philjames, I'm in the exact same position right now. I have to make the decision tomorrow. I love all the light we get into our house right now and a tinted glass pergola cover may destroy that. On the other hand, i don't want an outdoor space that's too hot to use in the summer. What did you end up choosing? Would you make the same choice again?

We are also building in Christchurch :) So also had to look at these kind of requirements for sun, but we had a much smaller section to work with (800sqm). If cost is OK ideally a 2 story would get light into more of the rooms. You also saod the street frontage is 35m but the plans say currently the width of the house is only 15m, so you could run more of the house along the frontage to get it aligned with North. Its a big section are you setting it very far back from the street? Or are you worried about privacy? Is there a view Northwards, otherwise if you can set back from the street and add hedging or plantings to increase privacy I would try and align as much of the living space to get the North and west sun. Depending on what your roof is like you could also add a clerestory to get light towards the back - we are using skylights as well for our back hall and bathrooms to make sure they get as much natural light as possible.

Hi All, I am new to this forum & this is my first home in a month. I am planning to renovate the kitchen after moved in. Please let me know your ideas & expertise how much it cost & what kind of design suits this. (i am on a strict budget), possible DYI(except plumbing & electrical) & if any modification in structure(like if we removing the patio & removing that small piece of wall dividing kitchen) do we need council approvals? please share your thoughts. Main concerns are > Fridge location is not connected to the kitchen > Fridge & laundry in the same room & in the backside entrance. > There is a wall between the kitchen & fridge. > there is a Gap in the Kitchen > cupboard is not fitting when look. Expectation: The fridge & dishwasher should be in the kitchen. Re-alter or install new cabinets required.(L or U share) Is the island is possible? if so will the budget go high. Material for top either stone without resin. Tiles on the wall

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