Expert Building Design in Pennant Hills

Pennant Hills offers a balanced lifestyle, combining well-established homes, family-friendly amenities, and excellent transport options. With Pennant Hills and Thornleigh Stations nearby, top schools like Mount St Benedict College, and a mix of Federation homes and newer builds, the suburb attracts families looking for space, charm, and convenience.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Pennant Hills—delivering tailored solutions that respect the area’s architectural heritage while meeting modern lifestyle needs. Whether you're planning a knockdown rebuild, stylish extension, or a new custom home, we help bring your vision to life with full council compliance.

DMR Designs proudly services Pennant Hills and the entire Hornsby Shire Council region. We also take on select projects up to 4 hours from the area.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Pennant Hills?

  • Character-Sensitive Design: We blend modern layouts with heritage-conscious exteriors where needed.

  • Renovations That Add Value: Perfect for older homes ready for internal transformation.

  • Full Knockdown Rebuild Services: Start fresh with a design made just for your block.

  • Hornsby Shire Compliance: We manage tree preservation, heritage zones, and development controls.

  • Smooth, End-to-End Process: From discovery call to final submission, we handle it all.

Our Pennant Hills building design projects combine family-focused layouts with planning confidence and timeless appeal.

The Hornsby Shire Council Requirements for Building in Pennant Hills

  • General Setbacks:

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

  • Floor Space Ratio (FSR):

    • Typically 0.4:1 in R2 Low Density zones

  • Average Block Size:

    • 700–1,100+ sqm, often rectangular or sloping with mature vegetation

  • Zoning:

    • R2 Low Density Residential, with some heritage and environmentally sensitive areas

  • Local Considerations:

    • Large trees, heritage overlays, and sloping blocks may impact development and design choices.

Building in Pennant Hills 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 Pennant Hills Project?

Many properties in Pennant Hills fall under DA due to tree cover, heritage considerations, or lot configuration.

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Needed for heritage-sensitive sites or larger custom projects

  • Provides flexibility in design and material choice

  • Lodged with Hornsby Shire Council

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Possible for standard new builds or additions on compliant lots

  • Subject to strict planning, privacy, and bushfire controls

  • Issued by a private certifier if eligible

We’ll assess your land and advise you on the most efficient path forward.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Pennant Hills

  • Yes—but it needs to be sympathetic in appearance. We handle heritage design controls and liaise with council where required.

  • That’s one of our specialties. We can design a full internal transformation while maintaining external character.

  • 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 Pennant Hills

We design custom homes, knockdown rebuilds, renovations, extensions, outdoor living areas, and more—all tailored to Pennant Hills’ leafy streets and local controls.

From heritage upgrades to modern rebuilds, our Pennant Hills 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 helped other Pennant Hills families create their dream homes while navigating heritage, trees, and council rules with ease.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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From timeless extensions to clean-slate rebuilds, our Pennant Hills building design services deliver smart, compliant homes that feel right—without the stress.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Pennant Hills?

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 Pennant Hills?

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.