Expert Building Design in Glenorie

Glenorie is a peaceful, semi-rural suburb nestled on the northwestern edge of Hornsby Shire. Known for its expansive acreage properties, village charm, and bushland surrounds, Glenorie attracts families and downsizers looking for space, lifestyle, and a slower pace just outside Sydney.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Glenorie. Whether you’re planning a new home on a lifestyle block, upgrading a farmhouse, or adding a secondary dwelling, our designs are tailored to the rural zoning, slope, bushfire overlays, and environmental planning rules unique to Glenorie.

We proudly work across Glenorie and all of Hornsby Shire—delivering practical, council-compliant designs that balance natural surroundings with modern living.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Glenorie?

  • Acreage Design Experts: We specialize in rural homes with wide setbacks, long driveways, and open outlooks

  • Bushfire & Slope Management: We coordinate BAL assessments and geotechnical reports where needed

  • Full DA Support: All documentation prepared in line with RU2 zoning and Hornsby Council standards

  • Natural Style Integration: Designs that enhance your site while preserving natural features

  • Start-to-Finish Project Support: We guide you through design, documentation, and approvals

Our Glenorie building design projects reflect the land—open, well-balanced, and built to last.

The Hornsby Shire Council Requirements for Building in Glenorie

  • General Setbacks:

    • Front: 15–25m | Side/Rear: 5–10m or more, depending on block width and zoning

  • Floor Space Ratio (FSR):

    • Usually 10% site coverage in RU2 or E4 zones

  • Average Block Size:

    • 5,000 sqm to 2 hectares or more, often bush-adjacent or undulating

  • Zoning:

    • RU2 Rural Landscape and E4 Environmental Living

  • Local Considerations:

    • BAL ratings (BAL 12.5 to BAL-FZ), tree preservation, slope constraints, and on-site wastewater requirements

Building in Glenorie 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 Glenorie Project?

Most Glenorie builds go through the Development Application (DA) process due to rural zoning and environmental constraints.

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Best for custom homes, large blocks, or bushfire-prone sites

  • Lodged with Hornsby Shire Council

  • Involves coordination with bushfire consultants, septic designers, and sometimes arborists

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Limited in Glenorie

  • May apply for minor structures on fully compliant sites with no overlays

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

 

FAQs About Building Design in Glenorie

  • A mix of traditional, farmhouse, modern rural, and bush-inspired styles. We’ll work with your preferences and site features.

  • Yes—with enough land and the right access, Glenorie is great for secondary dwellings. We handle the feasibility checks and design process.

  • 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 Glenorie

We design homes, second dwellings, sheds, extensions, and full acreage developments—each crafted to suit Glenorie’s unique rural character.

From modest extensions to striking new builds, our Glenorie 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

Take a look at how we’ve helped rural landowners bring their ideas to life—from sprawling homesteads to compact country cottages.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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From wide open blocks to hillside havens, our Glenorie building design services turn rural vision into reality.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Glenorie?

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 Glenorie?

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.