Expert Building Design in Berowra Waters

Berowra Waters is one of Sydney’s most unique residential pockets—accessible by water or winding bush roads and surrounded by pristine national park. Known for its serene waterfront living, private jetties, and weekend getaways turned permanent homes, it’s a haven for those looking to escape city life while staying connected to the North Shore and Hornsby.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Berowra Waters—crafting homes that meet the area’s steep terrain, bushfire zoning, and environmental sensitivity. Whether you’re planning a modern waterfront home or renovating a hillside hideaway, we design for lifestyle, views, and full Hornsby Shire compliance.

DMR Designs proudly services Berowra Waters and surrounding riverside and bushland suburbs within the Hornsby Shire. We also take on select waterfront and remote projects up to a 4-hour travel radius from the Hornsby Council area.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Berowra Waters?

  • Designed for Waterfront & Hillside Living: We create homes that work with the terrain and make the most of river views.

  • Remote & BAL-Compliant Builds: We’re experienced in high-risk bushfire zones, including BAL-FZ sites.

  • Environmental Sensitivity: We navigate planning controls for foreshore, slope stability, and vegetation management.

  • Custom Access Solutions: From barge-only deliveries to limited road access, we plan ahead.

  • End-to-End Project Guidance: From concept to approval, we manage the process so your build goes smoothly.

Our Berowra Waters building design projects embrace the natural environment while delivering high-performance homes suited to remote, elevated, and bushland settings.

The Hornsby Shire Council Requirements for Building in Berowra Waters

  • General Setbacks:

    • Site-specific based on access, slope, and water proximity—often varied and discretionary

  • Floor Space Ratio (FSR):

    • Typically under 0.3:1 due to environmental zoning and topography

  • Average Block Size:

    • 600–1,000+ sqm, often irregular, steep, or with water frontage

  • Zoning:

    • Combination of E3 Environmental Management, R2 Low Density Residential, and foreshore-specific controls

  • Local Considerations:

    • Most properties are BAL-rated, subject to bushfire attack levels, limited access conditions, and environmental overlays. Arborist reports, bushfire assessments, and geotechnical input are typically required.

Building in Berowra Waters 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 Waters Project?

Due to the area’s bushfire zoning, slope, and access issues, most projects require a Development Application (DA). CDC may not be an option for waterfront or high-BAL sites.

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for most builds in Berowra Waters

  • Assessed by Hornsby Shire Council

  • Allows for design flexibility and necessary reports (BAL, geotech, etc.)

  • Longer timeline but critical for bush and foreshore compliance

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Rarely applicable in this area

  • Only possible on cleared, flat, low-BAL sites with clear access

  • Subject to strict planning and environmental rules

We’ll determine the correct pathway based on your property’s location, zoning, and design needs.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Berowra Waters

  • Yes—almost all projects require a DA due to bushfire and environmental regulations.

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

  • Definitely. We’ve worked on barge-only and steep-access sites before—we plan for transport, delivery, and build feasibility.

  • 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 Waters

We specialize in waterfront homes, sloping block solutions, off-grid and remote site planning, compliant renovations, and complete rebuilds. Every project is designed for your lifestyle and surroundings, ensuring safety, comfort, and council compliance.

From floating decks to hillside retreats, our Berowra Waters building design services help you live fully in one of NSW’s most iconic natural settings—without the stress.

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

We’ve helped Berowra Waters homeowners turn steep, remote, and waterfront lots into beautiful, liveable homes. Explore our work to see what’s possible.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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From off-grid hideaways to luxury riverfront homes, our Berowra Waters building design services are tailored for peace of mind—no matter the terrain.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Berowra Waters?

We’re here to help you take the next step—whether you’re planning a custom waterfront home or updating a hillside retreat.

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 Waters?

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.