Expert Building Design in Middle Dural

Middle Dural is a picturesque semi-rural suburb nestled between Kenthurst and Dural, known for its large acreages, leafy outlooks, and premium lifestyle properties. Loved by families, retirees, and professionals seeking space and privacy, it blends country living with proximity to Castle Hill, Glenorie, and the greater Hills District.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Middle Dural—offering bespoke homes, rural lifestyle properties, dual occupancies, and modern upgrades. Whether you're creating a forever home or renovating a classic rural residence, we bring your vision to life with designs tailored to the landscape and council requirements.

DMR Designs proudly serves Middle Dural and surrounding suburbs with functional, high-end, and regulation-ready designs. We also take on select projects within a 2 to 4 hour travel radius from the Middle Dural area.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Middle Dural?

  • Tailored for Acreage Blocks: We specialize in designs that maximize outdoor space, views, and natural surroundings.

  • Experienced in RU Zoning: Skilled at navigating Hills Shire Council’s rural land rules, including bushfire and environmental overlays.

  • Elegant, Practical Layouts: We design homes that balance open-plan living with functionality and privacy.

  • End-to-End Project Handling: From concept planning to council approval, we manage everything in-house.

  • Smart Renovation Solutions: Great for transforming older homes or extending rural properties with minimal disruption.

Our Middle Dural building design projects reflect the area’s natural beauty, lifestyle needs, and planning requirements.

The Hills Shire Council Requirements for Building in Middle Dural

  • General Setbacks:

    • Front: 15m–20m | Side: 5m–10m depending on lot size and slope

  • Floor Space Ratio (FSR):

    • Typically 0.1:1 for RU1/RU4 zoning

  • Average Block Size:

    • Ranges from 4,000 sqm to over 2 hectares, often with established trees or slope

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily RU1 Primary Production and RU4 Rural Small Holdings

  • Local Considerations:

    • Bushfire risk, slope sensitivity, and vegetation management are key—specialist reports may be required

Building in Middle Dural must meet The Hills Shire Council’s setback and block coverage rules to preserve the area's rural charm and environmental value.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the The Hills Shire Council website.

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

Most Middle Dural properties require a DA due to rural zoning and environmental overlays, but a CDC may be suitable in some R2 pockets.

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


DA (Development Application):

  • Best for homes on RU1/RU4 land or projects with site-specific challenges

  • Lodged with The Hills Shire Council

  • Allows flexibility for custom rural designs

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Limited use in Middle Dural, but suitable for compliant builds on select R2 land

  • Quicker approval through a private certifier

  • Must meet strict bushfire and planning guidelines


We’ll help determine the right approval method once we review your block and goals.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Middle Dural

  • Yes—most works require a DA due to zoning and bushfire overlays.

  • Approximately 8–12 weeks from design to submission, depending on reports and project complexity.

  • Absolutely. We design dual living setups, pool houses, and full extensions for rural blocks.

  • No—we also design homes in Dural, Glenorie, Kenthurst, and surrounding areas. We're also available for select projects up to 4 hours away from The Hill 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?

Whether it’s a new build or a rural renovation, we’ll help you design with confidence in Middle Dural.

Our Building Design Services in Middle Dural

We design homes, extensions, pool houses, studios, and rural dual occupancies that align with council rules and lifestyle needs. Whether you’re modernizing an older build or creating something new, we guide you every step of the way.

Thoughtful design, tailored to your land.

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 recent work on rural homes, upgrades, and lifestyle properties throughout the Hills District.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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From spacious family homes to country-style upgrades, our Middle Dural building design services are ready for your next project.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Middle Dural?

Let’s create a space that works for your

land, your family, and your lifestyle.

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 Middle Dural?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across The Hills Shire Council area. From Baulkham Hills and Kellyville to Norwest and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—wherever you call home.