We had Clearview Vista 80X fitted on a 4m glazed gable which did reduce heat gain, but was expensive.
https://www.sun-x.co.uk/window-film/clearview-solar-film
Yes it was the PHPP 2007 version I used for the initial calculations, £135 from the AECB IIRC. I later updated it to the 2010 version which had data for compact units, such as the Genvex Combi, that I installed. All old hat now, I guess.
There are examples of thin gabion walls on the Fine Mesh Metals site. They are called zenturo panels.
https://www.gabionbaskets.co.uk/gabion/gabion-fencing-system
That's right. We had an EPC A and when we sold our place we had people bidding against each other for it and we got significantly above the asking price. We were told it was because there weren't PH on the market.
I had a similar situation and used concrete posts and concrete patterned gravel boards, but it was only 10m long. I have another area about the same length where I am using UBs and oak sleepers.
I have lived in a large number of different houses and I agree that a traditional wet plaster finish feels best. If you can find a good plasterer who can do a good job with a bonding coat and a finishing coat then go for it. Finding a decent old school plasterer who can do it though might be difficult.
For a soakaway, have you come across the idea of crates with 'bio filter media' in them to further reduce the toxicity of the effluent. IIRC it was something that I discussed with my supplier many years ago.