Expert Building Design in Castle Hill

Castle Hill’s northeastern pocket, falling under Hornsby Shire Council, offers leafy streets, elevated blocks, and a quieter slice of suburban life—set apart from the busier retail hub of The Hills. With easy access to Pennant Hills Road, nearby schools, and lush green corridors, this part of Castle Hill is ideal for families, downsizers, and nature-loving homeowners seeking calm and connection.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Castle Hill (Hornsby)—creating thoughtful, council-compliant homes that suit the area’s terrain, planning overlays, and lifestyle needs. Whether you’re rebuilding a 1970s family home or designing a modern residence from the ground up, our team brings deep local knowledge and a clear, step-by-step approach.

DMR Designs proudly serves the Castle Hill precinct within Hornsby Shire and surrounding suburbs. We also take on select residential and multi-residential projects up to 4 hours from the Hornsby Council area.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Castle Hill?

  • Built for Larger Lots & Privacy: We maximize space, sunlight, and privacy—perfect for Castle Hill’s wider blocks.

  • Experienced With Bushfire Zoning: We assess and design for BAL ratings common to homes near bushland corridors.

  • Compliance With Hornsby Shire’s Standards: We ensure setbacks, tree preservation, and zoning align with current planning policies.

  • Ideal for Renovations or Rebuilds: Many properties in this area are due for modernizing—we make it seamless.

  • Full Service from Day One: From concept to approval, we coordinate all reports, consultants, and documentation.

Our Castle Hill building design projects balance timeless appeal with local requirements—built right the first time.

The Hornsby Shire Council Requirements for Building in Castle Hill

  • General Setbacks:

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

  • Floor Space Ratio (FSR):

    • Typically up to 0.4:1 in R2 zones

  • Average Block Size:

    • 700–1,000 sqm lots, often with mature trees and natural slope

  • Zoning:

    • R2 Low Density Residential with some E3 Environmental areas near bushland reserves

  • Local Considerations:

    • Many sites are BAL-rated or fall under vegetation protection controls. Larger lots may be subject to tree retention and stormwater planning.

Building in Castle Hill 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 Castle Hill Project?

While some straightforward projects may qualify for CDC, bushfire zoning and slope often require a DA.

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for most rebuilds, knockdowns, or bushfire-prone properties

  • Reviewed by Hornsby Shire Council

  • Allows flexibility with design, consultant input, and larger builds

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Possible on flatter, cleared lots with no environmental sensitivity

  • Approved faster by a private certifier

  • Must meet strict development controls

We’ll assess your site and recommend the best approval strategy for speed and success.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Castle Hill

  • Most likely—especially if your block is bushfire-prone or near protected trees. We’ll confirm what applies.

  • Design to submission typically takes 6–10 weeks depending on complexity.

  • Yes—we’re well-versed in fire-rated design and sloped site planning.

  • 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 Castle Hill

We specialize in custom homes, renovations, sloping block solutions, duplexes, and modern rebuilds suited to Castle Hill’s unique land sizes and council conditions. Whether it's a family upgrade or a fresh start, we’ll help you make it happen—smoothly and compliantly.

From simple extensions to grand custom homes, our Castle Hill (Hornsby) 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 Castle Hill homeowners—on both sides of the boundary—build beautiful, compliant homes that elevate lifestyle and value.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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From smart extensions to modern rebuilds, our Castle Hill building design services are tailored for your block—stress free.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Castle Hill?

We’re here to help you take the next step—whether you’re planning a modern family home or transforming a classic dwelling with a fresh new design.

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 Castle Hill?

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.