Use indigenous plants rather than importing 'weeds'. Find out your local native grasses and use those instead. Lomandras are probably one type. Good to hold soil together as they apparently have shallow but strong roots. Adding drainage should also be included as would the hessian types of pervious mattings.

Yes, agree with the above comment. It would be the same if your design consisted of a continuous path. If laid correctly, you should have no problems with maintenance. Hire a qualified tradesperson and you should have no problems. I think the polished concrete stepping stones will look great with your style of home.

It’s a bit hard without pics but I’ve used pool noodles, sheets of ply and drop cloths to protect existing structures.

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.