This year I really am hoping to do more in the garden - which for me is only on a balcony but still, if i dont get it right this year i may as well just give up. there are only so many plants i can kill, right?

Hi Sandy, I haven't personally worked with anyone as some of our owners are still picking their jaws up off the floor stage with the requirements for engineering, specs, costs etc that they're up for - which is why I raised it in the first place. Let me comment on your points. EC's are LIABLE for the decisions make and the impacts of those decisions on all owners, the building and themselves so under their duty of care they're going to want the t's crossed and the i's dotted. They've got skin on the table that other owners don't have so are truly invested in what's happening and working with owners when and where possible. You indicated that you were looking for a design that would be sell-able to the EC - they'll automatically require that it's in keeping with the other buildings so that's already your starting point. Talk to them before you engage anyone to design so that you know how they think - they'll want to work with you and be on your side to improve the building and it's live-ability). I'd also suggest that you invite a nominated member of the EC to sit in on any briefings you give to designers/contractors so that you have a smooth run and have the EC as part of your solution not an obstacle to your problem being fixed. In your comment regarding precedent unless you know for a fact that the structures on the other buildings were put up after the completion of the original build - I'd argue that: If the shade structures on the other buildings were part of the original build then no EC within the buildings life have had to approve or reject a request for the structures and those structures are part of the building which makes it part Common Property and therefore there is no precedent. If the other buildings shade structures were fitted after the bylaws were set then you need to find out how the bylaws were done - exclusive to a particular unit or particular group of units OR as a blanket bylaw for all the apartments across all the buildings within the complex as this will impact on your costs. If by-laws (regardless of how they've been done) pertaining to shade structures on other buildings exist then the EC "can't reasonably withhold permission providing that criteria are met" but they can put conditions on it which is why its a good idea to talk to them before you talk to designers/architects/suppliers. If the by-laws don't exist then they have the right every right to say "you want it, you pay for the Bylaw change" (and how they elect to do that will be up to the EC and the Strata Manager not to you) or they could just say "no". Regarding your comments regarding building codes that's mute at this point - you, your fellow owners and the EC should be looking at product/design will be fit for purpose (ie., making sure that it's got suitable wind ratings, the structural integrity to deal with conditions and location requirements and impact of the specific product etc. and how it'll be managed long term. It's assumed that it'll be installed to building code and will be stated in their permission conditions as a standard clause.

You never mentioned your budget that you're willing to spend. You could add a thicker fill backed insulation blanket - 50mm, 75mm or 100mm are the common thicknesses. Steep roof pitch so would need scaffolding, harnesses, etc.. which adds up quickly. Probably still not enough insulation though but probably cheapest option. Insulation under existing timber linings then reline over the top of that as some have suggested. Working at height though so would need scaffold set up again and working overhead is not fun nor easy. You could replace the roof with a sandwich panel roof. Try Versiclad or Kingspan or comparable. They have a polystyrene type of insulation between an outer metal roof sheet and a metal inner sheet. These are heat laminated together. Again different thickness available from 50mm up to 180mm is common. The 180mm has a R rating of 4.7 which is quite good. Again steep pitch, etc., probably need new ridge capping, etc.. Probably most expensive option...... Keep us all posted on your decision though!

The brief that the client wanted was a wide-spanning, motorized awning with high wind sensors that will automatically retract and open to cover their pool area for sun protection as well as keeping the pool cleaner for longer. Before: After: The product featured is Warema’s Terrea K60 Cassette Awning https://www.shadefactor.com.au/cassette-awnings