Hi AndrewJason, I love cavity sliders. they are there when you want them but not visible when you need the space open. Having said that they cost more, take a bit of wreckage to set up and in you WA case you will be wrecking brick walls to put them in which might be a stretch of mess too far. BUT you will need to weigh up if they are worth it in the end. I do not think the build will be too bulky in the kitchen/dining because it will be superbly practical on both sides and it maybe just a matter of what you are used to. Not sure about "Average Joe...…" we are all good at somethings, mine is plans, function, practicality, solar. Yours might be brain surgery, empathy for unwell folks, kinda or you make the best seafood lasagne in the world... we are all needed to make for a great world: and it really is that!!! Good luck with your splendid home: I think it is beautiful. And PS if you do make the best seafood anything I better have your address....!!!!!!! MK

@oklouise thanks for measurement suggestions, good starting point with so many choices available. About the bath, we thought just a freestanding, or back to wall bath, would take less space compared to drop in bath. But it something worth considering with the suggested layout. Also, the bathroom entry door would be sliding cavity if that helps. @differentways thanks for a suggestion that we haven't really thought about. We have considered a smaller Japanese style deep bath, but obviously this would not be practical for kids. Just to make sure I understand your concept, you are suggesting a purpose built bath which will be about 2570mm (including the ledge), husband thinks this is very generous :). My husband and I can't find a photo of something similar, do you have a link? Are you suggesting the sides of the bath to be a lower height compared to standard bath? I like the idea of a ledge, would definitely make bathing kids easier. About the position of the ensuite, do you mean placing it outside the bedroom area so it can be accessed by others? We have discussed this, still part of ongoing discussion. If need to we just have to move the bedroom entrance door. I have attached a google earth view.

Unfortunately a cavity sliding door on the toilet won't work due to structural considerations. It would be a massive task to modify the existing wall to create a cavity. Anyway, I don't like them. Every house I've been in that had a cavity slider it sagged, and they are so hard to adjust when that happens. They are a great idea in theory, but I've not seen one work well in practice. I did consider a barn slider along the toilet side. Not sure what you mean by an 'inbuilt basin', Shirley. If you mean the type that sit over the toilet cistern, I looked at them and rejected because they are awkward to get at and use. In UK, they make units with an integrated basin next to the cistern and some are very stylish. Nothing like that available in Aus, sadly. I also wanted to ensure there was at least a small amount of cabinet space for toilet cleaner and cloth and spare toilet paper and a few personal conveniences. Where are you located, Julia Lesley? We are on the Sunshine Coast and finding it well nigh impossible to get building tradespeople to do anything at present. The renovator I mentioned above is booked up for 5 months!

If you mean the green tinge on the edge of the glass , I assume that was done to tie in with the tiles . Personally , I would have tried to bring in some green tiles in the shower too -- either as a frieze a metre up the wall ; or probably on the '90 degree' parts of the inset boxes . But overall it has colour and class , the darker timber suits the tiles , the overall effect is great IMO -- this bathroom ( pics above ) could be any mid range new build or hotel room in any established country -- no colour , no personality , and speaking of old -- look at the floor tiles !