Expert Building Design in Brooklyn

Brooklyn is one of Sydney’s most distinctive suburbs—nestled along the Hawkesbury River and known for its relaxed, coastal lifestyle. With its marina culture, heritage homes, and tight-knit riverside community, Brooklyn attracts both long-time locals and sea-change seekers. Whether accessible by road or boat, the suburb offers a one-of-a-kind lifestyle with natural beauty, fresh air, and privacy at its core.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Brooklyn—creating compliant, well-considered homes that suit the terrain, riverfront constraints, and Hornsby Shire environmental guidelines. From contemporary river houses to updating older fibro cottages, our designs are tailored to the location, lifestyle, and council zoning.

DMR Designs proudly services Brooklyn and surrounding waterside towns across the Hornsby Shire. We also take on remote and barge-accessible projects within a 2 to 4 hour travel radius from the Hornsby Shire Council area.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Brooklyn?

  • Riverfront-Ready Designs: We maximize water views, privacy, and solar access—while navigating flood and foreshore controls.

  • Access-Aware Planning: Whether it’s barge-only, sloped terrain, or limited street access, we design for buildability.

  • Environmental Compliance Experts: We understand E3 zoning, tree preservation rules, and building in BAL-rated zones.

  • Heritage & Character Area Knowledge: We sensitively handle renovations and additions near conservation zones.

  • Full Coordination & Compliance: From concept to DA, we manage consultants, reports, and council requirements.

Our Brooklyn building design projects balance riverfront elegance with structural practicality and council compliance.

The Hornsby Shire Council Requirements for Building in Brooklyn

  • General Setbacks:

    • Varies by location, especially near foreshore land; council discretion applies

  • Floor Space Ratio (FSR):

    • Generally limited to 0.3:1–0.4:1 due to environmental and flooding overlays

  • Average Block Size:

    • Ranges from 450–1,000+ sqm, often irregular and sloping

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily E3 Environmental Management and R2 Low Density Residential; foreshore zones carry specific controls

  • Local Considerations:

    • Flood-prone land, bushfire risks, slope, limited access, and protected vegetation are all common factors in Brooklyn. Foreshore Building Lines (FBL), BAL ratings, and geotech reports are often required.

Building in Brooklyn 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 Brooklyn Project?

Due to the combination of slope, access limitations, and waterfront controls, most Brooklyn projects will require a Development Application (DA).

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Assessed by Hornsby Shire Council

  • Required for builds near the foreshore, sloped land, or bushfire-affected sites

  • Allows for flexibility in design and consultant input (BAL, flood, arborist, etc.)

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Rarely used in Brooklyn

  • Possible only on cleared, flat, accessible sites with no environmental constraints

  • Approved by private certifier if applicable

We’ll assess your land and guide you toward the best and most efficient approval route.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Brooklyn

  • Yes—due to flood, bushfire, and environmental zoning, most projects need a DA.

  • Most projects in Brooklyn take 10–14 weeks from design to submission due to consultant requirements.

  • Absolutely—we’ve designed homes with challenging access and ensure your build is practical from day one.

  • 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 Brooklyn

We design for the unique lifestyle and terrain of Brooklyn—whether it’s a new waterfront home, a renovation of a classic riverside cottage, or a DA-ready upgrade to an existing dwelling. Each design is built for comfort, compliance, and the laid-back Hawkesbury lifestyle.

From tight lots to riverside rebuilds, our Brooklyn building design services make complex sites feel simple—start to finish.

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 Brooklyn homeowners transform riverside blocks into compliant, beautiful homes that feel as good as they look. Take a look at what’s possible when design meets experience.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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From elevated decks to private waterfront escapes, our Brooklyn building design services bring form and function together—stress free.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Brooklyn?

We’re here to help you take the next step—whether you’re planning a custom riverfront build or refreshing an older hillside property.

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 Brooklyn?

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.