I guess this is an old posting but here are a couple of thoughts: Low barriers like railings on the windward side will cut the wind down. I noticed it on my porch which just has a wide top railing. So add railings and clear glass panels to that side of the deck. Also, add low shrubbery out in the yard like a low border or fence so the wind will go up and over it and maybe over your patio. The wind also hits the flat side of your house and 1/2 goes into the patio area. So add shrubbery on this side and maybe even a post or short wall sticking out 6" or a foot on the corner of the house to direct the wind away from the patio.

As a minimalist I would forego all plants, put in a low wall and use slumped glass or preferably glass block. This would let in the light and also make a cosy seating area in winter. I've found glass block to be a wonderful insulator on a west facing wall - warm in winter, but keeps out summer heat too. This would also extend your living area, keep out flies and mozzies, and prevent you seeing that awful roof next door. You could also take the shadecloth off the windows leading on to that deck, which would be a bonus. I'm not a fan of shadecloth, and would always look for an alternative solution

@ deanli14...the problem is that the neighbours don't want the tennis court fence as it is..more they want it lowered...thus depriving johnmcintyre of his privacy and the local Council is dictating what can and cannot be done....its not about planting for privacy...quite the reverse, the neighbours want the view! I've had an idea that might help. It is my understanding that today anyone wanting to build or alter any structure can employ a private building surveyor/inspector to approve the plans and then the final structure...and I understand that this applies everywhere in Australia. So there is a way to by-pass all the nonsense. The Council does not have to know about or approve anything. You are employing (paying) a private building surveyor/inspector to help you get what you want on your own property. I think its all got beyond a joke. Just by-pass all the red tape and the neighbours! I've extended my house to incorporate a very large semi enclosed veranda, I've had a large water tank erected on a tall stand so it gravity feeds into my house..and have erected several 3m tall greenery covered screens along my fenceline adjoining the neighbours.. for reasons of privacy.....all without the local Council even knowing about it because I employed a private building surveyor for it all from start to finish. You would be paying him to be on your side and get you what you want and he does not have to submit to Council, he is his own boss and your client. You'd need to get a draftsman to draw up the plans to start with...then it should be smooth sailing.

Does using 19mm high performance glass make enough difference? What about using a system with frames to use double glazing? Sure it's not frameless but it'll make life a lot easier. What about a combination of different glazing systems from south to north? Or as noted before reduce the glazed area. Rather than full height drop the height down to reduce the area. I'd still change designers though because if this hasn't been considered until now what other hidden 'land mines' are there around to trip you up and lighten your wallet even further. A new (good) designer will go through the plans and assess what needs amending. Designing is complicated and complex and needs a lot of thought, planning and forward thinking.