Expert Building Design in Northwood

Northwood is a serene and exclusive Lower North Shore suburb known for its leafy streets, waterfront views, and elegant homes. It is sought after for its peaceful atmosphere, proximity to the Sydney CBD, and access to quality schools, parks, and the harbour foreshore.

DMR Designs provides tailored building solutions in Northwood that reflect the suburb’s refined residential character while ensuring compliance with Lane Cove Council planning regulations.

We proudly serve Northwood with designs that combine comfort, style, and practicality.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Northwood?

  • Family-Oriented Layouts: Homes designed for comfort, flow, and liveability.

  • Suburban Harmony: Designs that complement Northwood’s green, harbourside setting.

  • Compliance Expertise: Skilled navigation of Lane Cove Council’s planning controls.

  • Sustainable Practices: Energy-efficient designs suited to modern lifestyles.

  • Adaptable Spaces: Customised for families, professionals, and multi-generational living.

Our Northwood designs deliver a harmonious balance of style, practicality, and compliance tailored to this suburb.

Lane Cove Council Requirements for Building in Northwood

 

  • Zoning types

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • R3 Medium Density Residential

  • Setbacks

    • Front setbacks typically 6.0 m (or aligned with prevailing streetscape)

    • Side and rear setbacks vary depending on dwelling type and height

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Detached homes: around 600–800 m²

    • Townhouse/duplex sites: generally 450–600 m²+ depending on zoning

  • Key constraints

    • Foreshore building line and scenic protection provisions

    • Height limits to preserve water views

    • Significant tree preservation requirements

  • Utilities available

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

Building in Northwood demands designs that respect the suburb’s character while meeting all council standards.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the Lane Cove Council website.

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

Whether it’s a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), we’ll guide you in finding the fastest and most compliant approval pathway—anywhere in New South Wales.

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Typically required for waterfront works, multi-dwelling developments, or projects seeking variations from CDC standards.

  • Necessary for sites with foreshore, scenic, or environmental overlays.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for single dwellings, duplexes, and extensions meeting all zoning and setback requirements.

  • Allows faster approval for compliant, straightforward 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 Northwood

  • Yes, but extensions must comply with scenic protection and height controls to maintain views for neighbouring properties.

  • Basements can be approved if they meet floor space ratio requirements and avoid significant excavation impacts.

  • Many homes use high-quality materials such as sandstone, timber, and brick to blend with the natural and heritage character of the suburb.

  • While we know the Lane Cove area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Lane Cove Council area, including Greenwich, Longueville, Riverview, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Lane Cove 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 waterfront designs to specialized compliance plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

We’d love to hear about your Lane Cove project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Northwood

We offer customised building designs for homes, duplexes, and townhouses fitting Northwood’s character and planning requirements.
From concept to council approval, we ensure compliance, style, and quality.

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 Northwood portfolio showcasing homes designed for lifestyle, compliance, and local character.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in Northwood requires expert planning and design—exactly what we provide.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Northwood?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Lane Cove 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 Northwood?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Lane Cove Council area. From Greenwich and Longueville to Riverview and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.