Expert Building Design in Barangaroo

Barangaroo is one of Sydney’s most dynamic precincts, known for its luxury apartments, waterfront commercial towers, and world-class dining and entertainment. This modern harbourfront suburb combines premium residential living with a vibrant business and leisure hub. Its appeal lies in its proximity to the CBD, sweeping harbour views, and cutting-edge urban design.

At DMR Designs, we provide tailored building solutions in Barangaroo that reflect its high-density, contemporary character. Our designs focus on maximising views, enhancing liveability in compact spaces, and delivering sleek finishes in line with City of Sydney Council planning requirements.

We proudly deliver building designs in Barangaroo that embrace innovation, sustainability, and lifestyle. Each project is designed to meet the expectations of modern city living while complying with council standards.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Barangaroo?

  • Urban Efficiency: Smart layouts for apartments and compact dwellings.

  • Sustainable Practices: Green building features suited to Barangaroo’s eco-conscious vision.

  • Coastal Integration: Designs that maximise light, ventilation, and harbour views.

  • Compliance Expertise: Expert navigation of City of Sydney Council CBD planning controls.

  • Adaptable Spaces: Flexible solutions for professionals, executives, and urban families.

Our Barangaroo designs deliver premium urban living experiences that reflect the suburb’s cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Sydney Council Requirements for Building in Barangaroo

 

  • Zoning types:

    • B4 Mixed Use

    • B8 Metropolitan Centre

    Setbacks:

    • Front setbacks vary depending on tower placement and podium design

    • Side and rear setbacks guided by height and view corridors

    Typical lot sizes:

    • Apartment developments: High-rise, no traditional detached lots

    • Mixed-use podiums: Variable, subject to urban block planning

    Key constraints:

    • Strict height and floor-space ratio (FSR) controls

    • Design excellence requirements for large-scale projects

    • Solar access and wind impact guidelines for high-rise development

    Utilities available:

    • Fully serviced with water, sewer, electricity, gas, and NBN

Designing in Barangaroo requires forward-thinking solutions that balance sustainability, amenity, and compliance with City of Sydney Council CBD standards.

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

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

Whether it’s a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), we’ll guide you in finding the fastest and most compliant approval pathway—anywhere in New South Wales.

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for most new developments, given scale and design excellence requirements.

  • Necessary for mixed-use or high-rise projects, and any proposal varying from standard controls.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Rarely applicable in Barangaroo due to its CBD location and scale of developments.

  • Limited to minor internal works or fit-outs within existing buildings.

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 Barangaroo

  • Barangaroo is dominated by luxury apartments in high-rise towers, many with harbour views and premium amenities.

  • Yes, the area has strict CBD planning controls, including design excellence standards and guidelines for height, solar access, and wind impacts.

  • Absolutely. We specialise in reconfiguring layouts, maximising views, and upgrading finishes to suit modern urban lifestyles.

  • While we know the Sydney area well, we also work across many suburbs within the City of Sydney, including Redfern, Surry Hills, Ultimo, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the City of Sydney 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 inner-city terrace renovations to modern apartment designs, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Sydney project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Barangaroo

We provide customised building design in Barangaroo for apartment renovations, luxury fit-outs, and mixed-use developments. Our expertise ensures designs that enhance liveability while respecting council requirements for this high-profile precinct.

From interior reconfigurations to large-scale urban design, our services combine functionality, luxury, and compliance.

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

Our Barangaroo projects highlight how innovative design can transform urban living. From reimagined apartments to mixed-use podiums, our work reflects the suburb’s modern, waterfront identity.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in Barangaroo requires precision, creativity, and compliance—qualities DMR Designs brings to every project.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Barangaroo?

We’re here to help you take the next step, whether you’re

starting fresh or upgrading your Sydney home.

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 Barangaroo?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire City of Sydney. From Redfern and Surry Hills to Ultimo and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.