Expert Building Design in North Turramurra

North Turramurra is a peaceful, bushland-fringed suburb offering generous lots, elevated views, and a relaxed lifestyle. With many properties backing onto Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, bushfire planning and environmental sensitivity are essential when designing homes in this area.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in North Turramurra. Whether you’re planning a new home on a sloping block or adding a studio overlooking the treetops, we’ll deliver a solution that’s functional, compliant, and built for local conditions.

We proudly serve North Turramurra with thoughtful home designs that embrace the land while meeting Ku-ring-gai Council requirements.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in North Turramurra?

  • Designs for Bushland Living: Homes that maximize views and natural ventilation

  • BAL-Compliant Solutions: Full bushfire assessment and design to suit BAL ratings

  • Smart Use of Sloping Blocks: Split-level and raised-floor designs to suit the terrain

  • Council-Aware Strategy: Submissions tailored to Ku-ring-gai Council’s strict planning rules

  • Tailored for Lifestyle: From peaceful retreats to family-sized homes—we design for how you live

Our North Turramurra building designs combine creativity, compliance, and comfort.

Ku-ring-gai Council Requirements for Building in North Turramurra

 

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily R2 Low Density Residential, with significant areas near E3 Environmental Management and adjacent to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

  • Setbacks:

    • Front: Typically 6–9m depending on the streetscape

    • Sides: 900mm–1.5m depending on wall height

    • Rear: Subject to slope, bushfire risk, and adjoining land use

  • Typical Lot Sizes:

    • 700–1,200 sqm, often elevated, with bush outlooks and sloping terrain

  • Key Constraints:

    • BAL-12.5 to BAL-40 for sites near bushland

    • Tree Preservation Orders—most tree removals require council consent

    • Steep sites may require excavation management and stormwater planning

    • Some sites are affected by biodiversity or environmental overlays

  • Utilities:

    • Fully serviced with town water, power, sewer, and NBN in most areas

Building in North Turramurra requires careful consideration of zoning overlays, bushfire ratings, and environmental planning policies.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the Ku-ring-gai Council website.

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

The surrounding bushland and sloped terrain often call for a Development Application. Most residential developments fall under either a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC).

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for most builds due to bushfire, slope, or environmental factors

  • We prepare everything—from plans and reports to complete council submissions

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Possible for minor projects on flat, low-risk land

  • We assess your site for eligibility and expedite approvals when available

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 North Turramurra

  • Most likely—especially if you back onto Ku-ring-gai Chase. We’ll arrange a BAL report and design accordingly.

  • Yes. We specialize in designs that follow the land and reduce excavation costs.

  • Open-plan designs with elevated living spaces work well—we tailor every layout to suit the block.

  • Nope! While we're familiar with Ku-ring-gai and its suburbs—like Turramurra, Wahroonga, and Pymble—we also work across the North Shore, Northern Beaches, and beyond. We’re open to select projects up to 4 hours from the Ku-ring-gai 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 custom home designs to council-ready plans, we’re here to guide your project every step of the way. Let’s bring your vision to life — reach out today.

Our Building Design Services in North Turramurra

We design new homes, extensions, secondary dwellings, and lifestyle upgrades to suit the North Turramurra landscape and regulations.

From tree-top studios to multi-generational homes, our North Turramurra building design services help you build with clarity and confidence.

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 projects we’ve completed in bushland settings—designed to meet every slope, BAL rating, and design challenge with ease.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Our North Turramurra building design services deliver high-performing homes with style and sensitivity.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in North Turramurra?

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

starting fresh or upgrading a family estate.

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 North Turramurra?

DMR Designs proudly serves the entire Ku-ring-gai area—from Pymble and Turramurra to Roseville and Wahroonga. No matter the suburb, we bring the same precision and local insight to every design.