Expert Building Design in Foleys Hill

Foleys Hill is a leafy ridgeline suburb offering expansive bushland views and a peaceful, low-density lifestyle. With larger blocks, elevated positions, and close proximity to beaches and Narrabeen Lagoon, it attracts homeowners seeking privacy without sacrificing convenience. Its topography and environmental overlays mean that thoughtful, site-specific building design is essential.

DMR Designs creates homes in Foleys Hill that embrace the surrounding nature, manage slopes effectively, and comply with Northern Beaches Council’s planning controls.

We proudly serve Foleys Hill with thoughtful, regulation-aligned designs that balance bushland living, practical function, and long-term value.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Foleys Hill?

  • Bushland Integration: Designs that connect seamlessly with natural surroundings

  • Slope-Responsive Architecture: Tailored for ridgeline and gradient conditions

  • Privacy-Focused Layouts: Strategic orientation to maximise seclusion and views

  • Compliance Expertise: Skilled in navigating environmental and bushfire regulations

  • Sustainable Choices: Use of eco-friendly materials and passive design principles

Our Foleys Hill building designs are practical, elegant, and crafted to elevate your lifestyle while respecting the suburb’s natural serenity.

Northern Beaches Council Requirements for Building in Foleys Hill

 

  • Zoning types

    • Primarily R2 Low Density Residential with environmental protection overlays

  • Setbacks

    • Front: generally 6–8 m

    • Side: 0.9–1.5 m depending on wall height

    • Rear: typically 3–6 m, adjusted for slope and lot shape

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Around 700–1,200 sqm, often irregular shapes due to ridgeline location

  • Key constraints

    • Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) ratings affecting design and materials

    • Tree preservation and vegetation management requirements

    • Driveway gradients needing safe, compliant access

    • Stormwater management for sloping sites

  • Utilities available

    • Fully serviced with water, sewer, power, gas, and NBN

Building in Foleys Hill requires careful attention to bushfire safety, vegetation protection, and slope-management standards under Northern Beaches Council regulations.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the Northern Beaches Council website.

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Foleys Hill Project?

Due to bushfire and environmental overlays, most Foleys Hill projects require a Development Application (DA). However, some smaller, compliant renovations may qualify for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC). Whether it’s a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish.

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for new builds or significant renovations in BAL-rated or environmentally sensitive zones

  • Involves bushfire reports, environmental assessments, and council review

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Limited eligibility due to overlays, but possible for small-scale compliant works

  • Faster processing when criteria are met

Need help figuring out which route suits your site? We’ll assess your block and walk you through your options.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Foleys Hill

  • Only with council approval—tree preservation is strictly enforced.

  • Yes—BAL ratings dictate specific cladding, glazing, and roof requirements.

  • We use split-level designs, retaining solutions, and careful drainage planning.

  • Not at all! While we love working in spots like Avalon, Narrabeen, and Dee Why, we also take on projects across the North Shore, Ku-ring-gai, and even further out. We’re open to select builds up to 4 hours from the Northern Beaches 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?

From custom home designs to council-ready plans, we’re here to guide your project every step of the way. Let’s bring your vision to life — reach out today.

Our Building Design Services in Foleys Hill

We craft sustainable family homes, renovations, additions, and multi-generational residences with precision and purpose—fully prepared for construction and council approval.

From concept to completion, our Foleys Hill building design services deliver style, compliance, and enduring value.

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

View our Foleys Hill portfolio to see how we combine premium architecture with the unique challenges of a ridgeline location.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Our Foleys Hill building designs are created to harmonise with the landscape and support tranquil, long-term living.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Foleys Hill?

We’re here to help you take the next step! whetheR It’s

a new chapter or a fresh upgrade

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 Foleys Hill?

DMR Designs proudly serves the entire Northern Beaches—from Palm Beach and Avalon to Dee Why and Manly. Wherever you're building, we bring the same precision, creativity, and local know-how to every design.