Expert Building Design in Berowra

Berowra offers a peaceful lifestyle surrounded by nature, bushwalking trails, and community charm—all just an hour from the Sydney CBD. With its elevated homes, native bushland backdrop, and strong local character, Berowra is perfect for families, retirees, and anyone seeking space, privacy, and fresh air without sacrificing access to major amenities via the Pacific Highway and Berowra Station.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Berowra—offering custom home designs, bushfire-compliant builds, and thoughtful renovations tailored to the area’s natural landscape and Hornsby Shire Council regulations. Whether you’re starting a new build or updating a family home, we design for lifestyle, compliance, and long-term value.

DMR Designs proudly serves Berowra and surrounding areas across the Hornsby Shire with thoughtful, code-compliant, and beautifully livable designs. We also take on select projects within a 2 to 4 hour travel radius from the Hornsby Shire Council area.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Berowra?

  • Designed for Bushland Living: We plan homes that maximize views, breezes, and bushland privacy.

  • Bushfire & Environmental Compliance: Our team is experienced in meeting BAL ratings and site-specific overlays.

  • Local Block Knowledge: Many Berowra sites are sloped or irregular—we design with the land in mind.

  • Full Project Coordination: From concept through submission, we handle the entire process.

  • Renovation & Rebuild Specialists: Ideal for older Berowra homes ready for modern upgrades or knockdown-rebuild solutions.

Our Berowra building design projects balance natural beauty with smart, sustainable planning—so your home fits its environment and your lifestyle.

The Hornsby Shire Council Requirements for Building in Berowra

  • General Setbacks:

    • Front: 6m | Side: 900mm–1.5m depending on height and lot size

  • Floor Space Ratio (FSR):

    • Up to 0.4:1 in most residential zones

  • Average Block Size:

    • 600–1,200 sqm, with many sites bordering bushland or sloping terrain

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily R2 Low Density Residential, with E3 Environmental Management near bushland zones

  • Local Considerations:

    • Most sites in Berowra are bushfire-prone and require BAL assessments. Environmental and tree protections are common.

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

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the The Hornsby Shire Council website.

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

Berowra’s bushfire zoning and environmental constraints often require a DA, but some lower-risk projects may be eligible for CDC.

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Ideal for sloped blocks, BAL-rated sites, or large renovations

  • Reviewed by Hornsby Shire Council

  • Required for most projects near bushland or with vegetation impact

  • May involve bushfire consultants and environmental specialists

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for straightforward work on non-bushfire-affected, flat lots

  • Faster approval by a private certifier

  • Subject to strict zoning and environmental compliance

We’ll help assess your site and guide you to the most efficient and compliant approval path.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Berowra

  • Yes—especially in bushfire-prone or environmentally sensitive areas. We’ll confirm if your project qualifies for CDC or requires a DA.

  • Typically 6–10 weeks, depending on project complexity and council or certifier response time.

  • Absolutely. We work with bushfire consultants and engineers to create safe, buildable, compliant plans.

  • Not at all—we also work across the entire Hornsby region, including Mount Colah, Hornsby, and Waitara. We're also available for select projects up to 4 hours away from The Hornsby Shire 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?

We’re here to help you take the next step—whether you’re planning a brand-new build or modernizing a classic home.

Our Building Design Services in Berowra

We create bespoke designs for new homes, sloped blocks, dual occupancies, bushfire-rated dwellings, and modern extensions. Whether you’re building on untouched land or renovating an established home, we ensure your design is ready for approval—and for everyday life.

From compact cottages to spacious family sanctuaries, we deliver smart design tailored to Berowra’s unique conditions.

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 how we’ve helped other homeowners in Berowra and nearby suburbs. From designing modern homes on sloping bushland blocks to creating compliant, fire-safe family sanctuaries, our work speaks for itself.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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From sloped block rebuilds to modern bushland homes, our Berowra building design services turn your goals into reality—stress free.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Berowra?

We’re here to help you take the next step—whether you’re planning a brand-new build or modernizing a long-time family home in the bush.

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 Berowra?

DMR Designs proudly services the entire Hornsby Shire Council area—from the riverside homes of Brooklyn and Berowra Waters to the leafy streets of Beecroft, Wahroonga, and Westleigh. Wherever you're building across the Shire, we bring the same expert process and personalized design approach to every project.