Expert Building Design in Galston

Galston is a leafy, semi-rural suburb in Hornsby Shire, offering a peaceful lifestyle surrounded by nature, orchards, and parklands. With spacious blocks, a strong sense of community, and proximity to schools and shops, Galston is a popular choice for growing families, downsizers seeking tranquility, and those wanting to build a modern rural escape.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Galston. From expansive new builds to practical extensions and secondary dwellings, our team creates tailored designs that meet council regulations while making the most of Galston’s generous blocks and relaxed atmosphere.

We proudly work across Galston and all of Hornsby Shire—delivering functional, stylish, and council-compliant designs for every lifestyle.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Galston?

  • Rural & Suburban Design Experience: We work on lifestyle blocks, sloped land, and larger lots with ease

  • BAL & Bushland Expertise: Full coordination of bushfire assessments and design integration

  • DA-Ready Plans: We prepare compliant designs based on RU2 or E4 zoning in Galston

  • Aesthetic Flexibility: From rural charm to modern edge, we adapt to your preferred style

  • End-to-End Service: We manage the design process, coordination, and DA submission from start to finish

Our Galston building design projects emphasize balance—between form and function, nature and lifestyle, vision and compliance.

The Hornsby Shire Council Requirements for Building in Galston

  • General Setbacks:

    • Front: 15–25m | Side/Rear: 5–10m depending on property size and zoning

  • Floor Space Ratio (FSR):

    • Typically limited to 10–13% site coverage for rural or environmental zones

  • Average Block Size:

    • 2,000–10,000 sqm+, with a mix of flat and gently sloping sites

  • Zoning:

    • RU2 Rural Landscape, E4 Environmental Living

  • Local Considerations:

    • BAL zones (commonly BAL 12.5 to BAL 29), tree protection, on-site stormwater and wastewater systems, slope constraints

Building in Galston 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 Galston Project?

Most Galston builds require a Development Application (DA) due to zoning and rural overlays.

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for most homes, second dwellings, large extensions

  • Lodged with Hornsby Shire Council

  • Requires bushfire, arborist, and drainage assessments if needed

  • More flexibility with design based on property context

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • May be suitable for simple structures like sheds or compliant additions

  • Not ideal for full builds due to common zoning limitations

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

 

FAQs About Building Design in Galston

  • Absolutely. We tailor plans for both flat and challenging blocks to work with natural contours.

  • Yes—zoning and lot size will determine what’s allowed. We’ll check for eligibility and design to fit.

  • 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 Galston

We offer tailored solutions for new homes, large-scale renovations, lifestyle upgrades, and dual-occupancy projects—made to fit Galston’s relaxed rural-suburban charm.

From modest extensions to striking new builds, our Galston 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 brought rural-suburban dreams to life across Hornsby Shire.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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From spacious family estates to elevated rural retreats, our Galston building design services support your vision from start to finish.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Galston?

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 Galston?

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.