Expert Building Design in Haberfield

Haberfield is a prestigious Inner West suburb celebrated for its heritage garden suburb character, wide tree-lined streets, and Federation-era homes. Known as the “Garden Suburb,” it offers a peaceful, family-friendly lifestyle with excellent parks, schools, and a strong community atmosphere.

DMR Designs creates building solutions in Haberfield that respect its heritage significance while ensuring compliance with Inner West Council planning controls.

We proudly design in Haberfield with a focus on elegance, functionality, and heritage sensitivity.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Haberfield?

  • Heritage-Sensitive Designs: Respectful renovations and extensions that maintain Federation character.

  • Family-Focused Layouts: Spacious and liveable designs perfect for growing families.

  • Council Expertise: Skilled in managing strict Inner West heritage and planning rules.

  • Energy Efficiency: Modern sustainable features integrated within heritage-style homes.

  • Tailored Solutions: Homes designed to suit multi-generational and professional living.

Our Haberfield designs balance classic charm with modern convenience.

Inner West Council Requirements for Building in Haberfield

 

  • Zoning types

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • R3 Medium Density Residential (limited pockets)

  • Setbacks

    • Front setbacks align with established streetscape patterns

    • Side and rear setbacks vary based on lot size and dwelling type

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Federation homes: 450m² – 800m²

    • Duplex/townhouse sites: 300m² – 500m²

  • Key constraints

    • Entire suburb is within a heritage conservation area

    • Strict guidelines on façade, roof forms, and materials

    • Tree preservation and landscaped front gardens are mandatory

  • Utilities available

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

Building in Haberfield requires designs that protect heritage integrity while accommodating modern lifestyles.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the Inner West Council website.

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

Whether it’s a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), we’ll guide you in finding the fastest and most compliant approval pathway—anywhere in New South Wales.

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for almost all works, as Haberfield is a designated heritage conservation area.

  • Applies to renovations, extensions, and new builds to ensure compatibility with heritage guidelines.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Limited in Haberfield due to heritage controls.

  • May apply for minor internal works or alterations not impacting heritage features.

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 Haberfield

  • Haberfield was designed with wide streets, gardens, and Federation homes, setting it apart as Australia’s first planned garden suburb.

  • Any façade changes require council approval, as the suburb is fully covered by heritage controls.

  • Heritage Federation or sympathetic contemporary designs that complement the suburb’s unique streetscape.

  • While we know the Inner West area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Inner West Council area, including Newtown, Marrickville, Leichhardt, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Inner West 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 terrace renovations to specialized compliance plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Inner West project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Haberfield

We deliver heritage-conscious designs for renovations, extensions, and new homes that meet Inner West Council’s strict guidelines.
From concept to approval, we ensure every project respects Haberfield’s heritage while adding modern functionality.

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 our Haberfield portfolio to see how we merge timeless heritage with contemporary living.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in Haberfield requires expert knowledge of heritage rules—and we have the experience to guide you.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Haberfield?

We’re here to help you take the next step, whether you’re

starting fresh or upgrading your INNER WEST 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 Haberfield?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Inner West Council area. From Newtown and Marrickville to Leichhardt and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.