The vergola option with louvres is very expensive but also very effective as it provides so much flexibility in all types of weather. If you are outdoor people then this may be worth the cost. Coming down in cost, a climber over a pergola is also a good option depending on where you live. In a cool climate make sure the climber drops its leaves early enough so the late autumn and early winter sun comes through. Conversely, if you're in a warm/hot climate then the longer the leaves stay on the better. Some deciduous climber and trees lose their leaves quite late. Awnings are also very flexible but may not allow wet weather usage. Of course this depends on the type and size of awning. Oops, I just noticed this was originally posted in 2014. I hope you've sorted it out by now.

Just done this - had stacker doors made to fit, could have had bifold however screens for bifold can't be crimsafe, so easily broken into or damaged by children or pets. We often leave the doors open at night with just the security screens locked. As ours are our front entrance and not the rear, security was important. Also bifold folding out without a wall or roof are open to the elements and can be damaged if open during a hi wind. Will weather quickly also. Bifold look great but you really need to decide if they need to have security screens etc. We had beautiful timber stackers made, as we get big winds occasionally and the bifolds would have folded out onto the deck with lots of sun - didn't want to be re lacquering every 6 months.

Hi siriuskey, it's actually quite a big house, just awkwardly laid out. There are two other bathrooms - a main bathroom and an ensuite - and the laundry will just be a stacked washer and dryer, so not much space required. Yes, I think one door is a better option for the layout too. The house is on a very good sized corner block. The dining room side is open to a car parking deck, no roof. There is a flowering hedge between the dining room window and the car park area so visually it's private and allows good sunlight. Off the family room is a large covered patio plus lawn and trees, and a large shed that will be turned into a home office. Adjacent to the dining room is a bedroom and past that (so the opposite side of the house to the dining room and car park area), is the neighbouring fence. So there is only a narrow walkway between the house and the fence.

as always depends on budget but i'm wondering if a steep gable roof at right angles to the main roof with a raked ceiling and solar roof vents would allow better ventilation with enough headroom for a ceiling fan and adding some panels of transluscent insulated polycarbonate closer to the house would help avoid the overshading ...we've used a diy double layered polycarbonate and there are insulating products available eg Arcpanel and, to improve light inside the house (or under a dark alfresco roof) consider Solar Skylights (not hole in the roof) like Arcol or illume brand that we use with excellent results for a modest investment, DIY installation and no risk of roof leaks