Expert Building Design in Dural
Dural, located in the semi-rural fringes of Hornsby Shire, offers a blend of acreage lifestyle, leafy residential pockets, and a strong sense of community. Known for its spacious blocks, quality schools, and connection to nature, Dural attracts families, retirees, and those looking to escape the density of inner Sydney without sacrificing convenience.
At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Dural. From expansive new builds to stylish modern extensions, we tailor our designs to fit the large block sizes, environmental sensitivities, and lifestyle aspirations unique to this part of the Shire.
We proudly service all of Dural and the greater Hornsby area—delivering practical, compliant, and custom designs with rural charm and modern flair.
Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Dural?
Acreage & Lifestyle Expertise: Designs made for space, light, and outdoor living on large semi-rural blocks
Environmental Sensitivity: We account for slope, trees, drainage, and bushfire risks in every plan
Council-Ready Designs: Full compliance with Hornsby Shire development controls for rural-residential zones
Modern + Country Fusion: Blending contemporary interiors with rural character
Start-to-Finish Support: From concept to council submission, we manage it all
Our Dural building design projects combine functionality, style, and seamless approval—without compromise.
The Hornsby Shire Council Requirements for Building in Dural
General Setbacks:
Front: 15–25m | Side/Rear: 5–10m depending on zone
Floor Space Ratio (FSR):
Often capped at 10–13% site coverage for rural zones
Average Block Size:
2,000–20,000 sqm, commonly zoned for environmental or rural living
Zoning:
RU2 Rural Landscape, E4 Environmental Living
Local Considerations:
BAL ratings (BAL 12.5–FZ), onsite wastewater requirements, tree preservation, and slope constraints
Building in Dural 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 Dural Project?
Most builds in Dural require a Development Application (DA) due to zoning and environmental conditions.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you understand the difference:
DA (Development Application):
Required for new homes, major renovations, and rural-style second dwellings
Lodged through Hornsby Shire Council
Requires bushfire and site assessments
Allows flexibility in layout and orientation
CDC (Complying Development Certificate):
May apply to sheds, small additions, or compliant structures
Rarely suitable for primary dwellings on rural or constrained land
We’ll evaluate your site and guide you to the most fitting approval pathway.
FAQs About Building Design in Dural
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Yes, in many cases. We’ll assess the site’s zoning, services, and access to determine what’s allowed.
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Absolutely. We modernize older properties while keeping character and meeting council regulations.
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Most projects move from concept to submission in 6–10 weeks, depending on complexity.
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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.
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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 Dural
We design new rural homes, duplexes, secondary dwellings, sheds, large-scale extensions, and lifestyle upgrades—each tailored to the spacious blocks and zoning in Dural.
From modest extensions to striking new builds, our Dural 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?
From Plans to Reality: See How It All Comes Together
Explore how we’ve helped Dural families create beautiful, functional homes with a rural edge
Portfolio
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Home Designs
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From luxury acreage homes to low-impact upgrades, our Dural building design services offer clarity, comfort, and confidence.
Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Dural?
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 Dural?
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.