Expert Building Design in Middle Dural

Middle Dural is a leafy, semi-rural suburb in the southern end of Hornsby Shire, known for its large lifestyle blocks, orchards, and peaceful surrounds. With a mix of older homesteads, acreage retreats, and boutique nurseries, Middle Dural offers a unique opportunity for homeowners looking to build in harmony with nature while still staying close to major centers like Castle Hill and Dural Village.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Middle Dural. We understand the local planning rules, zoning overlays, and environmental protections that apply to these larger rural lots. Whether you're starting a new build, adding a second dwelling, or upgrading an existing residence, our team ensures your project meets all council and site-specific requirements.

We proudly work across Middle Dural and the full Hornsby Shire—delivering custom designs that are council-compliant, stylish, and perfectly suited to acreage living.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Middle Dural?

  • Custom Designs for Acreage Living: Homes that reflect Middle Dural’s open space, gardens, and relaxed lifestyle

  • Rural & Environmental Compliance: We work with RU2 and E4 zoning, bushfire overlays, and landscape controls

  • Seamless Project Coordination: From initial concepts to final council submission

  • Heritage & Tree Preservation Knowledge: Essential for lots with older buildings or established vegetation

  • Flexible Design Approach: Whether you're after a rural estate or a low-impact second dwelling

Our Middle Dural building design projects are thoughtfully tailored to protect natural features and maximize lifestyle potential.

The Hornsby Shire Council Requirements for Building in Middle Dural

  • General Setbacks:

    • Front: 15–25m | Side/Rear: 5–10m or more based on block width

  • Floor Space Ratio (FSR):

    • Up to 10% site coverage for RU2 and E4 zones

  • Average Block Size:

    • 2,000 sqm to 5+ hectares, typically semi-rural

  • Zoning:

    • RU2 Rural Landscape, E4 Environmental Living

  • Local Considerations:

    • Bushfire-prone land, slope management, mature tree protection, and septic system requirements

Building in Middle Dural 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 Middle Dural Project?

Due to rural zoning and overlays, most projects in Middle Dural follow the Development Application (DA) process.

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Ideal for custom homes, dual occupancies, and major extensions

  • Lodged with Hornsby Shire Council

  • Requires supporting reports for bushfire, wastewater, slope, and trees

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • May apply to smaller additions or structures, depending on zoning and constraints

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

 

FAQs About Building Design in Middle Dural

  • Absolutely. We specialize in blending architecture with the landscape using natural materials, low-impact layouts, and flexible designs.

  • Yes—depending on lot size, zoning, and service access. We assess your site and provide a design strategy.

  • 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 Middle Dural

We design acreage homes, second dwellings, renovations, and environmentally responsive homes—perfect for Middle Dural's rural lifestyle.

From modest extensions to striking new builds, our Middle Dural 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

Explore how we’ve brought elegant rural homes and low-impact extensions to life across Hornsby Shire.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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From classic acreage homes to modern rural upgrades, our Middle Dural building design services are shaped by lifestyle and land.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Middle Dural?

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 Middle Dural?

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.