Expert Building Design in Kirribilli

Kirribilli is an iconic harbourside suburb on Sydney’s lower north shore, renowned for its spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Characterised by a mix of historic terrace homes, heritage cottages, and contemporary apartments, it offers a unique blend of prestige living and vibrant village charm. Kirribilli is highly sought-after for its proximity to the CBD, ferry access, boutique shops, and excellent schools.

DMR Designs provides tailored building solutions in Kirribilli that reflect the suburb’s prestige and heritage character while ensuring compliance with North Sydney Council planning regulations.

We proudly serve Kirribilli with designs that combine architectural sophistication, functionality, and environmental sensitivity.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Kirribilli?

  • Harbourside Luxury Layouts: Homes designed to maximise views, natural light, and indoor-outdoor flow.

  • Heritage Integration: Designs that respect Kirribilli’s historic terraces and waterfront character.

  • Council Compliance Expertise: Skilled in navigating North Sydney Council heritage, zoning, and planning controls.

  • Sustainable Practices: Energy-efficient features and environmentally sensitive building methods.

  • Tailored Solutions: Custom designs suitable for families, professionals, and multi-generational households.

Our Kirribilli designs deliver a harmonious balance of style, practicality, and council compliance, ensuring homes that truly fit the suburb’s unique character.

North of Sydney Council Requirements for Building in Kirribilli

 

  • Zoning types

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • R3 Medium Density Residential

  • Setbacks

    • Front setbacks typically 4–6 m

    • Side and rear setbacks vary by dwelling type, lot size, and heritage overlay requirements

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Detached homes: 300–700 m²

    • Townhouse/duplex sites: 400–850 m²

  • Key constraints

    • Heritage overlays and conservation area restrictions

    • Height controls to preserve harbour views and streetscape

    • Tree preservation and landscaping requirements

  • Utilities available

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

Building in Kirribilli demands designs that honour its historic charm while meeting modern functionality and council regulations.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the North of Sydney Council website.

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

Denistone projects may follow either a Development Application (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC) process depending on site factors and project scale.

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for heritage-listed properties, multi-dwelling developments, or projects outside CDC compliance.

  • Necessary for alterations affecting views, streetscape, or heritage elements.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for single dwellings, duplexes, and extensions that comply with zoning, setbacks, and heritage requirements.

  • Allows faster approval for straightforward, compliant projects.

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 Cremorne

  • Yes—works must meet council heritage controls and typically require a DA.

  • Yes—height limits preserve harbour views and maintain streetscape character.

  • Only if zoning, setbacks, and heritage requirements are satisfied.

  • While we know the North Sydney area well, we also work across many suburbs within the North Sydney Council area, including Crows Nest, Kirribilli, Neutral Bay, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the North Sydney 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 modern urban designs to specialized compliance plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your North Sydney project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Kirribilli

We specialise in creating luxury homes, duplexes, and townhouses that respect Kirribilli’s heritage and harbourfront character.
From concept design to council approval, we ensure every project is compliant, functional, and visually striking.

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 Kirribilli portfolio showcasing homes that maximise harbourside living, blending elegance with practicality.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in Kirribilli requires expert planning and design—and we provide precisely that.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Kirribilli?

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

starting fresh or upgrading YOUR NORTH SYDNEY 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 Kirribilli?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire North Sydney Council area. From Crows Nest and Kirribilli to Neutral Bay and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.