I have seen several times on HGTV where they have put down a type of ceramic tile over concrete paths and walks outside. I don't know if it falls apart as soon as the camera crew packs up or not. Below is a link to an article from the Chicago Tribune where they talk about using tile outside. - Brent Here is a link that might be useful: Tile can have its day in the sun (or rain)

If what you planted is _Plumbago auriculata_, it is not cold hardy in USDA Plant Zones lower than Zone 9. It may be marginally hardy if heavily mulched in Zone 8b. Plumbago, or Cape Leadwort, needs to be treated as a tender, frost-sensitive plant in regions with significant frosts and freezes. You can probably find replacement plants at the big box retailers this spring, and plumbago can be ordered from Logee's Tropical Plants in Danielson, CT.

The Simonton 5050 is their low end replacement window. I would suggest looking at the 5500 series or the Prism Platinum (same window)depending on what's available in your area. Both have lower air infiltration numbers than the 5050. The Tapestry isn't as well built nor is it as aestetically pleasing as the Simonton 5500 IMO. Simonton is also the industry leader in terms of warranty sevice. Using trim coil to wrap the wood isn't going to affect the energy efficiency, nor will it cause problems with air infiltration if installed properly. The purpose of capping with trim coil is to reduce maintenence primarily by eliminating the need to paint. Don't get so invested in finding the right window that you ignore the skills of the installer. The best window on the market will not perform as intended unless it's installed correctly. Many of the problems we see are caused by a poor quality install or a poorly designed and/or engineered window.

I certainly would want a load calculation performed. Insist on it. Get it in writing. And you set the design temps in and out for both heating and cooling. I would think an 80 K high eff furnace would be fine especially with a zoned system. And if your budget allows, I would go with complete Carrier Infinity/Bryant Evolution with their high end modulating furnace and matching zoning controls. IMO