Expert Building Design in Berrilee

Berrilee is one of Hornsby Shire’s most peaceful and secluded suburbs—known for its large acreages, natural bushland, and sweeping views across Berowra Creek and the Hawkesbury River region. Popular with nature lovers, retirees, and families seeking off-grid or semi-rural living, Berrilee offers privacy, tranquility, and connection to the natural landscape.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Berrilee. Whether you're building a new homestead, renovating an existing rural home, or adding a secondary dwelling, we tailor our designs to suit large blocks, steep terrain, and sensitive bushfire-prone environments.

We proudly serve all of Berrilee and the greater Hornsby Shire—bringing expert rural design and council-ready plans to every property.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Berrilee?

  • Acreage & Rural Design Specialists: Designs that suit natural terrain, privacy, and sustainable rural living

  • BAL-Compliant Designs: Full bushfire coordination for high BAL zones and flame zone properties

  • Council-Ready Plans: All projects align with Hornsby’s strict rural and environmental planning controls

  • Sensitive Site Planning: We consider slope, drainage, soil stability, and vegetation in every concept

  • End-to-End Support: From pre-design to submission, we handle DA coordination, bushfire consultants, and more

Our Berrilee building design projects reflect the area’s quiet strength—blending lifestyle, nature, and council compliance.

The Hornsby Shire Council Requirements for Building in Berrilee

  • General Setbacks:

    • Front: 15–25m | Side/Rear: 5–10m or more depending on slope and zoning

  • Floor Space Ratio (FSR):

    • Varies by zone—typically max site coverage is 10–13%

  • Average Block Size:

    • 2 to 10 hectares—often heavily vegetated or sloping

  • Zoning:

    • RU2 Rural Landscape, E3/E4 Environmental Management and Living

  • Local Considerations:

    • BAL 29–FZ ratings are common; native vegetation, slope stability, and runoff management are required for most projects.

Building in Berrilee 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 Berrilee Project?

Most Arcadia builds must go through the DA pathway due to zoning and environmental controls.

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for most new homes and major extensions

  • Allows for bushfire planning, tree impact assessment, and slope-responsive design

  • Lodged through Hornsby Shire Council

  • Involves coordination with bushfire consultants and possibly engineers

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Rarely suitable, but may apply for certain minor works

  • Assessed by a private certifier

  • Very limited use in rural areas like Berrilee

We’ll evaluate your site and guide you to the most fitting approval pathway.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Berrilee

  • Yes—with the right materials, clearances, and approvals. We coordinate your BAL assessments and work with bushfire consultants to ensure compliance.

  • Often yes, subject to land size and zoning. We create secondary dwellings that enhance rural lifestyle without overdeveloping the site.

  • Most projects move from concept to submission in 6–10 weeks, depending on complexity.

  • 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 Berrilee

We design custom rural homes, lifestyle retreats, secondary dwellings, outdoor structures, sheds, and renovations—each tailored for rural zoning and BAL compliance.

From off-grid escapes to contemporary rural living, our Berrilee building design services help your ideas become reality—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 acreage property owners in Berrilee and beyond turn vision into council-approved, build-ready homes.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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From private retreats to lifestyle upgrades, our Berrilee building design services deliver quality outcomes without the stress.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Berrilee?

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

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.