Expert Building Design in Glenhaven

Glenhaven is a serene, family-friendly suburb on the edge of Hornsby Shire, known for its generous blocks, peaceful bushland surroundings, and upscale homes. With its mix of residential and semi-rural zoning, Glenhaven attracts homeowners looking for space, privacy, and long-term value in a leafy setting.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Glenhaven. From brand-new family homes to stylish extensions and dual-occupancy designs, our team delivers personalized solutions that align with Glenhaven’s zoning rules, bushfire planning controls, and aesthetic character.

We proudly serve Glenhaven and all of Hornsby Shire—bringing creative, compliant, and efficient design solutions to every project, no matter the size or scope.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Glenhaven?

  • Custom Designs for Lifestyle Blocks: We tailor every design to maximize views, light, and land use

  • Bushfire Zone Experience: Full BAL assessment coordination and bushfire-responsive design

  • Compliance with Hornsby Shire Regulations: DA-ready documentation for RU2 and E4 zones

  • Family-Friendly Focus: We create functional, future-proof homes suited to Glenhaven living

  • Complete Project Support: From initial consult to DA lodgement—we handle it all

Our Glenhaven building design projects blend comfort, character, and council compliance—delivering smooth approvals and stylish results.

The Hornsby Shire Council Requirements for Building in Glenhaven

  • General Setbacks:

    • Front: 9m–15m | Side/Rear: 3–10m depending on zone and lot size

  • Floor Space Ratio (FSR):

    • Typically 0.3:1 in residential zones, and up to 10% site coverage for rural-zoned land

  • Average Block Size:

    • 800 sqm – 5,000 sqm, with a mix of R2 Low Density and RU2 Rural Landscape zoning

  • Zoning:

    • R2, RU2, and E4 in fringe areas

  • Local Considerations:

    • Bushfire overlays (BAL 12.5 to BAL 29), tree preservation, drainage management, and occasional slope challenges

Building in Glenhaven 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 Glenhaven Project?

Both DA and CDC pathways can apply in Glenhaven, depending on property location and project type.

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Ideal for complex, custom designs or builds on sloped or bushfire-prone sites

  • Required in RU2 or environmentally zoned areas

  • Lodged with Hornsby Shire Council and often requires bushfire and drainage assessments

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for simple projects on compliant R2-zoned land

  • Faster turnaround when meeting planning controls

  • Approved by private certifier

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

 

FAQs About Building Design in Glenhaven

  • In some cases—depending on zoning and lot size. We assess each site and guide you through the possibilities

  • Absolutely. We specialize in layouts that support flexibility and long-term family needs.

  • 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 Glenhaven

We create custom homes, extensions, dual occupancies, secondary dwellings, and lifestyle upgrades—all tailored to the unique zoning and block sizes found in Glenhaven.

From modest extensions to striking new builds, our Glenhaven 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 Glenhaven and Hornsby Shire clients turn their vision into fully approved, build-ready projects.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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From timeless family homes to contemporary upgrades, our Glenhaven building design services deliver results with confidence.ort your vision from start to finish.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Glenhaven?

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 Glenhaven?

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.