Thank you so much for your kind words, everyone. Houzz never ceases to delight, I am so glad I began this renovation even though it was an incredibly stressful journey at the time!! Here are a few more pics taken over the last 2 years.

The structure to the viewer's left is the alfresco area with the main house attatched to the right. Hopefully this gives you a sense of the space internally. The french doors to the viewer's right lead onto the alfresco area. Ideally, I would like to convert the existing front living into a bedroom, with an enterance hallway leading to the open concept living (current kitchen/dining in photo) with large new kitchen/dining in alfresco. It would require removing the current wall with french doors etc....so engineering of this will be needed. And finally, this is the view into the space from the back yard. The timber structure to the viewer's right, is the existing main living/retreat area. Hopefully, this helps!

Hi Mel, yes we have successfully used other products to give a formply look, whilst achieving increased durability and sustainability with the solution provided. Any material used for interior joinery needs to suit the purpose. Plywoods come in different grades and not all are suitable for interior joinery and furniture; that is why some people complain they have used ply and it has bellied or bowed. If the plywood fits the purpose, the outcome can be gorgeous and durable.

Thanks for the suggestions. I knew the brains trust would offer good options. Blue board looks interesting. I need whatever I use to be at least 15mm thick so that there aren't any toehold edges between the lattice and the surround frame. Yes we thought of painting the fence and perhaps contrast bamboo in front. Mini orb I don't think would work because the corrugations leave gaps between it and the lattice.