Same wood as the wall, with triple coat of varnish to prevent problems. Around the faucet, a solid piece of material, perhaps a solid porcelain tile drilled for the taps. Keep it very simple.

An all weather outdoor shower is easily done by locating the mixing valve inside the house and use a coupling shaft to locate the handle on the outside. You must use a standard tub type lower faucet (with the pull up to activate the shower) to allow the system to drain out when the shower is done. You also have to make sure everything slopes in direction of the water flow. We live in Bancroft Ontario so winters are well below freezing and we have been showering outside for 3 winters. Only issue we have is the shower head will freeze so we typically remove it after a shower or shower without it on when really cold. The system has worked well and it helps that nothing special needs to be done by anyone. no inside valves to close etc. Just turn off tap and everything drains.

Wow, that was awesome Mark, thanks for that and everyone else. I thought about the desk facing the other way actually, to avoid feeling enclosed I do have really great views there so I thought about a small couch and maybe a bookshelf on the back, but having the dining table in front is probably not the best either.... complicated :( Here are a couple more pics, today was a beautiful day so I managed to get more of the views

Actually, just reread a bunch of the tile places and they all say not to use in shower. Bummer - that's out. However would still love ideas on what to do around it and if anyone can think of a way to update the acrylic walls? Or maybe it won't be as bad with new fixtures/shower curtain in better lighting... fingers crossed... just trying to get ideas together.