Expert Building Design in Mount Colah

Mount Colah is a family-friendly suburb nestled between bushland reserves and convenient transport links. With easy access to the M1, local train station, reputable schools, and recreational spaces, Mount Colah blends suburban comfort with natural charm. The area’s mix of sloping blocks, elevated views, and leafy streets makes it a prime spot for both new builds and modern renovations.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Mount Colah—offering tailored designs that take full advantage of elevation, privacy, and bushland surrounds. Whether you're building a brand-new family home, upgrading a classic red brick residence, or designing for a tricky slope, we create solutions that align with Hornsby Shire Council requirements and your lifestyle.

DMR Designs proudly services Mount Colah and the full Hornsby Shire Council region. We also take on select residential projects up to 4 hours from the local area.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Mount Colah?

  • Designed for Elevated Living: We tailor designs for steep or sloping sites to maximize sunlight, privacy, and views.

  • Bushland-Adjacent Expertise: We manage BAL compliance, stormwater drainage, and tree protection requirements common in Mount Colah.

  • Custom Layouts for Growing Families: Our designs reflect the needs of modern family life—spacious, open, and functional.

  • End-to-End Support: From the first site visit to final submission, we coordinate every step.

  • Familiar with Local Character & Streetscapes: We respect Mount Colah’s evolving suburban identity while optimizing your block’s full potential.to spacious, modern residences suited to today’s lifestyles.

Our Mount Colah building design projects reflect thoughtful design, council compliance, and natural integration.

The Hornsby Shire Council Requirements for Building in Mount Colah

  • General Setbacks:

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

  • Floor Space Ratio (FSR):

    • Typically 0.4:1 in R2 Low Density zones

  • Average Block Size:

    • Ranges from 600–1,000+ sqm, often with slope or irregular shape

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily R2 Low Density Residential with bushland buffers nearby

  • Local Considerations:

    • Many blocks are bushfire-prone or impacted by vegetation overlays. Slope, drainage, and site access need careful assessment during design.

Building in Mount Colah 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 Mount Colah Project?

Whether you're planning a new home or an extension, we'll guide you to the best approval pathway for your property.

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Often required due to slope, vegetation, or bushfire zones

  • Suitable for unique, site-specific designs

  • Lodged with Hornsby Shire Council

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Possible for standard single dwellings and minor extensions

  • Must comply with all planning and building controls

  • Assessed by a private certifier

We’ll evaluate your lot conditions and guide you toward the fastest, most appropriate pathway.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Mount Colah

  • Absolutely—our designs work with the land to create beautiful, functional outcomes that handle slope, drainage, and orientation.

  • Typically 6–10 weeks, depending on project complexity and council or certifier response time.

  • Some parts are BAL-affected due to proximity to bushland. We’ll coordinate your BAL report and integrate fire-safe 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 bring your Mount Colah property vision to life—from planning to council approval.

Our Building Design Services in Mount Colah

We design custom homes, extensions, split-level dwellings, and rebuilds that suit Mount Colah’s topography and council regulations.

From sloped sites to elevated outlooks, our Mount Colah building design services deliver practical, inspired spaces—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 homeowners in Mount Colah and nearby suburbs build functional, stylish homes that work with the land—not against it.

Portfolio

⇨

Home Designs

⇨

Explore how we’ve helped homeowners in Mount Colah and nearby suburbs build functional, stylish homes that work with the land—not against it.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Mount Colah?

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 Mount Colah?

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.