Expert Building Design in Berowra Heights

Perched above Berowra Valley National Park, Berowra Heights is a peaceful, elevated suburb known for its bushland beauty, community feel, and family-friendly lifestyle. With local shopping at Berowra Village, quality schools, and easy access to the Pacific Highway and train station, it’s a hidden gem for those seeking space, privacy, and natural surrounds.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Berowra Heights—crafting custom homes, upgrades, and extensions that embrace the landscape and meet Hornsby Shire Council regulations. Whether you're planning a knockdown rebuild or reworking a family home, our team ensures each design feels at home in Berowra Heights.

DMR Designs proudly services Berowra Heights and surrounding areas across Hornsby Shire with designs that are compliant, functional, and inspired by the natural setting. 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 Heights?

  • Tailored to Elevated Bushland Living: We design homes that take advantage of views and work with challenging gradients.

  • Bushfire Compliance Experts: Berowra Heights falls within BAL-rated zones—we’re experienced in designing for fire-prone land.

  • Full-Service Coordination: From design to approval, we manage your project every step of the way.

  • Perfect for Renovations & Rebuilds: Ideal for homeowners modernizing 1970s–1990s builds or planning new dwellings on large lots.

  • Local Site Understanding: We know how to navigate the terrain, setbacks, and vegetation controls unique to this suburb.

Our Berowra Heights building design projects combine bushfire-safe planning with elevated style, comfort, and compliance.

The Hornsby Shire Council Requirements for Building in Berowra Heights

  • General Setbacks:

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

  • Floor Space Ratio (FSR):

    • Generally up to 0.4:1 for R2 zoned properties

  • Average Block Size:

    • 700–1,000 sqm, often sloped or surrounded by vegetation

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily R2 Low Density Residential, with many lots located near E3 Environmental zones

  • Local Considerations:

    • Most sites in Berowra Heights are bushfire-prone and require BAL assessments. Council also enforces strict tree and slope management regulations.

Building in Berowra Heights 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 Heights Project?

Many Berowra Heights sites require a DA due to bushfire constraints, though some projects on cleared or flat land may qualify for CDC.

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Suitable for complex sites, sloped terrain, and bushfire-prone properties

  • Assessed by Hornsby Shire Council

  • May require bushfire consultant reports, geotechnical input, or arborist assessments

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Possible on cleared, low-risk blocks

  • Fast approval by a private certifier

  • Must strictly meet planning rules—no environmental sensitivity or major slope

We’ll assess your block and advise the best route based on your goals and location.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Berowra Heights

  • Yes—especially due to bushfire zoning. We’ll help determine whether a DA or CDC applies to your project.

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

  • Absolutely. We’ve designed for BAL-FZ zones and can ensure your home is safe and compliant.

  • 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 Heights

From new builds to bushfire-compliant extensions, we provide tailored design services for families, downsizers, and rebuilds alike. Whether it’s your first home or a generational upgrade, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

From functional renovations to custom hillside homes, our Berowra Heights building design services are built for long-term living—done right and stress free.

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 homeowners in Berowra Heights and beyond design safe, modern homes in complex environments. Our collaborative approach ensures no detail is missed.

Portfolio

⇨

Home Designs

⇨

From BAL-rated rebuilds to nature-inspired retreats, our Berowra Heights building design services deliver practical elegance—stress free.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Berowra Heights?

We’re here to help you take the next step—whether you’re planning a brand-new build or modernizing a hillside family 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 Berowra Heights?

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.