I had 3 female joeys and two bedrooms which led to constant 2 -v- 1 situations so nights were generally a game of musical beds. There was always one child who needed time out or was given time out. When we added the extra bedroom, the serenity was bliss. They could still share when they wanted but it was all up to them, it was not forced on them so relationships definitely improved after that. I think the age of the children and the age difference is a very important aspect. Younger children are more than happy to share for the security and comfort when the lights go out. Older children need their space and privacy especially for study. Children after puberty can get extremely sensitive about their bodies and need privacy more than ever in this adjustment period. You cannot expect to put say an 8 year old with a 3 year old - by 8 kids are usually developing attachments to "special" keepsakes, something 3 year olds don't understand and this can cause a lot of resentment when things get broken or trashed. Pre children I always felt them sharing bedrooms would lead to wonderful relationships, the children would learn to share, care and appreciate each other. Now I'm older and wiser, separate bedrooms is sanity for everyone.

What about enclosing the connections. I remember seeing a house design inspired by lanterns that I thought of when seeing yours. They had these stairs and verandahs enclosed with translucent polycarbonate sheeting. at night it would all glow like a lantern. the black and white reminds me of Japanese or Korean homes... so I thought of the lantern/shoji screen look. You could use heavy black stained framing timbers for framing like an L shape coming ip from the balcony and over to connect to the bedroom roof. then attach the polycarbonate inside so the black framing 'bones' are visible. it wouldn't be entirely enclosed, but would protect from wind and rain. it would become an interesting transition space with the right pot plants etc inside.

Hi Mark, Just saw your requirements and proposed site a few moments ago, seems to be a great site, congratulation on your purchase, seems to be a glorious block, and your approach in obtaining information before you build or doing any documentation will pay off in the long run. Generally, the item that takes the most time is the design – what the house looks like, the position of the house orientation and deployment of rooms, and appropriate choice of materials. This is the greatest investment of time and money, after you have a design that you are happy with you may approach the documentation in different ways. The design is generally generated by 3 principal steps – (some of the information you have already provided) Site constraints - especially orientation, existing structures to be retained, views, etc. The slope on a 5-acre property is very important for – flooding, drainage – both stormwater and blackwater (sewage) if a septic tank has to be provided so this should be done by Land Surveyor or yourself if you can use a level appropriately Water collection for a dam position – especially if it has to be for potable water. Soil type - for building location to have a good bearing. Weather – for roof design – (You have terrific temperature variation - Hight 29 summer and 11 min winter) other issues would be prevailing wind direction, and maximum rainfall as this may impact on the design of the roof and drainage direction and storage or dissipation. And other Site constraints like – native and/or feral animals and pests, etc. and how you are going to use the five acres - Kitchen Gardens, chickens animals, pets and which rooms will have views and which rooms must have views and which views, etc. I would consider siting would be one of the most important decisions in this design proposal, probably site all other activities first and the house last. Brief – number of rooms like bedrooms bathroom etc (Some information you have already provided) You mentioned issues with your knees, thus the number of steps in and out of the house would need to be minimal (if any) so drainage to avoid flooding would be an issue as the floor level may be close to the ground if using a slab. to Your requirements for a family of four – they might have outdoor activities and pets that may impact the design internally and external areas. Special interest – like cooking, storage of food f you are a long distance from town, etc Budget (Some information you have already provided –(500) Will this included site works like the dam and other specialized areas. Will this include the cost of driveways. Will the project go to tender or will it be subcontracted or self build. Is there power (solar power), water, and gas on the site – are they required, and do they impact the budget. Then there is the process of initial design and revisions, followed by Town Planning Permit if required, and Working Drawings Documents for a Building Permit which is always required. As you may be well aware this is a long process, and taking your time with it will pay dividends – you do not want to wake up day and say – “if only I took more time” or “was not so stingy in obtaining advice” I would not be in this pickle. If you take your time and purchase adequate advice and things go wrong at the very least you cannot blame yourself and that in my opinion is a great relief. Just drawing multiple plans without a structured process can prove difficult and non-rewarding especially in the long run. If you feel that I can be a benefit to your project please send me an email so that we may continue the conversation and get to a design proposal. I would like to work on your project and have worked successfully on similar projects before. If you require further information or have any concerns about the included information, contact me as soon as possible. Regards Michael Manias MANIAS ASSOCIATES BUILDING DESIGNERS P: (03) 9347 7347 M: +61 0417 567123 W: https://www.houzz.com.au/pro/maniasassociates/__public e: mm407p@gmail.com

having changed hands three times in five years suggests that there are more problems with the house/location than the floorplan and a block subdivided from a larger block is likely to be surrounded by close neighbours that would restrict passive solar design option so my suggestions include two bathrooms, open plan kitchen and living room with separate family room and, subject to front setbacks and local regulations, an entry porch, carport and landscaping to screen western sun and suitable skylight locations, insulation and reverse cycle AC could help brighten and temp control (and based on available dimensions of the other rooms the original dining room should be about 5m not 4m long)