eh ? But then I'd have black steel frames around the windows ( not the window frames ) with security bars across , BUT with stained 80mm x 80mm timber rails screwed over the crossbars , so that is all you can see . The combo of white and a reasonably deeper toned stained timber exterior will look classy , clean , modern and be secure . The additions much the same , some rock or bark gardens , tropical plants , ferns , palms , knock yourself out !

put the carport higher up the block with a longer driveway?..anything is possible if you move enough earth but could you have the garage and main living areas closer together and the deck to one side as a half way point .ie with less steps between each level and spread further along the block and not one on top of the other..what's the width and length of the block and the distance from the front boundary to the beginning of the steep section and then the length of the steep section..if you haven't already done so a detailed contour survey will help suggest the best options