Expert Building Design in Hornsby Heights

Hornsby Heights offers leafy serenity, elevated bushland views, and a tight-knit community just minutes north of Hornsby’s CBD. Surrounded by Berowra Valley National Park, the suburb features steep blocks, cul-de-sac streets, and homes that embrace nature and privacy. It’s ideal for families looking for a quieter pace of life while staying close to transport, schools, and amenities.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Hornsby Heights—helping homeowners navigate steep terrain, bushfire zones, and environmental overlays common throughout the area. Whether you’re planning a split-level home, updating a 1980s build, or extending with outdoor living in mind, we tailor your design to both the landscape and the lifestyle.

DMR Designs proudly serves Hornsby Heights and the full Hornsby Shire Council area. We also take on select rural and bushland projects up to 4 hours away.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Hornsby Heights?

  • Designed for Steep Blocks & Views: We optimize layouts for slope, natural light, and treetop vistas.

  • BAL-Compliant Designs: Bushfire readiness is non-negotiable in Hornsby Heights—we’ll handle every detail.

  • Integrated Outdoor Living: We design alfresco, balcony, and multi-level spaces that suit the terrain.

  • Efficient Planning Navigation: From arborist reports to slope stability, we coordinate all requirements.

  • Custom & Practical Layouts: Perfect for modern families, work-from-home setups, and long-term livability.

Our Hornsby Heights building design projects are built around elevation, bushland character, and council compliance.

The Hornsby Shire Council Requirements for Building in Hornsby Heights

  • General Setbacks:

    • Front: 6–9m | Side: 900mm–1.5m depending on height and block width

  • Floor Space Ratio (FSR):

    • Typically 0.4:1 in R2 zones; adjusted for slope constraints

  • Average Block Size:

    • 600–1,000+ sqm; most lots are sloped and tree-lined

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily R2 Low Density Residential

  • Local Considerations:

    • Most sites require bushfire (BAL) assessments and careful stormwater design. Slope stability and access also influence design decisions.

Building in Hornsby Heights 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 Hornsby Heights Project?

Due to bushfire zoning and slope, most projects in Hornsby Heights require a Development Application (DA).

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for most new builds and major alterations

  • Allows flexibility with split-level and site-responsive designs

  • Includes assessment of BAL ratings, slope, and vegetation

  • Lodged with Hornsby Shire Council

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Only possible for straightforward internal or minor works on compliant lots

  • Assessed by a private certifier

  • Limited use in bushfire-prone and sloped areas

We’ll determine the best path based on your land’s constraints and your design goals.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Hornsby Heights

  • Absolutely. We specialize in maximizing slope sites with smart layouts that balance access, privacy, and views.

  • Design to submission typically takes 8–12 weeks depending on approvals and site complexity.

  • Yes—most of Hornsby Heights falls within a bushfire-prone area. We organize BAL reports and integrate requirements into the design.

  • 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 Hornsby Heights

We design custom homes, rebuilds, split-level dwellings, granny flats, decks, and additions that make the most of Hornsby Heights’ stunning bushland setting.

From multi-level extensions to brand-new builds, our Hornsby Heights building design services bring your ideas to life—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 families in Hornsby Heights create homes that connect with nature, handle bushfire zones, and take full advantage of the landscape.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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From split-level designs to nature-friendly rebuilds, our Hornsby Heights building design services are designed for the land you love—without the stress.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Hornsby Heights?

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 Hornsby Heights?

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.