Have you considered vergola roof systems? Louvred panels that are operable to respond to the elements. Open when sunny, closed with rain, and tilted when hot? They can be much more expensive than traditional pergola systems thoug, so perhaps, have some key areas of rrolfinefitted with horizontal battens rather than sheet roofing for ventilation and effect. Remember to consider clear polycarbonate above windows to retain the sunlight into your home. solid roofing makes it all the more useable, but ventilation and visibility is equally as important.

Oh no! That's a disaster story, Shirley. I am so sorry to hear of your problems with the pergola. I have a friend looking for a roof sheeting material right now for an outdoors area. I will make sure they do not choose what you have chosen. Can you get it replaced? Would it be expensive to replace just the sheeting? I googled your colour and found this photo. Is this what it looks like? Did they tell you that it would stop the heat? I know that blocking UV rays does not stop the heat of the Australian sun. Wishing you better success in you next project!

So good to have everyone's input...thinking at this stage,to try to colour match the 'paperbark'coloured pergola roof with the main part of the roof .then a mid grey, in tone with domino(or even just domino) for fascias and barges. Our bricks have black highlights, so should work well. Then, a lightish grey like Surfmist under eaves(as suggested). And finally keeping domino posts.I did also like the look of the photos and the Magnolia house with timber features.

Not exactly - lots of experience with climbers over structures, but not right next to the house like in your photo. However you could get around the light issue by planting a deciduous climber - wisteria or clematis for instance - which would let winter sun in and block summer heat. (... eventually.) Plus, considering that any kind of solid or transparent roofing material will cut light to some extent, a deciduous climber could well be the most light-friendly option. You can always thin them out a little as they grow, and the light that does penetrate will be unfiltered. The shade that plants provide in summer is always superior to the shade from solid roofing anyway :-)