@ deanli14...the problem is that the neighbours don't want the tennis court fence as it is..more they want it lowered...thus depriving johnmcintyre of his privacy and the local Council is dictating what can and cannot be done....its not about planting for privacy...quite the reverse, the neighbours want the view! I've had an idea that might help. It is my understanding that today anyone wanting to build or alter any structure can employ a private building surveyor/inspector to approve the plans and then the final structure...and I understand that this applies everywhere in Australia. So there is a way to by-pass all the nonsense. The Council does not have to know about or approve anything. You are employing (paying) a private building surveyor/inspector to help you get what you want on your own property. I think its all got beyond a joke. Just by-pass all the red tape and the neighbours! I've extended my house to incorporate a very large semi enclosed veranda, I've had a large water tank erected on a tall stand so it gravity feeds into my house..and have erected several 3m tall greenery covered screens along my fenceline adjoining the neighbours.. for reasons of privacy.....all without the local Council even knowing about it because I employed a private building surveyor for it all from start to finish. You would be paying him to be on your side and get you what you want and he does not have to submit to Council, he is his own boss and your client. You'd need to get a draftsman to draw up the plans to start with...then it should be smooth sailing.

The walls could be Gyrocked, they would probably need to be on 'furring channels' (or similar) to allow a gap between block and plasterboard with some form of sislation/vapour barrier or insulation. This is similar to what is done in commercial building construction like warehouse's. Call your local 'Gyprock' sales centre as they will know the full story. A insulation company such as 'Fletcher Insulation' may also have approved systems that are in compliance with the building codes. There are possibly other insulation products available that could be directly adhered to the masonry surface but I don't know of any off the top of my head....

Shifting the laundry will create a larger laundry and allow for a 'kids bedroom zone' with better access to bathroom for all 3 minor bedrooms. Place the rumpus where dinning is. This can be separated or use the great sliding wall/door idea. It also allows view from kitchen. I agree with moving the fridge and creating a more open WIP. This also allows for a WI Linen - which could be opened up to the mud room, or even a powder room. I found the front living room to be an awkward size and shape so did a slight rearrange in that area. This gives the Living Room access to the north facing patio/outdoor area, tying all the living spaces together while keeping them seperate.

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??