Expert Building Design in Allambie Heights

Allambie Heights sits high above the Northern Beaches, offering a mix of bushland serenity and sweeping coastal views. With sloping blocks, mid-century homes, and proximity to both bush and beach, it’s an ideal suburb for families wanting space and lifestyle. Building here means working with landform, trees, and views—all while navigating Northern Beaches Council’s planning regulations.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Allambie Heights. Whether you're planning a contemporary extension, a full knockdown-rebuild, or a home that captures ocean glimpses, we create tailored solutions to suit the land and lifestyle.

We proudly serve Allambie Heights with council-smart, view-friendly building designs that elevate family living and long-term value.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Allambie Heights?

  • Designed for Slopes & Views: Homes that maximize elevation without overbuilding

  • Mid-Century Home Upgrades: Transform existing brick homes into modern open-plan living

  • Outdoor Living Focus: Decks, balconies, and garden studios with bush or ocean outlooks

  • Full Council Compliance: We manage DA or CDC approval and all supporting reports

  • Optimized for Family Life: Smart layouts, storage, and multi-functional zones

Our Allambie Heights building designs blend Northern Beaches lifestyle with functional beauty and planning ease.

Northern Beaches Council Requirements for Building in Allambie Heights

 

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily R2 Low Density Residential with bushfire-prone areas and environmental zones closer to Manly Dam Reserve

  • Setbacks:

    • Front: Usually 6–8m, depending on street context

    • Side: 900mm–1.5m depending on height

    • Rear: Varies by lot depth and slope

  • Typical Lot Sizes:

    • 600–1,000 sqm; many feature slope, ocean views, or native vegetation

  • Key Constraints:

    • BAL-12.5 to BAL-29 in bush-adjacent areas

    • Tree preservation and view-sharing principles may apply

    • Stormwater management plans often required for steeper blocks

    • Height restrictions and view corridors enforced in some locations

  • Utilities:

    • All standard services available—water, sewer, electricity, and NBN

Building in Allambie Heights requires careful consideration of zoning overlays, bushfire ratings, and environmental planning policies.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the Northern Beaches Council website.

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Allambie Heights Project?

Topography and vegetation often call for a DA, but CDC may be possible on compliant blocks. Most residential developments fall under either a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC).

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you understand the difference:

DA (Development Application):

  • Best for sloped blocks, additions, and bushfire-affected lots

  • We manage all required reports and coordinate directly with council

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Ideal for straightforward renovations or rebuilds on eligible lots

  • We assess and fast-track approvals when conditions allow

Need help figuring out which route suits your site? We’ll assess your block and walk you through your options.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Allambie Heights

  • Yes—many homes in Allambie Heights benefit from an upper level. We assess view corridors and height restrictions to design within council limits.

  • Split-level layouts, terraced gardens, and lower-ground living areas work well. We design for flow, function, and minimal excavation.

  • Yes—subject to zoning and access. We design self-contained studios that fit within planning rules and block shape.

  • Not at all! While we love working in spots like Avalon, Narrabeen, and Dee Why, we also take on projects across the North Shore, Ku-ring-gai, and even further out. We’re open to select builds up to 4 hours from the Northern Beaches Council area.

  • Cost depends on the scope of your project. We’ll walk you through pricing during your discovery call so you know exactly what to expect.

Ready to take the next step?

From custom home designs to council-ready plans, we’re here to guide your project every step of the way. Let’s bring your vision to life — reach out today.

Our Building Design Services in Allambie Heights

We offer custom designs for sloping sites, view-focused homes, modern renovations, secondary dwellings, and more—all tailored to Northern Beaches conditions.

From site analysis to council approval, our Allambie Heights building design services give you confidence and clarity from day one.

What to Expect: Our Building Design Timeline

A step-by-step look at how we take your project from concept to council approval and beyond.

Every project starts with a discovery call and ends with council-approved, build-ready plans.

Here’s how we make it easy from start to finish:

Step 1 - Discovery Call

  • Let’s chat! We’ll have a quick call to understand your project and see how we can help.

Step 2 -Site Visit & Consultation (5–7 days)

  • We’ll meet at your site (or virtually), take a closer look, and discuss your vision in detail.

Step 3 - Fee Proposal (2 days)

  • You’ll get a clear, no-surprises proposal with the scope, timeline, and costs.

Step 4 - Concept Design (4 weeks)

  • We’ll create initial design ideas and layouts tailored just for you.

Step 5 - Design Development & Expert Coordination (2 weeks)

  • We’ll fine-tune the design and collaborate with any needed specialists (engineer, energy consultant, town planner, geo tech engineer, bushfire, heritage consultant, etc).

Step 6 - Final Adjustments (1 week)

  • We’ll polish everything and prepare the final drawings for submission.

Step 7 - Submission for Approval

  • We handle the council or certifier submission, so you’re ready for the next steps.

Want the full breakdown?

View our detailed process here.

From Plans to Reality: See How It All Comes Together

Explore our work across Sydney’s hilltop and bushland suburbs—smart, stylish designs created for slope, sun, and lifestyle.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Our Allambie Heights building design services deliver high-performing homes that work beautifully with their environment.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Allambie Heights?

We’re here to help you take the next step! whetheR It’s

a new chapter or a fresh upgrade

We’d love to hear what you have in mind. Book a discovery call or send us a message, and we’ll be in touch within 48 hours.

Not based in Allambie Heights?

DMR Designs proudly serves the entire Northern Beaches—from Palm Beach and Avalon to Dee Why and Manly. Wherever you're building, we bring the same precision, creativity, and local know-how to every design.